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"We are highly encouraged by data on RAD140 from our in vivo models, whichdemonstrate RAD140's strong potential to build new bone and muscle, withsignificant selectivity over prostate and other non-target tissues, excellentoral availability, and a promising safety profile," said Chris Miller, PhD,Vice President of Chemistry of Radius.
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"The selection of RAD140 for pre-IND development is a significantmilestone for Radius as it represents the first novel proprietary compound toemerge from the company's internal discovery program," said C. Richard Lyttle,PhD, President and CEO of Radius. "The Radius team has been extremelyproductive in advancing this first lead SARM candidate, and I am confident inour ability to complete preclinical studies and to initiate expected clinicaltrials in 2009."
About SARMs
Selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) are a novel class ofandrogen receptor ligands that bind to and selectively activate androgenreceptors to promote or inhibit specific androgen action in different tissues.SARMs have the potential to substantially expand the clinical benefits ofandrogens, including testosterone, on muscle and bone while avoiding theunwanted side-effects, which include stimulation of the prostate. SARMsprovide the opportunity to design tissue-selective, orally delivered anabolictherapies for bone loss and/or muscle wasting caused by aging, burns andtrauma, cancer, chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other diseases.
About Sarcopenia
About 17% of men and 24% of women under the age of 70 suffer fromage-related muscle wasting, or sarcopenia. The degenerative loss of skeletalmuscle mass and strength contributes to frailty, immobility, and the loss ofindependence in older adults, with prevalence rising to more than 50% in menand women over 80 years of age. An estimated nine million Americans over theage of 65 suffer from sarcopenia, and there are currently no FDA-approvedtreatment options available. This deterioration of skeletal strength can alsoexacerbate other age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis andosteoporosis. Additional chronic diseases that involve loss of muscle strengthwith a significant impact on quality of life include cancer cachexia, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic renal disease.
ABOUT RADIUS (www.radiuspharm.com)
Radius is a leading company in the discovery and development of a newgeneration of drug therapies for osteoporosis and women's health. Radius hasraised $91.5 million in private equity financing since its establishment in2003 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Contact: Nick Harvey Chief Financial Officer (617) 551-4704
SOURCE Radius Health