BioWorld International Correspondent

PARIS - After reporting the successful completion of a Phase I trial of its lead compound, TRO19622, for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in February, Trophos has decided to carry out a Phase II trial of the product in diabetic neuropathy.

Marseille, France-based Trophos, which is developing drugs for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathic pain, said the trial will begin before the end of 2006 and that it follows successful preclinical studies.

Meanwhile, it is nearing completion of a Phase Ib trial of TRO19622 in ALS, saying that will pave the way for a pivotal Phase II/III trial to start in that indication in the first quarter of 2007. Whereas the Phase I trials have taken place in France, the Phase II/III trial will take place in several European countries.

TRO19622 is one of several compounds Trophos has discovered using its phenotypic neuronal cell screening platform and which it is developing for ALS, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and other neurological disorders. Preclinical studies of those compounds have shown that they promote the survival of a wide range of neurons in vitro, as well as in several in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases. TRO19622 has been granted orphan drug status for ALS in the U.S. and for SMA in the European Union.

Trophos was founded in 1999 and employs 35 people. At the end of May, it appointed Jacques Essinger president of its supervisory board.