ADHD drug enters phase II tests

Saegis' lead compound enters phase II in ADHD

Memory and cognition-focused biopharmaceutical firm Saegis Pharmaceuticals has initiated a phase II clinical study of its lead product candidate, SGS742, in adult ADHD patients

The phase II trial is a placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study, where patients will be randomized to receive either placebo or active drug, and then crossed over to the alternate agent. The trial will measure improvement in standard ADHD scales, and is expected to be completed in Q3 2005.

"In preclinical and clinical studies, SGS742 has consistently shown positive benefits on the ability to improve attention, learning and memory," said Dr Rodney Pearlman, president and CEO of Saegis. "We are excited to be conducting an efficacy study among the adult ADHD population where safe, non-stimulatory medicines are needed."

Source: Saegis Marketing Release/Press Release

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and ADHD

Women Should Be Advised Not To Drink Alcohol In Pregnancy - Even in low quantities, Alcohol (research suggests) can cause ADHD-like symptoms in children.

While the UK Department of Health advises that women can safely drink one or two units of alcohol per week, a team of psychiatrists in London highlight several studies which cast doubt on the guidance.

The authors looked at reports into foetal alcohol syndrome, a condition developed by some babies exposed to alcohol in the womb, resulting in stunted growth, facial abnormalities and neurocognitive deficits (brain disorders). An overarching foetal alcohol spectrum disorder - traceable to the pregnant mother's alcohol consumption say the authors - has also been identified.

Both the syndrome and disorder cause a wide range of behavioural disorders, they argue, including hyperactivity, problems with mental organisation, and difficulties in understanding the consequences of one's behaviour. Symptoms may also overlap with conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).