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New studies on Alzheimer's, autism, nicotine addiction and depression highlight annual meeting

The 2006 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting will feature hundreds of new studies on brain and behavior from the world's leading scientists. Presentations include innovative research on potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, autism, nicotine addiction and treatment resistant depression.

SELECTED PANELS INCLUDE:

• Antihypertensive Drugs May Reduce Incidence of Alzheimer's Disease: Screening of a new cardiovascular drug suggests the potential to prevent cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. Geriatric patients currently under pharmacological treatment for high blood pressure may potentially benefit from drug's cognitive effects. (Embargoed until 9:00am EST December 6th)

• Oxytocin Found to be Potential for Treatment of Autism: Preliminary findings from a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Seaver Foundation suggest oxytocin, when administered using intravenous fluid and nasal technology, may have positive effects on some adults with autism. (Embargoed until 9:00am EST December 4th)

• Effect of Genetic Variation in Treatment Resistant Depression: Research findings from a landmark clinical trial known as Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression, or STAR*D, suggest the presence of specific genetic markers can better predict which patients will respond to treatment for depression. Patients who carried the genetic markers were 40% more likely to respond to treatment than those who carried none of them. (Embargoed until 9:00am EST December 6th)

• Research Identifies Gene Important for Nicotine's Effects on the Brain: Study identifies important gene that influences aspects of nicotine-induced behaviors. Research holds potential for the development of new smoking cessation therapies. (Embargoed until 9:00am EST December 5th)

• New Direction for Development of Psychotropic Drugs: Leading brain and behavioral researchers to call for a new direction in the development of innovative psychotropic drugs to treat mental illness. The call to action is based on panel discussion to address factors that have impeded the development of novel treatments for mental illness. (Embargoed until EST December 4th)

• ACNP Adopts New Code of Conduct for Corporations: ACNP to announce the adoption of a new Code of Conduct to govern the society's relationships with pharmaceutical companies. The new policy, developed by an internal project team, is designed to ensure transparency, protect scientific integrity and bolster public confidence in the scientific research process. (Embargoed until 9:00am EST December 5th)

ACNP, founded in 1961, is a professional organization of more than 700 leading scientists, including three Nobel Laureates. The mission of ACNP is to further research and education in neuropsychopharmacology and related fields in the following ways: promoting the interaction of a broad range of scientific disciplines of brain and behavior in order to advance the understanding of prevention and treatment of disease of the nervous system including psychiatric, neurological, behavioral and addictive disorders; encouraging scientists to enter research careers in fields related to these disorders and their treatment; and ensuring the dissemination of relevant scientific advances. A non-profit organization, ACNP receives revenues from a variety of sources including membership dues, publication sales, registration fees, and pharmaceutical industry grants.

WHEN: December 3-7, 2006, Hollywood, Florida

To receive copies of the press releases, please contact Sharon Reis (202) 745-5103 or sreis@gymr.com

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