In pre-clinical animal studies, AGN 195795 demonstrated a profile superior to that of existing adrenergic agents, suggesting that it may offer potential advantages to glaucoma patients. Allergan is responsible for clinical development and has worldwide rights to commercialize products resulting from the collaboration, with the exception that Acadia retains certain commercial rights in the neuropsychiatric disease area. The filing of the IND for AGN 195795 triggered an undisclosed milestone payment to Acadia, and the company will receive additional milestones and royalties on future product sales, if successfully commercialized. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that share common features, including elevated intraocular pressure, damage to the optic nerve and visual field loss. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, an estimated 3 million Americans and 67 million people worldwide have glaucoma.
Untreated glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness.
Their unique functional genomics technology has proven to be highly productive and has facilitated the rapid discovery of superior drug candidates. The advancement of AGN 195795 from the validation of a genomic target through to the clinic is a demonstration of our powerful genomics-driven approach to drug discovery, said Uli Hacksell, Acadia s chief executive officer. We are delighted with Allergan s continued support and their decision to extend our collaboration.