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Cerevel Therapeutics Announces Publication of Phase 2a Study Results in Neurology on Its Most Advanced Investigational Epilepsy Treatment

Findings Demonstrate Promising Anticonvulsant Activity with CVL-865,
a Novel Selective GABA Potentiator, in Patients with Photosensitive
Epilepsy

Company to Initiate Additional Phase 2 Study by Year-end to More
Fully Characterize the Clinical Utility of CVL-865 in Broader Epilepsy
Populations

BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cerevel
Therapeutics
, a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new
medicines to treat disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), today
announced the publication
of results from a Phase 2a study1 in Neurology
demonstrating the anticonvulsant activity of CVL-865 (formerly
PF-06372865), a novel α2/3/5-subtype selective GABAA positive
allosteric modulator, in patients with photosensitive epilepsy (seizures
triggered by visual stimuli). This model is commonly used to establish
proof-of-principle in antiepileptic drug development.

“We are encouraged by the robust anticonvulsant activity of CVL-865
observed in this type of clinical study which has shown to be predictive
of treatment success in broader epilepsy patient populations,” said
Raymond Sanchez, M.D., chief medical officer of Cerevel Therapeutics.
“We look forward to further evaluating the potential of CVL-865 to treat
people living with epilepsy who do not respond to currently available
therapies in a Phase 2 clinical trial that we plan to commence by
year-end.”

According to the Epilepsy
Foundation
, epilepsy (often referred to as “seizure disorders”) is
the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all
ages. Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure
types and control varying from person-to-person. It is estimated that
one-third of people with epilepsy have seizures that are refractory2
(resistant) to treatment and continue to experience uncontrolled
breakthrough episodes that negatively impacts quality of life, increases
the risk of sudden unexplained death, and places a substantial burden on
patients and caregivers. As such, antiepileptic therapies that employ
new mechanisms are desperately needed.

Phase 2a Study Design:

Phase 2a Study Key Findings:

About CVL-865
CVL-865 is a novel α2/3/5-subtype selective
GABAA positive allosteric modulator. It has been structurally
differentiated from classical benzodiazepines to minimize activity at
α1-containing receptors which is believed to help mediate many of the
adverse events associated with this class of medicines.

About Cerevel Therapeutics
Cerevel Therapeutics (www.cerevel.com)
is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new medicines to
treat disorders of the central nervous system (CNS). The company has a
diversified neuroscience pipeline comprising three clinical-stage
investigational therapies and several pre-clinical compounds with the
potential to treat a broad range of neurological and neuropsychiatric
disorders, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia
and addiction. Headquartered in the Greater Boston area, Cerevel was
formed in 2018 through a partnership between Bain Capital and Pfizer.

ENDNOTES:
1 The Phase 2a study was conducted by
Pfizer Inc. prior to Cerevel Therapeutics’ formation.
2
Kwan, P. and Brodie, M. J. Early identification of refractory epilepsy. N
Eng J Med
2000; 342: 314-319.

Contacts

Rachel Eides
W2O pure
reides@purecommunications.com

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