Cephalon Inc. announced on Monday a new research programfocusing on neurodegenerative diseases of the retina.

The company has identified a family of small peptides derivedfrom the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) molecule. In vitrostudies indicate that the peptides promote the survival ofphotoreceptor cells in the retina, and Cephalon is about tocommence animal trials with its lead compounds.

Retinopathies encompass a number of neurodegenerativediseases. About 90 percent of retinopathies involve the loss ofphotoreceptor cells called rods and cones.

The West Chester, Pa., company also said it has signed anagreement with Sibia Inc. under which Sibia will supplysufficient human recombinant IGF-1 to conduct clinical trials ofCephalon's Myotrophin for the treatment of amyotrophic lateralsclerosis. San Diego-based Sibia has a process patent for themanufacture of IGF-1. Cephalon also has an option to licensethe technology for manufacturing purposes.

Cephalon (NASDAQ:CEPH) presented data at last week's meetingof the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans showing thatrats with crushed sciatic nerves treated with IGF-1 hadperipheral nerve regeneration fourfold to fivefold greater thanuntreated animals. Cephalon is now completing safety studiesin animals preparatory to filing an investigational new drugapplication by June 1992.

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