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New Atlanta-Based Pharmaceutical Company Focuses on Central Nervous System
Tikvah Therapeutics Develops New Uses for Approved Compounds in Neurology and Psychiatry Markets
ATLANTA, Dec. 4, 2006 - Atlanta-based Tikvah Therapeutics, Inc. has joined the ranks of Georgia’s growing bioscience industry to acquire, develop and commercialize pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs for central nervous system diseases. Launched in April 2006, Tikvah Therapeutics is led by President and CEO Harold H. Shlevin, PhD, and will focus on the psychiatry and neurology markets.
Tikvah Therapeutics will explore new uses for already approved compounds in which the new therapeutic uses have been confirmed in multiple, new clinical proof-of-concept studies. This strategy shortens product development timelines - in some cases by up to seven years - and substantially decreases the risk associated with the research and development efforts. A second prong of its strategy is to focus on those specialized products with multiple stepping-stone indications and strong patent protections for the new uses, thus helping to ensure manageable commercial risk.
Tikvah’s pipeline includes Phase II compounds such as an agent initially targeted to treat neurodegenerative diseases; a molecule useful in treating conditions such as traumatic brain injury; and multiple other products under consideration.
“Tikvah means ‘hope’ in Hebrew,” said Shlevin. “And that is our mission…to bring “hope” to patients by providing physicians with new treatment options that better manage central nervous system diseases and help people live more fulfilling lives.”
Shlevin brings almost three decades of diverse healthcare business related experience - from pharmaceutical research and development to commercial operations - to his new role. Formerly a global senior vice president for Solvay Pharmaceuticals, SA and president and CEO of Solvay Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Marietta, Georgia, Shlevin has also held leadership roles at G.D. Searle and Co., Ciba-Geigy and was a founder of Ciba Vision Ophthalmics. Shlevin serves on the board of directors of Cardiome Pharma Corp., the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the board of advisors of Morehouse Medical School and is vice chairman and a member of the board of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership.
Tikvah Therapeutics, Inc. is located in the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) of the Georgia Institute of Technology. The location of Tikvah Therapeutics, Inc. in Atlanta was chosen to leverage many attractive advantages of the greater Atlanta area including its established academic healthcare related infrastructures, global access, and attractive cost of living and quality of life.
“The unique intellectual, cultural and learning environment at ATDC and its successful track record in nurturing new companies were significant factors in the decision to locate Tikvah Therapeutics, Inc. in Atlanta,” said Shlevin. “The exciting and stimulating environment is immediately palpable when you enter ATDC and is further enhanced by access to library and other resources of Georgia Institute of Technology.”
Tikvah Therapeutics is also expected to receive funds from Georgia's Life Sciences Facilities Fund (LSFF), which assists both established and startup biotech companies in securing funding for development of lab and office facilities.
Tikvah Therapeutics is to receive a loan from Georgia's Life Sciences Facilities Fund (LSFF), which assists both established and startup biotech companies in securing funding for development of lab and office facilities.
"Life sciences