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 The company's shares fell 32 percent in extended trading after it
canceled its third drug development program in eight months and said
it may change the direction of its research.
Targacept said based on this and previous trial results its key
technology did not appear to produce "new treatments with a
meaningful improvement over the current standard of care."
Targacept's key technology is based on modulating receptors found in
the central nervous system which transmit signals between various
organ systems and the brain.
The company still has one compound based on this technology in
clinical development to treat diabetic gastroparesis which causes
the partial paralysis of the stomach.
The company stopped the development of its Alzheimer's drug this
month and a schizophrenia drug last year.
CEO Stephen Hill said the company was considering a range of options
including the pursuit of "non-nicotinic opportunities".
Targacept's shares closed at $3.92 on the Nasdaq.
(Reporting By Amrutha Penumudi; Editing by Don Sebastian)
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