Targacept Presents Data at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience

Winston-Salem, NC Oct 28, 2004

Targacept, Inc., a central nervous system-focused biopharmaceutical company, announced today that it presented research findings at the 34^th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience. The company’s posters covered research conducted with Targacept’s proprietary compounds in several indications, including pain, schizophrenia, anxiety and depression.

Targacept’s product candidates are designed to act on a class of therapeutic targets called neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (NNRs). NNRs play a critical role in regulating functions such as attention, memory and mood. Targacept scientists have established themselves as leaders in NNR research with over 20 years of focus in the area.

Targacept researchers presented a poster summarizing preclinical work on its compound TC-2696, which is now in a Phase I clinical trial for pain. TC-2696 showed an analgesic effect and target selectivity in several animal models. In particular, TC-2696 showed potency comparable to, or greater than, the commonly used analgesics morphine and indomethacin in models of acute, chronic, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The compound did not produce tolerance with repeated administration and was rapidly absorbed, suggesting a rapid onset of action. TC-2696 did not interact with nicotinic receptors located in the muscles or ganglia, which are associated with nausea, vomiting and cardiovascular toxicity.

Other posters presented by Targacept included:

• Animal studies in which one of its compounds selective for the α7 NNR, which studies have suggested plays a role in schizophrenia, enhanced cognition and reduced sensory gating deficits
• Animal studies in which two of its compounds, representing a novel class of antidepressant agents, were shown to exhibit greater potency than traditional anti-depressant therapies, as well as anxiolytic effects. In addition, one of the compounds inhibited weight gain, suggesting application in the treatment of obesity
• A demonstration of progress made in the identification and characterization of a novel NNR target with potential implication in Parkinson's disease

Targacept, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the design, discovery and development of drugs to treat multiple nervous system diseases and disorders by selectively targeting a class of receptors known as neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or NNRs. Targacept is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.