H. Lundbeck (CPH:LUN) Lundbeck Expands Its Pipeline - Initiating Phase II Clinical Trials With A New Compound For The Treatment Of Schizophrenia

H. Lundbeck (CPH:LUN) H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) expands its pipeline of pharmaceuticals in clinical development by initiating phase II trials with the compound Lu AE58054. The compound is a new pharmaceutical candidate in Lundbeck's portfolio and represents a novel approach to the treatment of schizophrenia.

Lu AE58054 has shown positive results in a number of preclinical trials, which documented the compound's ability to improve cognition. Affecting other areas of the brain than traditional anti-psychotics, the compound has an effect that breaks with tradition. In this way, Lu AE58054 complements the existing anti-psychotics by improving the general clinical efficacy of the overall treatment. Consequently, Lundbeck expects that Lu AE58054 will improve the daily functioning of the patients and for example improve their ability to solve practical problems in their daily lives.

Based on the positive preclinical data and positive outcomes of phase I trials in healthy individuals, Lundbeck has now launched a phase II trial with two treatment groups of 60 patients each. The first group will receive treatment with risperidone and placebo, while the other will receive risperidone and Lu AE58054. The treatment period will run for three months. The trial has just been initiated, and preliminary results are expected by the end of 2009.

"I'm very pleased that we're able to commence trials with a novel treatment of schizophrenia, which is a severe disorder," says Executive Vice President Anders Gersel Pedersen, Head of Drug Development at Lundbeck.

The global market for anti-schizophrenic pharmaceuticals was valued at approximately DKK 100 billion in 2007, making it the largest single market for pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological disorders.

Lundbeck acquired the global rights to Lu AE58054 in connection with the acquisition of US biotech company Saegis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in early 2007. Lu AE58054 is a potent and selective so-called 5-HT6 receptor antagonist.

The 5-HT6 receptor is primarily found in areas of the brain involved in cognition. A number of early trials have demonstrated that 5-HT6 could offer potential in the treatment of disorders such as schizophrenia, but also other diseases that may lead to cognitive disturbances.

About schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a serious and often chronic mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population, leading to severe changes in the patient's way of thinking and perceiving the outside world. In many patients, the disorder starts during late adolescence or early adulthood. Suicide is a major cause of premature deaths among patients with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is also associated with increased medical morbidity like respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

During the course of the illness, periods during which the patient is in an acute psychotic condition, suffering from definite hallucinations and delusions alternate with more stable periods during which the patient experiences a significant reduction in symptoms. However, even in stable periods, many patients suffer from cognitive disturbances that make it difficult to establish and maintain social contacts, complete an education programme, hold a normal job and generally to lead an independent life.

Schizophrenia is often disabling and produces serious emotional and financial hardship for the patient and the patient's family. Furthermore, the disorder causes a major economic burden to society, not only due to the direct treatment costs but also because of a reduced ability to work forcing many patients to claim social security benefits.

The content of this release will have no influence on the Lundbeck Group's financial result for 2008.

Lundbeck contacts

Investors: Media:

Jacob Tolstrup Jens Harder Højbjerg Director Media Relations Manager +45 36 43 30 79 +45 36 43 28 33

Palle Holm Olesen Head of Investor Relations +45 36 43 24 26

Stock Exchange Release No 357 - 25 November 2008

About Lundbeck H. Lundbeck A/S is an international pharmaceutical company engaged in the research and development, production, marketing and sale of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. In 2007, the company's revenue was DKK 11 billion (approximately EUR 1.5 billion or USD 2.0 billion). The number of employees is approx. 5,300 globally. For more information, please visit www.lundbeck.com.

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



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H. Lundbeck

http://www.lundbeck.com

ISIN: DK0010287234

Stock Identifier: XCSE.LUN