INTERVIEW-UPDATE 1-Medivation mulls test of Dimebon-like drugs

* Says its altered forms of Dimebon have wide potential

* Target ailments linked to energy disruption in cells

* Says Parkinson's indication could garner big sales

By Ransdell Pierson

NEW YORK, Feb 8 (Reuters) - The chief executive officer of Medivation Inc said on Monday the company plans relatively soon to test altered forms of Dimebon, its experimental Alzheimer's drug, against other diseases.

David Hung said the slightly different forms, or analogues, of Dimebon have potential to treat Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury and heart failure.

Asked if the trials could begin within a few years, Hung replied: "We would certainly anticipate them being in the clinic before a few years."

Like Dimebon, the experimental compounds are believed to help repair disruptions of mitochondria -- specialized units of cells that generate energy for metabolic activities of the cells, Hung said on the sidelines of the BIO CEO & Investor Conference in New York.

"The brain represents two percent of body weight, but uses 20 percent of the body's oxygen and glucose, so mitochondria are a really important aspect for brain diseases," Hung said.

"And the heart is much more active physically than the brain, beating once every second and pumping five liters of blood every minute," Hung said.

Although Parkinson's disease is caused by diminished production of the brain messenger chemical dopamine, Hung said his company's analogues may be able to treat the progressive neurological disease by preventing destruction of the cells that make dopamine.

"Many aspects of Parkinson's are not addressed by current treatment; there is still significant cognitive impairment," said Hung, who speculated that a new treatment for the disease could garner "quite significant" revenue.

Medivation is expected within months to disclose highly awaited data from a late-stage trial of Dimebon among patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. A smaller earlier trial strongly suggested the medicine can improve memory and functioning among such patients.

The company in 2008 signed a marketing partnership with Pfizer Inc, which entitles San Francisco-based Medivation to 40 percent of U.S. profits from Dimebon for treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Medivation would also receive an undisclosed royalty on overseas sales, should the drug be approved.

The companies are also testing Dimebon as a treatment for Huntington's disease, an incurable genetic disorder in which certain nerve cells of the brain waste away, harming muscle coordination and some cognitive function.

Hung said Pfizer and Medivation could eventually test Dimebon for other indications. But the Dimebon analogues are not part of the Pfizer deal, so Medivation would be able to test and market them independently, Hung said.

"The analogues differ from Dimebon," he said "They're different molecules and may be better suited for other indications. And we are not obligated to work with anybody on those."

Asked if he was concerned Pfizer would try to buy Medivation to get its hands on its entire pipeline of experimental drugs, Hung said the company cannot be preoccupied with that possible scenario.

"We will continue to pursue opportunities with the greatest medical need," he added. (Reporting by Ransdell Pierson; editing by Andre Grenon)