Sepracor Inc. has formed a partnership with ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. for development of new drug candidates targeted toward treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

This research and development collaboration has been established to investigate potential clinical candidates resulting from ACADIA's extensive medicinal chemistry and discovery platform against a broad array of selective muscarinic receptors (receptors that respond to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system). This includes ACADIA's advanced m1 agonist programme, which would target neuropsychiatric/neurologic conditions and neuropathic pain, the official release said.

This partnership also encompasses an option to select a preclinical compound from ACADIA's 5-HT2A programme for use in combination with Lunesta (eszopiclone), Sepracor's insomnia drug, for sleep-related indications. 5-HT2A antagonists have been shown in clinical studies to affect sleep architecture in man, resulting in extended periods of slow wave sleep, which may have a positive effect on sleep quality.

"This important agreement with ACADIA gives us access to additional portfolio candidates for treatment of CNS disorders, complementing our own internal capabilities," Timothy J. Barberich, chairman and chief executive officer of Sepracor Inc said adding, "In particular, we are very excited about the possibility of combining mechanistic approaches with lunesta, which may be used to address the pervasive unmet needs of patients with sleep disturbances."

The US FDA approved Sepracor's New Drug Application for lunesta brand eszopiclone for the treatment of insomnia on December 15, 2004. Successful developments from this partnership could enhance Sepracor's ability to address significant patient needs in the field of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and insomnia.

This collaboration includes an ongoing joint research and development effort targeted toward the development of agonists and antagonists of selective muscarinic receptors. Compounds that interact with certain selective muscarinic targets may have utility in the treatment of CNS disorders, which is currently an area of therapeutic focus for Sepracor.

ACADIA's phase II programmes encompassing ACP-103 for treatment-induced dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, ACP-103 as an adjunctive therapy for schizophrenia, and ACP-104 for treatment of schizophrenia, are not included as part of this collaboration, says the release.