MPM.L Regulatory News (MPM)

2 Feb 2009 07:00



MINSTER PHARMACEUTICALS PLC

("Minster" or "the Company")

TEMPUS study results in migraine prevention

Minster Pharmaceuticals plc (AIM: MPM), the drug development company specialising in neurological and psychiatric disorders, announces that the Phase IIb TEMPUS study of tonabersat in migraine prevention did not meet its primary endpoint of reducing the number of migraine attacks suffered by patients. The study confirmed the compound's positive safety profile, supporting the potential of the compound in other indications such as neuropathic pain and epilepsy.

The 500-patient Tonabersat Evaluation in Migraine Prevention in the US (TEMPUS) study involved patients receiving either tonabersat or placebo on a once-daily basis. The primary endpoint of the study was the reduction in the number of migraine attacks that patients suffered during the last eight weeks of a 20 week treatment period. Data from the secondary endpoints of the trial have yet to be collated.

Further detailed analysis of the TEMPUS results will be required before the future strategy for tonabersat can be determined. Recently published research on the compound's novel mode of action, and its ability to modulate cellular communication via the gap junctions between nerve cells and glial cells, has provided the basis for a clearer insight into the most appropriate indications to pursue. 

Tonabersat has previously produced positive results in a Phase II trial in migraine with aura and initial research suggests the compound could be clinically effective in epilepsy and has potential in neuropathic pain. 

Minster has current net cash of £7.1 million and a low cost base.

Paul Sharpe, Minster Pharmaceuticals' Chief Executive Officer, said: "The results of the TEMPUS study of tonabersat in migraine prevention are disappointing, and surprising given the encouraging results of earlier studies. We need to conduct a detailed analysis of the TEMPUS results and to consider the potential of tonabersat in other indications before updating shareholders on our strategy for the compound."

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About Minster Pharmaceuticals plc

Minster Pharmaceuticals is a drug development company focussed on neurological and psychiatric disorders. Its principal pipeline assets are tonabersat and sabcomeline. Worldwide rights to both compounds were acquired from GlaxoSmithKline and the compounds benefit from comprehensive safety tolerance data as a result of investment by GSK.

Tonabersat is the leading compound in an exciting new class of selective drugs designated as neuronal gap junction blockers. Sabcomeline, a muscarinic partial agonist, has potential in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia.

Minster's near-term focus is on the development and commercialisation of its current pipeline. Its ultimate objective is to create a substantial and highly efficient drug development enterprise focused on the central nervous system.

Minster joined the AIM market in February 2005 and trades under the symbol MPM. For further information please visit www.minsterpharma.com .