Surface Logix - Pipeline - Endothellal Dysfunction

ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION

Endothelial dysfunction is a physiological disability of endothelial cells, the cells that line the inner surface of all blood vessels, arteries and veins, that prevents them from carrying out their normal biochemical functions. Normal endothelial cells are involved in mediating the processes of coagulation, platelet adhesion, immune function, control of volume and electrolyte content of the intravascular and extravascular spaces. Endothelial dysfunction is believed to be the underlying cause for several major diseases including atherosclerosis, congestive heart failure, hypertension and erectile dysfunction.

ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

ED is currently a $3 billion dollar global market (The US comprises 40% of the market). In the US, it is estimated that 15-30 million men are affected with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) to some degree. Today, only 1 in 3 men in the US and 1 in 10 men worldwide seek treatment options. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases with age and can be affected by a variety of factors, including medications (anti-hypertensives, histamine receptor antagonists); lifestyle (tobacco, alcohol use); diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular conditions), and spinal cord injuries.

SLx-2101 is an oral potent, selective, fast onset, long acting (48 h) PDE-5 inhibitor designed specifically to expand the therapeutic potential of PDE-5 inhibition beyond erectile dysfunction into larger cardiovascular (CV) markets. Surface Logix has designed a PDE-5 inhibitor that has enhanced tissue distribution, as determined by Volume of Distribution (VD) analysis. The optimal t1/2 combined with this large VD confers the sustained plasma levels and the long duration of action seen with SLx-2101 and yet avoids accumulation with repeat dosing. This superior product profile allows for daily, or on demand dosing with a predictable response in a number of CV disorders not addressed by currently marketed PDE-5 therapies. Phase 2a studies in Raynaud’s and hypertension will begin in Q4 2006 and Q1 2007 respectively.