Hebrew University’s Yissum, Neocrine Biosciences Team Ink Valnoctamide Deal

According to Israel’s business daily Globes online, Yissum Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has signed a worldwide licensing agreement for the development of valnoctamide stereoisomers with Neocrine Biosciences.

Globes reported Valnoctamide and its individual stereoisomers have been shown to be active in a number of preclinical models and have the potential to treat epilepsy, bipolar disease and neuropathic pain.

The parent compound is a uniform combination of four valnoctamide stereoisomers, which has been marketed as an anxiolytic in several European countries, Globes added.

Neurocrine intends to initiate clinical studies after submission of an investigational new drug application to the FDA in the first half of 2008, Globes said.