Why play catch-up?

One issue that arises when two or more companies are going after a similar molecular target is why the one that's farther behind should continue development after the predecessors look like they will be successful. Two clinical reports last week raise that question for Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Inc.

ATLC presented preclinical evidence of anti-inflammatory action of its CT-3, a non-psychoactive derivative of a delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolite. The agent suppresses activity of the inflammatory enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but has little effect on COX-1...