Avigen has signed an agreement with SDI Diagnostics International to develop and commercialize proprietary formulations of the neuroactive compound tolperisone (AV650), a small molecule for the treatment of disabling neuromuscular conditions.

AV650 is a neuroactive drug to treat disabling neuromuscular spasm and spasticity resulting from muscle injuries and serious neurological diseases. The compound is a leading treatment in Europe for painful muscle spasm, but has never been submitted for approval in the U.S. Avigen intends to file an investigational new drug application with the FDA in early 2006 and develop AV650 for the treatment of disabling neuromuscular spasm.