Cimicoxib

Affectis is developing Cimicoxib for the treatment of depression and schizophrenia.

Cimicoxib is an anti-inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits COX-2. The therapeutic benefits of COX-2 inhibition in depression and schizophrenia have been demonstrated in various pilot clinical studies as well as in a number of disease relevant animal models.

There is growing support within the scientific community that inflammation is involved in the pathology of psychiatric disorders. Elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins have been observed in patients and mutations in two cytokines, IL-1β and TNFα, have been associated with depression in human genetic studies.

Cimicoxib has a number of advantages compared to other coxibs for the treatment of psychiatric indications. It penetrates the brain and has a half-life well suited for once a day dosing. In addition, Cimicoxib has demonstrated superior antidepressant-like effects in animal models.

Affectis is currently conducting a phase IIa study with Cimicoxib in depression at approximately 20 centres in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. The study will be completed in 2010.