• Antares Pharma, of Ewing, N.J., initiated a pivotal trial of Anturol, a transdermal oxybutynin ATD gel, in the treatment of overactive bladder. The trial is being conducted under a special protocol assessment and will enroll 600 patients to receive one of two Anturol doses or placebo once-daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the trial is a reduction in the number of urinary incontinence episodes.

• Targacept Inc., of Winston-Salem, N.C., and partner AstraZeneca plc, of London, initiated a Phase IIb trial of AZD3480 (TC-1734) in cognitive deficits in schizophrenia (CDS). The double-blind, placebo-controlled study will enroll 400 patients on atypical antipsychotics for treatment with one of three doses of AZD3480 or placebo. The trial is expected to be complete by the end of 2008, and improvement will be measured according to a cognitive test battery. Last month Targacept initiated a Phase IIb trial of AZD3480, which acts selectively on neuronal nicotinic receptors, in Alzheimer's disease.

• Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Montreal, completed the high-dose extension portion of its Phase I/II trial of ECO-4601 in advanced cancers. Final data regarding safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics are expected in the fourth quarter and will drive the design of a Phase II trial to be initiated in the first half of 2008. ECO-4601 is a small molecule derived from a nonpathogenic microorganism and is thought to bind the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor and inhibit the Ras-MAPK pathway. Thallion was formed earlier this year through the merger of Caprion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Ecopia Biosciences Inc. (See BioWorld Today, Feb. 21, 2007.)