INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ATTENTION DISORDERS
published December 31, 2005
Featured Topic: Emerging Treatments and Clinical Trials
Product Review: Neurofeedback Systems for ADHD
Top News Alerts: Trial Updates, Deals & Financings
Featured Company: Cephalon (CEPH)
MARKET SUMMARY: ELAN, ARENA AND CEPHALON CELEBRATE END OF YEAR GAINS
Five new companies are being added to NeuroInsights Neurotech Index on Dec. 31, 2005: Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA), Astro-Med (ALOT), Elan (ELN), Micrus Endovascular (MEND), and Somaxon (SOMX). The companies represent a variety of sectors within neurotech including pharmaceuticals, devices, and diagnostics and will supplement the loss of companies from the index after heavy M&A activity in the last half of 2005 (EYET, ANSI, BLSC, and MTIX). The new companies, four of which were top gainers this month, represent key neurotech industry players and attractive investment opportunities.
Elan (ELN) topped the gainer list this month as speculation over FDA approval of their multiple sclerosis drug, Tysabri continues to mount. Arena (ARNA), profiled in the October issue of Neurotech Insights, jumped after announcing positive news from its Phase II obesity trial. Cephalon (CEPH), our featured company for December, annouced settlement of several Provigil patent suits, advancement of Sparlon for ADHD to approvable status, and the acquisition of Zeneus to expand their oncology portfolio. Micrus Endovascular (MEND) was up after announcing approval of additions to their portfolio of microcoils for treatment of hemorrhagic stroke....
EMERGING TREATMENTS FOR ATTENTION DISORDERS
According to the National Institutes for Mental Health (NIMH), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders in children. Almost four million children in the US are diagnosed with ADHD. Children with this disorder have impaired functioning in multiple settings, including home, school, and relationships with peers. If untreated, the disorder can have long-term adverse effects in childhood and lasting into adulthood….
PRODUCT REVIEW: PAYING ATTENTION WITH PLAY ATTENTION
As the market for ADHD medication continues to grow, non-drug alternatives to treat less severe cases are emerging in the form of neurofeedback systems and less sophisticated computer games. Given the growing interest in non-drug treatment options for ADHD, we contacted the manufacturer of Play Attention, Unique Logic and Technology to take a test drive. Play Attention is a computer game that uses brain waves, to move objects on a computer screen. Repeated training with the game is meant to improve attention stamina, focus and other cognitive abilities….
CEPHALON: DOUBLING PRODUCT PORTFOLIO IN 2006
Cephalon (CEPH) is in a position most drug companies would envy. The company is about to launch four new compounds, effectively doubling its portfolio of US products. The Pennsylvania biotechnology company is waiting for regulatory approval for new drugs to treat excessive sleepiness, ADHD, cancer, pain, and alcohol dependence.….
