AXCAN RANDOMIZES MORE THAN 500 PATIENTS IN ITAX TRIAL

Axcan Pharma has reported that clinical sites participating in the North American ITAX (itopride) Phase III trial have exceeded the goal of randomizing 500 patients. Additional patients are still in the screening process, and Axcan intends to continue randomization until the end of December 2005, consistent with previously announced study timelines.

The goal of this clinical development program, consisting of two pivotal Phase III trials, a North American and an international clinical study, is to assess the safety and efficacy of Itopride in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, a gastrointestinal disorder.