Targacept, AstraZeneca deal

Targacept said AstraZeneca will advance AZD1446 into a Phase II trial as an adjunct treatment to donepezil in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). Targacept expects the trial start next half. AstraZeneca is responsible for conducting and funding the development and commercialization of AZD1446 while Targacept is eligible for milestones and royalties. Targacept also has an option to co-promote AZD1446 in the U.S. Details were not disclosed. The neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha(4)beta(2) agonist was discovered using Targacept's Pentad drug discovery technology under the partners' 2005 deal (see BioCentury, Jan. 2, 2006). ...