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Merz and Acumen partner in innovative Alzheimer’s approach

Frankfurt am Main, Germany/Livermore, CA, USA , 12.01.2010

Merz has licensed an innovative drug development program and related technology originated by Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The license provides Merz certain exclusive global drug development, manufacturing and marketing rights in exchange for upfront and milestone payments to Acumen as well as royalties on future product sales.

The drug technology is based on Acumen’s pioneering work on the toxic ß-amyloid protein species appearing very early in dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. As such, the technology holds great potential in the present quest for a disease-modifying Alzheimer treatment, interfering with the cause, not just the symptoms of one of the most devastating diseases. The development of such an innovative and promising approach therefore complements the successful track record established by Merz’ current anti-dementia blockbuster drug, Memantine.

“Our goal is to offer novel therapeutic options that address the large unmet medical need that exists within the area of neurodegenerative disorders,” says Dr. Martin Zügel, CEO of Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH. He further explains: "We believe that the cooperation with Acumen will be crucial in our striving efforts for a breakthrough in the hunt for long sought after effective causal Alzheimer’s treatments.”

"Our partnership with Merz Pharmaceuticals marks an important step towards advancing our science and knowledge of soluble amyloid beta oligomers, also known as Amyloid Derived Diffusible Ligands (“ADDLs”), towards new therapies for those suffering from Alzheimer’s who today are in dire need of more than just symptomatic drugs”, adds Dr. William Goure, President and CEO of Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder. In its early stages, it impairs cognitive function, causing memory loss, language deterioration, reduced ability to process visual information, delusional thinking and poor judgment. As the disease progresses, cerebral deterioration severely compromises basic cognition and daily function. “Drugs that target ADDLs hold great promise to stop and even reverse the degeneration and memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Grant Krafft, co-founder and Chairman of Acumen.

Alzheimer’s dementia, clearly the most devastating of neurodegenerative diseases, poses a global public health challenge and will continue to do so for generations to come. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 35.6 million people worldwide will suffer from Alzheimer’s disease in 2010. This figure is estimated to nearly double every 20 years, to 65.7 million in 2030, and 115.4 million in 2050.

About Merz Pharmaceuticals

Merz Pharmaceuticals researches, develops, produces and distributes innovative pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology and psychiatry as well as in aesthetic dermatology and metabolism. In the area of Alzheimer’s research, Merz Pharmaceuticals has achieved a leading position with the first active ingredient worldwide for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. In the neurological sector, Merz also offers drugs for the treatment of Parkinson's and depression. For more information, visit www.merz.com.

About Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Acumen Pharmaceuticals (www.acumenpharm.com) is a discovery stage biotechnology company focused on discovering and developing in partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies best in class therapeutics and diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease. Acumen owns or has exclusive license to a broad set of patents, related intellectual property and drug development capabilities relating to amyloid beta soluble oligomers, now widely believed to be an underlying cause of Alzheimer's disease. Acumen is partnered with Merck & Co. for the development of certain monoclonal antibody therapeutics.

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Your contact

Merz GmbH & Co. KGaA
Ute Weinhold
Corporate Communications
Eckenheimer Landstraße 100
60318 Frankfurt
Tel    + 49 - 69 - 15 03 - 889
Fax    + 49 - 69 - 15 03 -581
ute.weinhold@merz.de

Acumen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
William Goure,
President & CEO,
Tel +1 925-368 8508
wgoure@acumenpharm.com

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