Neurogen's collaboration with Aventis relating to corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF)-based drugs will be terminated on December 8, 2004, following the recent combination of Sanofi-Synthelabo and Aventis, and Aventis is required to transfer to Neurogen development and commercialization rights to CRF-1 compounds under the agreement, Neurogen Corporation has announced here.

Neurogen and Aventis entered into the agreement to discover and develop CRF-based drugs for the treatment of depression, anxiety and other stress- related disorders in December 2001. Most recently, Neurogen received in the first quarter of 2004 a $1 million milestone payment.

Under the collaboration agreement Aventis assumed responsibility for funding the collaborative programme and was granted exclusive world-wide rights to develop and commercialize collaboration compounds. Aventis will continue to provide funding until the effective date of termination at which time Neurogen will assume responsibility for funding future research, development, and commercialization, the release added.

Corticotrophin releasing factor is a neurotransmitter that mediates physiological and behavioural responses to stress. Blocking CRF(1) receptors represents a promising and innovative target for treatment of stress-related disorders, including depression and anxiety.