Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Saegis Completes Phase 1

Saegis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced that they have completed a phase I clinical study of their drug target called SGS518. SGS518 is being developed as a treatment for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS).

The primary goal of phase I this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability, as well as the pharmacokinetics, of SGS518. The placebo-controlled, blinded study was conducted among healthy volunteers in two cohorts, including a dose-ranging analysis, followed by a multidose study. Saegis has announced that the phase I study found SGS518 to be safe and well tolerated.

This is still extremely early in the drug development process (having completed only the first phase of the three phase FDA process), and it will likely be at least another 4 or 5 years for drug to be commercially available, if it successfully passes all the testing. Nevertheless, this is a positive development, and since there are number of other companies working on similar types of drugs, it is likely that one of the drugs will be available sometime in the next few years.

In a press release the company stated:

"This was a first-in-man study with a new chemical entity and we are very pleased with the positive safety data obtained for SGS518. These data provide valuable direction for our phase II clinical program," said Rodney Pearlman, PhD, president and CEO of Saegis. "Currently, there are few, if any, therapies available for individuals suffering from cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and our intention is to evaluate the efficacy of SGS518 in this patient population. It is hoped that an effective treatment for the cognitive impairment in schizophrenia will help patients lead more normal and productive lives."

For more information see: Saegis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.