Addex starts two Phase II trials for lead drug

ZURICH, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Swiss biotech company Addex (ADXN.S) said on Wednesday it had started a second Phase II trial of its lead drug ADX10059 in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The group also said it was starting a Phase II trial for ADX10059 as a migraine prevention therapy for people who have three or more migraine attacks per month.

"We have already observed significant efficacy with ADX10059 in two clinical studies in GERD," Chief Medical Officer Charlotte Keywood said in a statement.

"This Phase IIb study will allow us to assess the potential of ADX10059 as a stand alone treatment for clinical symptom control in GERD sufferers as well as further understand how ADX10059 works on lower oesophageal sphincter function," she said.

In September, the group said ADX10059 had shown improved tolerability in an early-stage trial, boosting its commercial potential and possibly paving the way for a partnering deal with a big drugmaker.

"This Phase IIb study will allow us to assess the potential of ADX10059 in migraine prevention," Keywood said.

"This is an indication where there is a continuing large unmet medical need and where there are no current treatments that are specifically targeted to inhibiting neurotransmission in the migraine pathway," Keywood said. (Reporting by Katie Reid; Editing by Hans Peters)