UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT
TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of: July, 2004
Commission File Number: 000-50393
NEUROCHEM INC.
275 Armand-Frappier Boulevard
Laval, Quebec
H7V 4A7
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40 F. Form 20-F [ ] Form 40-F [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as
permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):
Yes [ ] No [X]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes [ ] No [X]
If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):
SIGNATURES:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
NEUROCHEM INC.
July 21, 2004
By: /s/ Lise Hebert
----------------------------------------
Lise Hebert
Vice President, Corporate Communications
NEUROCHEM INC.
275 Armand-Frappier Blvd.
[NEUROCHEM "LOGO"] Laval, Quebec, Canada H7V 4A7
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Lise Hebert, Ph.D.
Vice President, Corporate Communications
lhebert@neurochem.com
Tel: (450) 680-4500
Fax: (450) 680-4501
NEUROCHEM'S LEAD PRODUCT CANDIDATE, ALZHEMED(TM),
ONE OF THREE HIGHLIGHTED AT
ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION NEWS CONFERENCE
MONTREAL, JULY 21, 2004 -- During its international conference held in
Philadelphia, the Alzheimer's Association of the United States highlighted
Alzhemed(TM) as a promising treatment for Alzheimer's Disease during a news
conference on anti-amyloid therapies that took place today. Neurochem Inc.
(NASDAQ: NRMX; TSX: NRM) reported on promising interim results in clinical
trials with Alzhemed(TM), its core investigational product candidate targeting
beta-amyloid, the substance believed to kill brain cells in people with
Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The news conference also featured therapies being
studied by Eli Lilly and Company and by Merck and Co. The news release issued by
the Alzheimer's Association following the press conference is available on
www.alz.org/internationalconference/media.htm#press_releases.
This year's Alzheimer's Association conference was the largest gathering in
history of Alzheimer's Disease researchers. More than 4,500 scientists from
around the world were present at the event.
Alzhemed(TM) has entered in Phase III clinical trials and 70 clinical centers
have been enrolled in North America. The study will include some 950 patients
who will receive study medication over a period of 18 months. The Company
anticipates launching its Phase III trial in Europe early in 2005.
ABOUT ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a brain disorder in which nerve cells in the brain
die, making it difficult for the brain's signals to be transmitted properly. A
person with AD has problems with memory, judgment, thinking, and eventually with
motor
functions, making it difficult for the person to work or continue to take part
in day-to-day life.
According to the National Institute on Aging's "Progress Report on Alzheimer's
Disease, 2000," AD is the most common cause of dementia among people aged 65 and
older. It presents a major health problem because of its enormous impact on
individuals, families, the health care system, and society as a whole.
Scientists estimate that up to four and a half million people in the United
States alone currently suffer with the disease and the prevalence (the number of
people with the disease at any one time) doubles every five years beyond age 65.
It is also estimated that approximately 360,000 new cases (incidences) will
occur each year in the United States and that this number will increase as the
population ages.
In a 2000 report, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) estimated that
AD is becoming the most widespread and costly age-related disorder in the United
States: total cost of the disease has been estimated at US$100 billion per year.
ABOUT NEUROCHEM
Neurochem is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative
therapeutics for neurological disorders. The Company's pipeline of proprietary,
disease-modifying, oral products addresses critical unmet medical needs.
Fibrillex(TM), designated as an orphan drug and as a Fast Track Product
candidate, is also part of a Continuous Marketing Applications Pilot 2 program
and is currently in a Phase II/III clinical trial for the treatment of AA
Amyloidosis. Alzhemed(TM), for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, is in a
Phase III clinical trial and Cerebril(TM), for the prevention of Hemorrhagic
Stroke caused by Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, has completed a Phase II clinical
trial.
For additional information on Neurochem and its drug development programs,
please call the North American toll-free number 1 877 680-4500 or visit our
website at: www.neurochem.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the potential
for Alzhemed(TM) and further development efforts. These statements are based on
the current expectations of management. Drug development involves numerous risks
and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially.
Promising results and successes in early stage clinical trials do not ensure
that later stage or larger scale clinical trials will be successful. For
instance, Alzhemed(TM) may not show the same benefits, results or safety profile
in later stage or larger scale clinical trials. Unexpected concerns may arise
during clinical trials or in the course of developing Alzhemed(TM) which would
delay the start of later stage or larger scale clinical trials. Additional risks
and uncertainties include: the impact of general economic conditions, general
conditions in the pharmaceutical industry, changes in the regulatory environment
in the jurisdictions in which Neurochem does business, stock market volatility,
fluctuations in costs, and changes to the competitive environment due to
consolidation or otherwise. Neurochem does not undertake any obligation to
publicly update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events, or otherwise.