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				 <title>Edison Pharma</title>
				 <link>http://www.edisonpharma.com/</link>
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    			<title>The Edison RSS Feed</title>
    			<link>http://www.edisonpharma.com/</link>
    			<description>The Edison Company</description>
    			<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:40:53 -0800</pubDate>
    			<lastBuildDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 00:40:53 -0800</lastBuildDate>
    			<copyright>Copyright 2007 http://edison</copyright>
    			<managingEditor>editor@mysite.com</managingEditor>
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        				<title><![CDATA[MitoAction Develops On-Line Resource for Mitochondrial Disease Care Providers]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Boston, Massachusetts, July 21, 2008  MitoAction.org announces today the completion of the Clinicians Symptom Guide to MITO Management, a comprehensive online resource designed to assist primary care providers in the care and symptom management of patients affected by mitochondrial disease. The Clinicians Symptom Guide to MITO Management fills a gap in healthcare libraries which to date have offered no practical overview for patient management. MitoAction httpmitoaction.org fulfills their mission to support, educate and advocate for the mitochondrial disease patient community through development of the Clinicians Symptom Guide to MITO Management.
Mitochondrial disease is an energy metabolism disorder found in approximately one in 4,000 individuals in the U.S. The disease affects children as well as adults, and commonly manifests with neuromuscular symptoms such as stroke, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, and organ failure. There are no FDA approved drugs for mitochondrial disease. Symptoms vary widely from patient to patient in many cases, the disease is inherited.
Written in collaboration with Margaret Klehm, CPNP and Mark Korson MD of the Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, the Clinicians Symptom Guide to MITO Management is the only resource of its kind. The guide is now freely available to the public online at httpmitoaction.orgguide. In light of the recent attention to the autismmitochondrial disease connection, the need for this practical and comprehensive resource is apparent. This information needs to be accessed by the public and medical providers in order to improve quality of life and care for the person suffering from Mito says Cristy Balcells, Executive Director of MitoAction.
Dr. Korson is a leading clinician in the field of mitochondrial medicine, and has treated over 1,000 mitochondrial disease patients. This community of patients is terribly underrecognized and underserved. There are simply not enough clinicians aware of Mito, or who will play an active role in the care of these patients. As a result, it is too often the patient or the family member who becomes the de facto primary care provider.
MitoAction anticipates that the Clinicians Symptom Guide to MITO Management will improve baseline care and understanding of the complexities of mitochondrial disease, as well as educate pediatricians, primary care physicians, and home health nurses about managing the disease.
Edison Pharma httpedisonpharma.com is the dedicated sponsor for the project.  We are honored to support the development of this important resource for clinicians and careproviders, stated Guy Miller, MD, PhD, CEO of Edison. This is a wonderful initiative that will go a long way to standardizing care for patients with mitochondrial disorders. MitoAction is grateful for Edisons support for this project to improve patient care for those affected by mitochondrial disease.
Further questions may be directed to Cristy Balcells, RN MSN Executive Director at 4239148322 or directormitoaction.org]]></description>
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        				<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[First Human Dose of Promising New Friedreich's Ataxia Drug Initiated in Healthy Volunteers]]></title>
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Human Dose Initiated of Promising New Friedreichs Ataxia Drug Highlights Effectiveness of New PublicPrivate Partnership Model July 15, 2008  The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARA joins its public and private partners in announcing that a phase I clinical trial of a promising new drug, designated A0001, began dosing on July 11th. This milestone achievement illustrates the power of a new model for advancing therapies, especially in rare diseases. FARA believes in the essential nature of publicprivate partnerships that involve government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health NIH and the Food and Drug Administration FDA, academic investigators, the pharmaceutical industry, and multiple nonprofits like FARA and the Muscular Dystrophy Association MDA, said FARA President Ron Bartek. FARA is grateful to its partners that span the spectrum from discovery through clinical development as we work together to advance promising compounds like A0001 toward the goal of approved treatments and cures for Friedreichs Ataxia FA and other neurodegenerative disorders. A0001 is a small molecule that has the potential for treating defects in the mitochondrial respiratory chain like those believed to cause significant damage in FA and a number of other neurological and neuromuscular disorders. In April 2006, the FDA granted orphan drug designation status to A0001 for treatment of inherited mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. The opening of this clinical trial demonstrates the power of the publicprivate partnerships FARA has been fortunate to build and bring to bear on the quest for treatments and a cure for FA. FARA began its support of A0001 in 2005 with substantial research grants to and investment in Edison Pharmaceuticals. The MDA, via Seek A MiracleMDA, joined FARA in cofunding the initial research grant to Edison. We all know that drug development is expensive, but this is a wonderful example of how investments can be leveraged by multiple groups to get more therapies into the clinic, says Dr. Sharon Hesterlee, MDA VP for Translational Research. Later in 2005, Dr. Robert Wilson of the University of Pennsylvania, FARA and Edison joined forces as coapplicants to the National Institutes of Health NIH program called RAID Rapid Access to Intervention Development, designed to help move drugs from the discovery bench to the clinical trial bedside. The application was successful and contract services provided by NIH RAID played an important role in completing the preclinical preparations of A0001 so the molecule could be made ready for the clinical trial. This is a great example of how the various stakeholders joined forces to help transform a promising laboratory discovery into a therapeutic that is now in clinical trial, says Dr. Story Landis, NINDS Director. The NINDS manages the NIH RAID program and is also responsible for Friedreichs Ataxia research as part of its mission to reduce the burden of neurological disorders. NINDS support for the A0001 preclinical project consisted of formulation, a genotoxicity study, a dose escalation study, synthesis of radiolabeled drug for ADME and radioautography studies, dose ranging studies in two species, a 90 day GLP toxicity study, and safety pharmacology studies. The phase I clinical trial just initiated by Penwest Pharmaceuticals will be conducted in healthy volunteers and is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of A0001 at various doses, as well as to collect pharmacokinetic data.  In addition, the trial is designed to determine if there is a maximum tolerated dose of the drug. This data will be used in subsequent phases of clinical trials in patients with FA and other diseases that involve mitochondrial dysfunction.
Contact
For futher information, contact FARA at 703 426 1576 or faracureFA.org.]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=46]]></link>
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        				<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Drug Trial begins targeting Mitochondrial Diseases]]></title>
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        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=44]]></link>
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        				<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharma Hits Milestone as A0001 Enters Phase 1 Clinical Development]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Targeting inherited mitochondrial diseases as an archetype for diseases of aging
July 15th, 2008  SAN JOSE, CA  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company located in San Jose, CA, announced today that EPIA0001 A0001 has entered clinical development, triggering a milestone payment from Penwest Pharmaceuticals, Edisons development partner.  Penwest has begun dosing in a Phase 1a clinical trial of A0001, a 2nd generation coenzyme Q10 CoQ10 analog. It differs from CoQ10 in that it possesses more favorable oral absorption and electron transfer properties.
CoQ10 is a firstline therapy for many rare diseases of energy metabolism. Efforts to improve CoQ10 have centered on improving its oral absorption properties. Edisons focus is on building nextgeneration CoQ10 analogs through improving its electron transfer, otherwise known as redox, properties. Edison is a leader in the design and development of redox drugs.
Edisons initial therapeutic focus is on rare inherited mitochondrial diseases. Today, there are no FDA approved treatments for these diseases. CoQ10, and closely related analogs, have been deployed with real, but limited clinical results. Edisons strategy is to improve upon CoQ10s biological activity by optimizing its redox properties. A0001 is the first redoxoptimized CoQ10 analog in Edisons clinical development pipeline.
Edisons technical focus is on redox drugs targeting metabolic control and energy metabolism. Children with inherited mitochondrial defects clinically present with many conditions commonly associated with aging. Edison believes that inherited mitochondrial diseases may be genetic roadmaps to deciphering the biochemical basis of metabolic control and aging. Given CoQ10s known role in mitochondrial disease and aging, as well as its redox activity, Edisons initial investigations are focusing on the development of CoQ10 based drugs.
Today we have reached a key milestone in transforming Edison from a discovery to developmentstage company, stated Guy Miller, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of Edison. A0001s entry into Phase 1 is the first step in validating Edisons platform and providing needed therapies for patients suffering from rare mitochondrial diseases. As we look toward the future, we expect to focus our energies on refining our approach to treating rare mitochondrial diseases, and expanding our investigation of redox drugs for the treatment of diseases of aging.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Silicon Valley California at the San Jose Biocenter with a specialized knowledge in redox biochemistry and drug design. The company is focused on developing drugs for rare mitochondrial diseases that impair energy metabolism, for which there are no FDAapproved treatments. Edison is leveraging its skills in redox biology and chemistry, and data obtained in its inherited mitochondrial disease programs, to discover new therapeutics for diseases commonly associated with aging.

 Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  5941 Optical Court, Suite 228
  
  
  San Jose, CA  95138
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
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        				<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Penwest Begins Phase 1a Clinical Trial of A0001, a Compound For Treatment of Mitochondrial Diseases]]></title>
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        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=41]]></link>
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        				<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharmaceuticals Receives Commendation From the City of San Jose]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Mayor Chuck Reed recognizes contribution to city and children with rare diseases
July 7th, 2008  SAN JOSE, CA  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company located in San Jos, CA, announced today the receipt of a commendation from the City of San Jos acknowledging the companys contributions in fighting rare childhood diseases. The commendation recognizes Edison for outstanding achievements in developing drugs for unmet medical needs and its commitment to publicprivate partnership, and extend our best wishes for many years of success in positively impacting the lives of children and individuals with mitochondrial diseases in America and throughout the world.
Mayor Chuck Reed and Councilmember Forrest Williams presented the commendation to Edison Chairman and CEO, Dr. Guy Miller on February 12th, 2008 at City Hall. Since starting operations at the San Jos BioCenter in January 2006, Edison Pharmaceuticals has helped to make San Jos a center of life science technology. Edison is doing a remarkable job by focusing its RampD efforts on discovering a treatment for mitochondrial diseases that impair energy metabolism, and for which there exist no drugs, said Mayor Chuck Reed.  I congratulate Edison on achieving high performance standards and for the commitment of its founder Dr. Guy Miller and his team to improving the lives of children throughout the world.

 About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company based in Silicon Valley, California at the San Jos Biocenter, is focused on developing drugs for rare diseases that impair energy metabolism. Edison possesses a technology platform and specialized knowledge in redox therapeutics pivotal to targeting genetic defects in the mitochondria.  The companys initial focus is on inherited diseases of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.  The company is leveraging insights derived from those studies to pursue other diseases that share common mechanisms, such as Huntingtons disease and diseases of aging. Edison has obtained substantial peerreviewed grants from multiple foundations and the National Institutes of Health.

 Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
    
    
  
  
  5941 Optical Court, Suite 228
    
    
  
  
  San Jose, CA  95138
    
    
  
  
  408 9602910
    
    
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
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        				<pubDate>Mon,  7 Jul 2008 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharmaceuticals Closes Series B Financing]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Accelerates Growth of Mitochondrial Medicines Company
August 2nd, 2007  SAN JOSE, CA  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a
privately held biotechnology company located in San Jose, CA, announced
today, the close of .25M Series B Preferred Stock Offering. The
financing was led by Mr. Carl Berg, Berg amp Berg Enterprises, LLC.
New investors include John W. Marriott, III, President and CEO of JWM,
LP, and JWM Family Enterprises. Terms of the financing were not
disclosed.
Edisons initial clinical focus is inherited mitochondrial diseases.
These indications represent an attractive therapeutic starting point
given the orphan nature of the clinical populations and applicability
of Edisons redox drugs to these conditions.
With a strong balance sheet, development partners, and technology
alliances in place, Edison is well positioned to execute on its plan,
stated Guy Miller, MD, PhD, Chairman and CEO of Edison Pharmaceuticals.
Capital derived from this financing will allow us to broaden our
orphan mitochondrial drug mission, and explore utility in nonorphan
ischemic, inflammatory, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases where
the role of redox therapeutics and mitochondrial mechanisms are
suggested, but not yet successfully reduced to practice.
Capital raised from the Series B financing will be used to expedite
the translation of three preclinical compounds into development.
Edison anticipates, through its recently announced partnership with
Penwest Pharmaceuticals, that Penwest will advance its first drug
candidate, EPIA0001, into clinical development in early 2008.
Additional late stage preclinical compounds are anticipated to enter
development for orphan inherited mitochondrial diseases in 2008 and
2009.
While antioxidants have been recognized for their generalized health
and antiaging benefits, there has been an inability to translate this
important class of compounds to effective drugs. Edison is addressing
this need by reverseengineering antioxidants to improve upon their
redox and pharmacological properties. Edisons first clinical
development effort has centered on the coenzyme Q10 chemical
template, given its pivotal role in mitochondrial function and clinical
data suggesting utility in multiple mitochondrial diseases. The company
is advancing additional redoxtemplates through its discovery pipeline.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biotechnology
company, based in Silicon Valley at the San Jose BioCenter, is focused
on drugs targeting the mitochondria the cells energy center. Edisons
technology platform consists of a specialized knowledge in redox
therapeutics and translational pharmacology, pivotal to targeting
cellular energy metabolism. The Companys initial focus is on inherited
diseases of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and leveraging
insights derived therein, to pursue nonorphan diseases that share
common mechanisms. Edison has obtained substantial peerreviewed grants
from multiple foundations and the NIH.Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  
  
  
  5941 Optical Court, Suite 228
  
  
  
  
  
  San Jose, CA  95138
  
  
  
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=33]]></link>
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        				<pubDate>Thu,  2 Aug 2007 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Edison, Penwest Enter Deal on Orphan Neurological Disorders]]></title>
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        				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jul 2007 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Penwest Enters Into Collaboration Agreement With Edison Pharmaceuticals]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Penwest to Develop Compounds for Neurological Disorders
July 17, 2007  DANBURY, CT  Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co. NASDAQ
PPCO announced today that it has entered into a research, development,
commercialization and license agreement with Edison Pharmaceuticals
Inc. for the treatment of neurological disorders resulting from defects
in cellular energy metabolism.
The initial focus of the collaboration is to pursue treatments for
orphan diseases of the mitochondria  the cellular energy center. Under
the terms of the agreement, Penwest has obtained exclusive worldwide
rights to develop and commercialize Edisons drug candidate, EPIA0001,
in all fields of use. A0001 has been granted orphan drug status by the
United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of
inherited mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases. Penwest intends to
submit an IND and commence clinical development of EPIA0001 in early
2008. Additionally, Penwest has the exclusive worldwide rights to
develop and commercialize at least one additional drug candidate to be
selected from those identified by Edison during the term of the
sponsored research collaboration.
The financial terms of the agreement call for Penwest to provide
Edison with an upfront payment, a  million loan and sponsored
research funding for the next 18 months, which in the aggregate totals
.5 million. Penwest may, at its sole discretion, extend the term of
the sponsored research period by up to an additional 18 months. The
agreement also provides for payments upon exercise of certain options,
successbased milestones payments and royalties on net sales of any
products commercialized as a result of the collaboration.
Our collaboration with Edison will help Penwest accelerate its
growth as a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on disorders of
the nervous system, said Jennifer L. Good, President and CEO of
Penwest. We believe the treatment of mitochondrial respiratory chain
disease is a rapidly developing area of medicine and Edison has
established a position of scientific leadership in this field. The drug
candidates Penwest plans to develop through this collaboration are
focused on orphan neurological disorders which currently lack good
treatment options.
The Penwest alliance will allow Edison to advance its mission to
develop drugs for mitochondrial diseases, stated Guy Miller, MD, PhD,
Chairman and CEO of Edison Pharmaceuticals. The partnership provides
us with access to working capital and a nimble, focused team with
established skills in neurology and drug development.About Penwest Pharmaceuticals
Penwest is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing
to the marketplace innovative products that help improve the lives of
patients. The Companys goal is to identify, develop and commercialize
prescription products that address unmet medical needs, primarily for
diseases of the nervous system. At the core of this strategy, Penwest
applies drug delivery technologies, including its own proprietary
technologies, to new and existing compounds to enhance their
therapeutic profiles. The launch by Endo Pharmaceuticals in mid2006 of
Opana ER oxymorphone hydrochloride extendedrelease tablets
formulated with the Companys TIMERx extended release delivery
technology demonstrates the execution of this strategy and the value of
the Companys TIMERx technology. The Company is currently applying its
expertise to a pipeline of potential products that are in various
stages of development. The Company intends to commercialize these
products independently or through third party alliances.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company
focused on drugs targeting the mitochondria the cells energy center.
Edisons technology platform consists of a specialized knowledge in
redox pharmacology and translational biology, pivotal to targeting
cellular energy metabolism. The Companys initial focus is on targeting
inherited diseases of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and
leveraging insights derived therein, to pursue nonorphan diseases that
share common mechanisms. Edison has obtained substantial peerreviewed
grants from multiple foundations and the NIH.Penwest Forwardlooking Statement
  
  
  
  
  
The matters discussed herein contain forwardlooking statements
that involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause Penwests actual
results in future periods to be materially different from any future
performance suggested herein. For this purpose, any statements
contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be
deemed to be forwardlooking statements. Without limiting the
foregoing, the words, believes, anticipates, plans, expects,
intends, potential, and similar expressions are intended to
identify forwardlooking statements. Important factors that could cause
results to differ materially include risks relating to the commercial
success of Opana ER and our reliance on Endo for the commercial success
of Opana ER  regulatory risks relating to drugs in development,
including the timing and outcome of regulatory action uncertainty of
success of collaborations including the collaboration with Edison
Pharmaceuticals the timing of clinical trials, including the impact of
enrollment rates whether the results of clinical trials will warrant
further clinical trials or warrant submission of an application for
regulatory approval of, or the regulatory approval of, the product that
is the subject of the trial actual and potential competition the need
for capital and other risks as set forth under the caption Risk
Factors in Penwests Quarterly Report on Form 10Q filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2007, which risk factors
are incorporated herein by reference.
The forwardlooking statements contained in this press release speak
only as of the date of the statement made. Penwest disclaims any
intention or obligation to update any forwardlooking statements.
TIMERx is a registered trademark of Penwest. All other trademarks
referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.Contact
  
  
  
  
  
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  
  
  
  
  5941 Optical Court, Suite 228
  
  
  
  
  
  
  San Jose, CA  95138
  
  
  
  
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  
  
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.comnbsp]]></description>
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        				<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[When Cells Stop Working]]></title>
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        				<pubDate>Sun,  5 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharma and Institute of Vision Enter into Collaboration]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Development of Therapeutics Targeting Mitochondrial Eye Disease
October 2, 2006  San Jose, California  Edison Pharmaceuticals
announced today that it has entered into collaboration with the
Institute of Vision, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the
development of drugs targeting Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy
LHON. LHON is an inherited disease affecting vision, whose onset is
sudden, without warning, and results in blindness. There are no
treatments.
LHON arises from impairments in energy production in the eye. It is
caused by genetic defects in the mitochondria  the cellular structure
responsible for energy generation. While in relative terms a rare
disease, a renewed interest in LHON has been sparked by both the
emergence of potential mitochondrial therapies and LHONs relationship
to more common retinal diseases that may share similar biochemical
mechanisms. 
Edison is teaming with the Institute of Vision and its LHON
international consortium of researchers and clinicians to enable
evaluation of Edisons drugs that target inherited mitochondrial
diseases. Founded in 2001, this consortium is represented by over 37
members worldwide, and has authored benchmark clinical and scientific
papers on LHON.
The Institute of Vision and its LHON consortium scientists have been
working to understand LHON, its cause and progression to enable the
development of new treatments. Given our access to an extensive
pedigree of patients with LHON residing in Brazil, the Institute of
Vision has served as a center for LHON investigations, stated Dr.
Rubens Belfort Jr., Professor and President of the Institute of Vision.
Our goal is to expand our knowledge of LHON, thereby developing new
diagnostic tests and drugs for LHON and related mitochondrial diseases
of the eye.
The Doheny Eye Institute at the University of Southern California
is a founding and participating member of the LHON consortium, stated
Alfredo Sadun, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Doheny Eye
Institute. Having laid the groundwork over the last five years in
aggregating and evaluating this unique patient population, we are
enthusiastic about applying this knowledge to the development of
mitochondrial drugs.
Today there are no treatments for LHON, however with an increased
understanding of mitochondrial disease, new potential therapies are
emerging. Through its internal discovery efforts and through
collaboration with Columbia University, University of Southern
California Doheny Eye Institute and the University of Bologna, Edison
is evaluating new classes of potential drugs for mitochondrial diseases
that affect the eye.
Edison has been working with several members of the LHON
international consortium for over a year, and is extending its
ophthalmologic program to the Institute of Vision in Brazil, stated
Guy Miller, CEO, Edison. As many mitochondrial diseases, including
LHON, have significant visual disturbances associated with them, we see
this effort has having broad therapeutic applications for drugs under
development at Edison.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs
to treat energy impairment diseases, also referred to as mitochondrial
diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001
for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately
affecting children. Edisons technology platform consists of a
specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company
believes is essential to drugging key targets contained within
mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data
obtained in rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that
share common mechanisms. The company has obtained substantial
nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its
preclinical and clinical initiatives from foundations including the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance,
and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
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        				<pubDate>Mon,  2 Oct 2006 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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        				<title><![CDATA[CHDI and Edison Enter Collaborative Agreement]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Development of Therapeutics Targeting Huntingtons Disease
August 1, 2006  Los Angeles and San Jose, California  ECHDI and
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the formation of a
partnership to develop analogs of CoQ10 selectively targeted to reach
the brain and address the mitochondrial component of Huntingtons
disease.
Recent laboratory and clinical investigations suggest that
alterations in energy metabolism may contribute to Huntingtons
disease, and that administration of CoQ10, a component of the
mitochondrial respiratory chain and an endogenous antioxidant, may have
beneficial effects in combating the progression of the disease. 
The goal of the partnership is to develop a 2nd generation CoQ10
molecule for Huntingtons disease. Edison will contribute expertise in
redox pharmacology and translational biology pertaining to
bioenergetics and disease, while CHDI will contribute its competencies
in Huntingtons disease and drug development. As part of the agreement,
Edison will retain rights to the development of therapeutics derived
from this program. Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
As Edison has a demonstrated competency in the design and synthesis
of CoQ10 analogs, and more broadly in redox medicinal chemistry, they
were a logical partner to pursue this line of therapeutic exploration,
stated Robert Pacifici, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, Drug Discovery
and Development and Chief Scientific Advisor to CHDI, Inc. The program
centers about the identification of a nextgeneration CoQ10 with
improved blood brain barrier penetration properties that is also
tailored to the discrete biochemical energy defect reasoned to be
associated with Huntingtons disease.
The CHDI partnership will allow us to leverage our skills and
contribute more broadly to orphan indications such as Huntingtons
disease where emerging data suggests mitochondrial involvement in the
disease mechanism, stated Guy Miller, MD, PhD, Chairman and CEO of
Edison. CHDIs commitment to expediting a cure for Huntingtons
disease is evident in its organizational structure and the skill sets
they have assembled. In combining forces, we will be able to rapidly
derive data about the pharmacology and efficacy of redox analogs of
CoQ10 bioisosteres  which are of mutual interest to Edison and CHDI.About CHDI, Inc. and High Q Foundation
  
CHDI Inc. and
the High Q Foundation, Inc. High Q are nonprofit organizations that
share the mission of bringing together academia, industry, governmental
agencies, and other funding organizations in the search for Huntington
disease HD treatments.
CHDI, Inc. is pursuing a biotech approach to rapidly discover and
develop drugs that prevent or slow HD. Through collaborations with
industrial and academic partners, CHDI, Inc., participates in all
aspects of drug discovery and development from high throughput
screening to preclinical development. For more information about CHDI,
Inc. and its collaborative programs please see www.chdiinc.org or contact Robert Pacifici robert.pacificichdiinc.org.
High Q supports HD research aimed at target identification and
validation, the development and use of animal models, drug delivery,
and the search for markers of disease progression. For more information
about High Q and its support of HD research please see www.highqfoundation.org or contact Ethan Signer ethan.signerhighqfoundation.org or Allan Tobin allan.tobinhighqfoundation.org.About Huntington Disease
  
HD is a familial disease, passed from parent to child through a
mutation in a gene. Each child of an HD parent has a 5050 chance of
inheriting the HD gene which causes programmed degeneration of brain
cells and results in emotional disturbance, loss of intellectual
faculties and uncontrolled movements. Most people with HD develop the
symptoms at midlife but in some people onset occurs in infancy or old
age. The average survival time after onset is approximately fifteen to
twenty years. It is estimated that about one in every 10,000 persons
has the HD gene. At this time, there is no way to stop or reverse the
course of HD.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs
to treat energy impairment diseases, also referred to as mitochondrial
diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001
for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately
affecting children. Edisons technology platform consists of a
specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company
believes is essential to drugging key targets contained within
mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data
obtained in rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that
share common mechanisms. The company has obtained substantial
nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its
preclinical and clinical initiatives from foundations including the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance,
and Seek A Miracle.CHDI Contact
  
Robert Pacifici, Ph.D.
  
  CSODrug Discovery amp Development
  
  CHDI, Inc.MRSSI
  
  310 3425507
  
  robert.pacificichdiinc.org
  www.chdiinc.orgContact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  408 9602910
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com
]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=31]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Tue,  1 Aug 2006 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
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    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison accepted into NIH RAID Pilot Program]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[
From The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARAFriedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance Announces Support From NIH RAID Pilot Program
July 14, 2006  Washington, D.C.  The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance announced today that the National Institutes of Health has accepted the University of Pennsylvania and Edison Pharmaceuticals into the Rapid Access to Interventional Development RAID Pilot Program for the development of Edison Pharmaceuticals EPIA0001 for Friedreichs Ataxia.
Under the NIH Roadmap initiative, the RAID Pilot Program has assembled an interinstitute team consisting of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development and the Developmental Therapeutics Program of the National Cancer Institute that will combine resources and expertise to translate EPIA0001 into the clinic. This NIH RAID project will provide drug development guidance and resources to enable an Investigative New Drug application to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration  the first step in its regulatory submission process. The Orphan Products Division of the Food and Drug Administration recently awarded EPIA0001, Orphan Designation status for inherited respiratory chain diseases of the mitochondria.
Our acceptance into the NIH RAID Pilot Program heralds the Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARA entering the era of therapeutic development, stated Ron Bartek, President of FARA. The benefits of the last 8 years of discovery and clinical research funded by FARA are now beginning to be realized. This translational initiative brings us one step closer to the clinical evaluation of EPIA0001, and evaluating its potential for arresting the damage done by Friedreichs ataxia. Our goal is to develop a therapy that will stop the devastating progression of Friedreichs ataxia in its tracks. We are grateful to all of the NIH institutes and their personnel who have provided invaluable support for this goal since the inception of FARA.
Friedreichs ataxia is an inherited disease. It is caused by a defect in the gene encoding for a protein  frataxin  whose function is essential for biological energy production. In the last 5 years, medical and research communities have shown growing interest in Friedreichs ataxia. This attention is based on a renewed interest in the role that mitochondria play in disease, and an emerging body of literature suggesting that Friedreichs ataxia may share a common mechanism with other neurodegenerative diseases and movement disorders, as well as the aging process.
Today, there is no effective treatment or cure available for Friedreichs ataxia. It often first becomes noticeable as a balance and coordination problem in children of elementary school age. Further loss of strength and coordination in all four extremities usually forces those with the disease into wheelchairs by their teens. It is progressive and can lead to impaired vision, speech and hearing. Friedreichs ataxia is also commonly associated with severe heart disease, spinal abnormalities and diabetes. In the later stages of the disorder, patients are frequently incapacitated with cardiac failure leading to death. Friedreichs ataxia, although in relative terms rare, is the most prevalent inherited ataxia, affecting about 1 in every 50,000 people in the United States.About FARA
The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARA httpwww.faresearchalliance.org is a 501c3, nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreichs Ataxia. It was founded by Friedreichs ataxiaaffected families and scientists in 1998. Since then, it has provided almost  million in grants to scientists around the world who are pursuing treatments.Contact
Ronald Bartek
  
  
  
  President, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance
  
  
  703 4134468
  
  
  faraFAResearchAlliance.org
  ]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=45]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0700</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Grants EPI-A0001 Orphan Drug Designation for Inherited Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Diseases]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[San Jose, California, April 4, 2006  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration FDA has granted orphan drug designation to EPIA0001 for treatment of inherited mitochondrial
respiratory chain diseases. These mitochondrial diseases today affect an estimated 60,000 individuals.
The Orphan Drug Act, passed in 1982, provides incentives for companies to pursue treatments for diseases affecting
fewer than 200,000 individuals in the United States. Such designation provides an accelerated review and a
sevenyear period of exclusivity upon FDA approval.
The FDA granted orphan drug designation to Edisons EPIA0001 based on review of the application, which included
preclinical data demonstrating a favorable efficacy and safety profile. Current data is consistent with EPIA0001
targeting electron shuttling and energy production two processes that are impaired by genetic defects in the
mitochondrial respiratory chain.
The respiratory chain is located within the inner mitochondrial membrane and is comprised of numerous proteins
encoded for by both the nuclear and mitochondrial genome. Genetic errors in the synthesis of these proteins results
in a variety of clinical conditions that have disruptions in energy production as a common biochemical feature. These
diseases frequently affect skeletal and cardiac muscle, as well as the nervous system, and thus are often classified as
mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. They are highly debilitating, and life shortening. Edison is partnered with
leading academic centers and foundations to develop firstinclass therapeutics for the treatment of these diseases.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs to treat energy impairment diseases, also
referred to as mitochondrial diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001 for the
treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately affecting children. Edisons technology platform
consists of a specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry, which the company believes is essential to
drugging key targets contained within mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data obtained in
rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that share common mechanisms. The company has obtained
substantial nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its preclinical and clinical initiatives from
foundations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance, and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Ms. Lorraine Gilmore
  
  Manager Administration
  
  408.960.2910
  
  lgilmoreedisonpharma.com
  
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=36]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Tue,  4 Apr 2006 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharma Hires Director of Medicinal Chemistry]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[William D. Shrader, PhD, will lead preclinical and medicinal chemistry initiatives
San Jose, California, March 20, 2006  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced today the hiring of its Director of
Medicinal Chemistry, William D. Shrader, PhD. Dr. Shrader joins Edison to assist in advancing EPIA0001 into development
for the treatment of orphan mitochondrial diseases and to manage its preclinical development pipeline.
With Bill joining Edison, we have our senior technical team in place to drive our development and preclinical
programs, stated Guy Miller, CEO of Edison Pharmaceuticals. His skills and translational capabilities will be highly
enabling to both our clinical efforts and medicinal chemistry program.
Dr. Shrader joins Edison with extensive experience in medicinal chemistry, having directed programs in thrombosis,
oncology and inflammation. He has previously held positions at Abbott Laboratories and Celera Genomics, and was a
National Institute of Health postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology. Dr. Shrader has been
involved with programs from discovery through clinical development.
Edison is readying its first drug candidate, EPIA0001, for clinical evaluation in Q4, 2006.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs to treat energy impairment diseases, also
referred to as mitochondrial diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001 for the
treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately aecting children. Edisons technology platform
consists of a specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company believes is essential to
drugging key targets contained within mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data obtained in
rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that share common mechanisms. The company has obtained
substantial nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its preclinical and clinical initiatives from
foundations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance, and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Ms. Lorraine Gilmore
  
  Manager Administration
  
  408 9602910
  
  lgilmoreedisonpharma.com
  
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=34]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Mon, 20 Mar 2006 11:16:23 -0800</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharma, University of Bologna and Columbia University Medical Center Establish Mitochondrial Disease Partnership]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Therapeutic initiative will target inherited diseases of the eye and brain
March 16, 2006  SAN JOSE, California, USA, BOLOGNA, Italy, and NEW
YORK, New York, USA  Edison Pharmaceuticals, the University of Bologna
and Columbia University Medical Center announced today a collaboration
in the field of inherited mitochondrial diseases. By combining
preclinical biology skills and clinical expertise resident at Columbia
and Bologna, with translational and drug development competencies of
Edison, the integrated team intends to bring forward new therapeutic
candidates to treat these diseases. 
The collaboration will
focus on mitochondrial diseases affecting the eye and brain. Redox
encrypted pharmacophores identified from Edisons chemistry efforts
will be evaluated in unique systemsbiology screens established at
Columbia and Bologna. The collaboration is set forth to identify new
classes of compounds addressing respiratory chain defects associated
with inherited mitochondrial diseases, as well as molecular targets and
clinical biomarkers. 
Work performed at Columbia University
Medical Center will broadly explore Edisons chemistry for a variety of
mitochondrial diseases that share a common mechanismdefects in
electron transferessential for energy metabolism. There is a growing
awareness of the role of mitochondria in disease. In addition to being
central in inherited mitochondrial defects, there is substantial
evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction with Parkinsons Disease,
brain injury and diabetes, stated Eric Schon, PhD, Lewis P. Rowland
Professor of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center. This body
of research is intended to translate basic biochemical insights into
important therapeutic developments relevant not only for inherited
mitochondrial diseases, but also for other conditions that share a
common mechanism. 
Complementing work performed at Columbia
University Medical Center, investigations conducted at the University
of Bologna will more narrowly focus on applications in inherited
mitochondrial diseases affecting the eye. The eye is highly dependent
upon energy derived from the mitochondria to perform vital events
associated with vision, stated Valerio Carelli, MD, PhD, Associate
Professor, Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the Department of
Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna. Initially we will focus
on Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and other inherited
mitochondrial diseases with visual manifestations. We expect that the
results of our work should not only have broad applications for these
diseases, but may find utility in macular degeneration and other
retinal diseases. 
Edison Pharma is committed to
translational initiatives and drug development in orphan mitochondrial
diseases, stated Guy Miller, MD, PhD, CEO of Edison. This partnership
is one of several that we will announce, central to forming a critical
mass of investigators worldwide to develop drugs for these untreated
diseases.About Columbia University Medical Center
Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership
in preclinical and clinical research, in medical and health sciences
education, and in patient care. The medical center trains future
leaders in health care and includes the dedicated work of many
physicians, scientists, nurses, dentists, and public health
professionals at the College of Physicians amp Surgeons, the College
of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the Mailman School of Public
Health, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia
University Medical Center researchers are leading the discovery of
novel therapies and advances to address a wide range of health
conditions.
  
  www.cumc.columbia.eduAbout University of Bologna
The University of Bologna is recognized as the oldest university in
the western world and offers a multicampus structure, which is divided
into 23 faculties, 68 departments and 5 university campus branches
within the cities of Bologna, Cesena, Forl, Ravenna and Rimini. Its
Department of Neurological Sciences has an international reputation for
clinical and biological research in the fields of epilepsy, sleep and
neurodegenerative diseases.
  
  www.neuro.unibo.itAbout Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs
to treat energy impairment diseases, also referred to as mitochondrial
diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001
for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately
affecting children. Edisons technology platform consists of a
specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company
believes is essential to drugging key targets contained within
mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data
obtained in rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that
share common mechanisms. The company has obtained substantial
nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its
preclinical and clinical initiatives from foundations including the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance,
and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  408 9602910
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=30]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Thu, 16 Mar 2006 11:16:23 -0800</pubDate>
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    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Private Money, Grants Funding Edison's Mitochondrial Pipeline]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=43]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2005 00:00:00 -0800</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharmaceuticals Closes Series A Preferred Stock Offering]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Signs Technology Transfer and Screening Agreement with Galileo Pharmaceuticals
November 21, 2005  San Jose, California  Edison Pharmaceuticals, 
          Inc. today announced the close of a .8M Series A Preferred Stock Offering. 
          The .2M, raised through the Series A offering and .4M in recently 
          awarded foundation grants, will be used to advance EPIA0001 into clinical 
          development for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases.
Separately, Edison has entered into Technology Transfer and
Screening Agreements with Galileo Pharmaceuticals. As part of the
transaction, Galileo obtained an equity stake in Edison, and will hold
a seat on the Edison board of directors, which will be occupied by Mr.
Peter Morris. Galileo is pleased that Edison has closed its first
financing to advance its lead program to the clinic, commented David
Milligan, chairman of the board of directors, Galileo Pharmaceuticals.
We look forward to supporting Edison as it is poised to make
significant contributions in important therapeutic areas.
Capital from this financing coupled with nondilutive grants
obtained through foundations will accelerate our path to the clinic,
stated Guy Miller MD, PhD, CEO of Edison. We are enthusiastic about
the prospects of arresting the progression of orphan mitochondrial
diseases for which there currently are no approved therapies.
Edisons technical focus is on diseases affecting the respiratory
chain, an essential component of energy production located within the
mitochondria. The company will initially pursue orphan indications.
Insights gained from these programs will be leveraged to pursue other
diseases that possess common mechanisms.
The Series A round was led by Mr. Paul Avery who will assume a board 
          of directors position representing the Series A Preferred shareholders. 
          We are excited about the prospects for Edison and our ability 
          to bring to market firstinclass drugs for conditions such as Friedreichs 
          ataxia and other mitochondrial disorders, stated Mr. Avery.
About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs
to treat energy impairment diseases, also referred to as mitochondrial
diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001
for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately
affecting children. Edisons technology platform consists of a
specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company
believes is essential to drugging key targets contained within
mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data
obtained in rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that
share common mechanisms. The company has obtained substantial
nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its
preclinical and clinical initiatives from foundations including the
Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance,
and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  www.edisonpharma.com
nbsp
]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=18]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2005 11:16:23 -0800</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Pharma Hires Chief Medical Officer]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[Patrice Rioux, MD, PhD will lead clinical development initiatives
November 1, 2005   San Jose, California  Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced today the hiring of its Chief Medical Officer, Patrice Rioux, MD, PhD. Dr. Rioux joins Edison to advance the companys first clinical candidate, EPIA0001, into development for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases.
Patrice brings over 20 years of development expertise to Edison, with a proven track record of success, and a disciplined approach to clinical development, stated Guy Miller, CEO of Edison Pharma. As we continue to mature our pipeline, Patrice will play a pivotal role in crafting innovative development strategies targeting diseases that share as a common feature derangements in energy metabolism centered about mitochondrial targets.
Dr. Rioux joins Edison with extensive experience in clinical research and development, including immunology, oncology, CNSneurology, psychiatry, pain and imaging. Dr. Rioux has previously held senior clinical development positions at Biogen, Europe, and REPLIGEN Corporation. He has substantial experience with the Food and Drug Administration, having successfully conducted multiple phase I, II and III studies.
Edison is readying its first clinical candidate for clinical evaluation in Q3, 2006.About Edison Pharmaceuticals
Edison Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is focused on the development of drugs to treat energy impairment diseases, also referred to as mitochondrial diseases. The company is advancing into clinical development EPIA0001 for the treatment of inherited mitochondrial diseases predominately affecting children. Edisons technology platform consists of a specialized knowledge in redox medicinal chemistry which the company believes is essential to drugging key targets contained within mitochondria. Edison will leverage clinical and laboratory data obtained in rare, or orphan, diseases to pursue other conditions that share common mechanisms. The company has obtained substantial nondilutive peerreviewed grant support to advance both its preclinical and clinical initiatives from foundations including the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance, and Seek A Miracle.Contact
Edison Pharmaceuticals
  
  
  
  408 9602910
  
  
  
  infoedisonpharma.com
  httpwww.edisonpharma.com]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=16]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Tue,  1 Nov 2005 11:16:23 -0800</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Awarded $100K Muscular Dystrophy Association Grant]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[
  from The 
          Muscular Dystrophy Association MDAMDA, Seek a Miracle, FARA Join Forces to Fight Friedreichs Ataxia
  October
20, 2005  Tucson, Arizona  The Muscular Dystrophy Association MDA,
through its ongoing collaboration with Seek a Miracle SAM and the
Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARA, is working to move
promising compounds for the treatment of the neuromuscular disease from
the lab to the clinic.
  The new effort will carry out its mission via funding to Guy Miller
of Edison Pharmaceuticals of San Jose, California, MDA announced today.
  Friedreichs Ataxia, one of the 40plus neuromuscular disorders in
MDAs program of research and services, is a genetic disease in which
nerves and muscles deteriorate. FA causes progressive weakness and
ataxia lack of coordination, with a high risk of early death from
cardiac muscle damage.
  MDA is pleased to join forces with SAM and FARA to support key
areas of FA research and, in particular, this project, which shows
great promise as a potential therapy, said Ronald J. Schenkenberger,
MDAs director of Research Administration.
  In 1996, MDAsupported researchers identified mutations in the gene
for a protein called frataxin, on chromosome 9, as the underlying cause
of the disorder. Frataxins role in cells appears to be the maintenance
of normal iron levels.
  Seek a Miracle www.seekamiracle.org
is dedicated to raising funds for MDAs research in Friedreichs
Ataxia. The collaboration has raised more than .3 million since 1994.
Initially, MDA will earmark 0,000 from Seek a Miracle specifically
for the collaborative effort to develop drugs for human trials,
Schenkenberger said.
  MDA www.mdausa.org
is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40
neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research,
comprehensive services, and farreaching professional and public health
education.
  FARA www.faresearchalliance.org
was founded by FAaffected families and research scientists in 1998.
Since then, it has provided more than  million to scientists around
the world.
]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=14]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2005 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
		    		</item>
    				<item>
        				<title><![CDATA[Edison Awarded $300K Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance Grant]]></title>
		        		<description><![CDATA[
  from The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARAFriedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance Joins with MDA and Seek A Miracle in
Fighting Friedreichs Ataxia
  October
25, 2005  Washington, DC  The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance
FARA has awarded a 0,000 grant to Edison Pharmaceuticals in the
first step of an ongoing collaboration with the Muscular Dystrophy
Association MDA, and Seek A Miracle SAM, intended to move promising
compounds for the treatment of neuromuscular diseases from the lab to
the clinic.
  The initial FARA grant is to fund the preclinical toxicology and
pharmacology on clinical candidates developed by Guy Miller, MD, PhD
and the team of Edison Pharmaceuticals of San Jose, California.
  FARA is very excited to work with MDA and SAM on this project,
said Ron Bartek, FARAs president. We believe these compounds show
real promise in addressing the respiratory chain defect present in
Friedreichs ataxia patients. Our hope is that clinical candidates such
as Edisons EPIA0001 will form the basis of a firstline treatment in
arresting the progression of FA.
  It is so encouraging for Seek A Miracle and MDA to collaborate with
FARA on a project that shows so much promise for treating our disease,
said Samantha LitkeWilson, president of Seek A Miracle MDA. 
  There is no effective treatment or cure available for Friedreichs
ataxia. FA is a hereditary disorder that often first becomes noticeable
as a balance and coordination problem in children of elementary school
age. Further loss of strength and coordination in all four extremities
usually forces those with FA into wheelchairs by their teens. FA is
progressive and can lead to impaired vision, speech and hearing. FA is
also commonly associated with severe heart disease, spinal
abnormalities and diabetes. In the later stages of the disorder,
patients are frequently incapacitated with cardiac failure leading to
death. Friedreichs ataxia, although rare, is the most prevalent
inherited ataxia, affecting about 1 in every 50,000 people in the
United States. About FARA
  The Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance FARA is a 501c3,
nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to accelerating research
leading to treatments and a cure for Friedreichs Ataxia FA. It was
founded by FA affected families and scientists in 1998. Since then, it
has provided almost  million in grants to scientists around the world
who are pursuing treatments. httpwww.FAResearchAlliance.orgAbout SAM
  Seek A Miracle SAM is dedicated to raising funds for MDAs
research in Friedreichs ataxia. The collaboration has raised more than
.3 million since 1994. Initially, MDA will earmark 0,000 from Seek
A Miracle specifically for the collaborative effort to develop drugs
for human trials.httpwww.seekamiracle.orgAbout MDA
  Muscular Dystrophy Association MDA is a voluntary health agency
working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs
of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and farreaching
professional and public health education. httpwww.mdausa.orgContact
  Ronald Bartek
    
    
    
    President, Friedreichs Ataxia Research Alliance
    
    
    
    703 4134468
    
    
    
    faraFAResearchAlliance.org 
]]></description>
        				<link><![CDATA[http://www.edisonpharma.com/index.php?fuseaction=company.news&page=item&id=15]]></link>
		        		<guid></guid>
        				<pubDate>Sat, 16 Jul 2005 11:16:23 -0700</pubDate>
		    		</item></channel>
		</rss>