Dextofisopam for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Pharmos Corporation (PARS.PK) is a biopharmaceutical company that is currently developing only one compound, Dextofisopam, which has completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled diarrhea-predominant or alternating IBS Phase 2a study with positive effect on primary efficacy endpoint (n=141, p=0.033). In this study, Dextofisopam was well-tolerated and demonstrated significant improvement over placebo, suggesting that Dextofisopam has the potential to become a novel firstline treatment for IBS. Pharmos initiated a Phase 2b trial in February 2007. The results of a Phase 2b study were announced in September 2009. The primary endpoint of overall adequate relief was not met due to a high placebo response, but drug activity was observed in all drug cohorts, especially the 200 mg dose.

Dextofisopam is the R-enantiomer of racemic tofisopam, a molecule marketed and used safely outside the United States for over three decades for multiple indications including IBS. Unlike the two 5-HT3 or 5-HT4 IBS therapies recently introduced into the market, and subsequently withdrawn because of safety concerns, Dextofisopam’s novel non-serotonergic activity offers a unique and innovative approach to IBS treatment.

The Company now is seeking a pharmaceutical partner with both scientific and financial capabilities or additional venture funds to further develop Dextofisopam.

Cannabiniod program

In research efforts over the past decade, the Company has developed a significant expertise in cannabinoid biology and chemistry, and has generated significant know-how and an intellectual property estate pertaining to multiple areas of cannabinoid biology. The targets were neuropathic pain. The Company’s operations in Israel were closed effective October 31, 2008, and no further development work is being performed on the cannabinoid assets. The Company continues to seek, sell or license other CB2 assets, including Cannabinor which was the only CB2 asset to enter human clinical trials.

In November 2009 the Company entered into a Material Transfer Agreement whereby a European company will perform certain experiments with samples of our synthetic selective cannabinoid receptor CB2 agonist.

Other Assets

The Company also maintains a commitment to out-license proprietary technologies and products not consistent with our primary corporate focus. Assets involved are Tianeptine to treat IBS or functional dyspepsia and S-Tofisopam. In clinical studies S-Tofisopam has been shown to lower uric acid and therefore may have the potential for development as a drug for gout.

The Company owns the rights to both R and S Tofisopam. Dextofisopam is the R enantiomer of racemic tofisopam and is being developed for IBS as described above. In December 2009 the Company entered into a Material Transfer Agreement with a US based company to perform certain experiments with S-Tofisopam.

Recent Releases

May 12, 2010
Pharmos Corporation Reports First Quarter 2010 Results

Feb 22, 2010
Pharmos Corporation Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Results

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Events

May 19, 2008
Rodman & Renshaw 5th Annual Global Healthcare Conference

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