Targacept’s results from a phase II trial of TC-5619 in non-smoker adults with ADHD show the compound did not meet the primary efficacy outcome measure.

However, Targacept presented positive top-line results from a separate phase II trial of TC-5619 in cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. The treatment is a highly-selective alpha7 neuronal nicotinic receptor modulator.

Donald deBethizy, Targacept’s CEO, said, "while we did not see stimulant-like efficacy in this trial, the overall findings provide additional evidence that TC-5619 is active in a cognitively-impaired patient population, with the safety results adding to an impressive profile for a compound that has now been studied in more than 200 subjects."

He added that "coupled with positive outcomes from our prior phase II study in patients with schizophrenia on measures of executive function, negative symptoms of schizophrenia and global change, we now have a foundation to guide future development of TC-5619."