COX-2s on the brain

Affectis Pharmaceuticals AG thinks certain COX-2 inhibitors could be efficacious in depression and schizophrenia and has recent clinical studies by academics and internal preclinical research to support its hypotheses. Last week, the company in-licensed Palau Pharma S.A.’s cimicoxib, which had completed some Phase II testing for pain.

"Depression and schizophrenia are inflammatory diseases," Affectis CEO Herbert Stadler said. "This is an observation that dates back to before the second World War, but in the last 10-20 years, several biochemical markers have supported the theory."...