Lexicon Genetics Incorporated (THE WOODLANDS, Texas), an emerging biopharmaceutical company employing its proprietary gene knockout technology to discover knockout-validated drug targets, announced that it is it is changing its name to Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc, to reflect the company's focus on operations on drug discovery and development. The company has used its proprietary gene knockout technology to discover more than 100 promising drug targets in a variety of therapeutic areas including immune system disorders. Lexicon plans to advance ten drug candidates from its internal drug discovery efforts, as well as from efforts with collaborators, into human clinical trials by 2010. Lexicon has two proprietary compounds in human clinical trials and anticipates filing IND (Investigational New Drug) applications for two additional compounds in the second half of 2007, including LX2931 targeting rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and LX1032 for gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Phase I clinical trials are ongoing for LX6171, Lexicon's oral drug candidate under development to treat cognitive impairment associated with psychiatric and neurological disorders. In addition, Lexicon recently initiated phase Ia clinical trials of LX1031, an oral drug candidate being developed for irritable bowel syndrome and other GI disorders.

LX2931 is a novel, orally-available small molecule compound with potential application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases characterized by inappropriate lymphocyte activation such as RA and multiple sclerosis. In preclinical models, LX2931 inhibits the in vivo activity of an undisclosed enzyme that is associated with immune response and lymphocyte migration. LX2931 resulted from Lexicon's internal target and drug discovery efforts. Lexicon discovered that mice lacking this enzyme displayed a dramatic reduction in T-cells and B-cells in the peripheral blood. In preclinical research, LX2931 significantly reduced inflammatory response in mice and decreased lymphocyte counts in multiple species.

In addition, Lexicon is conducting preclinical research with lead small molecule compounds that inhibit LG267, an undisclosed kinase that regulates immune cell activation and affects lymphocyte proliferation. Lexicon discovered that mice lacking this kinase exhibit a reduced number of white blood cells. 

—A. Techman

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