testimony to us congress

It's not often that an Australian drug candidate is brought to the attention of the US Congress. The Defense Department provided testimony to the Congress on September 29, 2010 on the current state of neuroscience research for victims of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

"Currently the only promising therapy for TBI in large clinical trials is progesterone and NNZ-2566," said Dr Terry Rauch, Director of Defense Medical Research and Development Program.

The background information on the search for a treatment for TBI provides a valuable perspective in understanding the commercial potential for a safe and effective therapy for life threatening and debilitating brain injuries.

"To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs for use as treatment for TBI. This is not due to a lack of effort. In recent times, no fewer than 27 clinical trials have tried, but failed," said Rauch.

The Defense Health Programs currently sponsor a neurotherapeutics portfolio of more than 70 projects in the elusive search for treatments. It is within this context that investors should note the significance of Rauch's remarks that NNZ-2566 is one of only two promising therapies undergoing trials.

Access to the statement by the Defense Department can be found in the footnotes to Neuren's announcement of November 18, 2010. Little wonder that Thomson Reuters has voted NNZ-2566 as one of the five most promising drugs entering Phase II.