Epix reports promising test results

A drug in development by a Cambridge firm shows signs of improving brain function in Alzheimer's patients and could also be an effective treatment for obesity, according to test results released by Epix Pharmaceuticals Inc. today.

Epix said preclinical tests indicate the oral treatment PRX-07034 could improve the cognitive abilities of some Alzheimer's patients when used in low doses along with another drug call Aricept. Aricept is already approved for use.

Epix also said the new drug might be effective in treating obesity. In tests, it helped produce both the loss of weight and fat in some subjects.
(By Keith Reed, Globe staff)