LEXICON LAUNCHES STUDY OF DRUG FOR COGNITIVE DISORDERS

Lexicon Genetics has begun a Phase Ib clinical trial of LX6171, its oral drug candidate for the treatment of cognitive impairment associated with disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and vascular dementia.

The Phase Ib trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-ascending-dose study to further evaluate LX6171's safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics. LX6171 will be studied in approximately 40 normal healthy volunteers, including a cohort of elderly subjects. Lexicon expects results from this trial in mid-2007.

The target of LX6171 has been identified as a selective and potent inhibitor of a novel membrane protein that is expressed exclusively in the central nervous system.

In an initial Phase I trial, LX6171 was well tolerated at all dose levels studied, with no clinically significant changes noted. In preclinical studies, LX6171 demonstrated improved learning and memory in healthy and aged animal models. The company also recently initiated a Phase I trial of the drug for treating irritable bowl syndrome.