Convergence Pharmaceuticals Announces Successful Interim Data From Ground-Breaking Phase II Trigeminal Neuralgia Study

Date: Mar-29-2013Novel sodium channel blocker with excellent pharmacokinetic and safety profile could fill treatment gap for severe pain condition

Convergence Pharmaceuticals Limited ("Convergence"), the company focused on the
development of novel analgesic medicines for the treatment of chronic pain, today
announces positive interim data from the ongoing Phase II clinical trial of novel sodium
channel blocker CNV1014802 in patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN), a very severe form
of facial pain.

CNV1014802 is a novel small molecule state-dependent sodium channel blocker that
exhibits potency and selectivity against the Nav 1.7 sodium channel. The Phase II study
utilises a novel design, whereby eligible patients are entered into a 3-week open-label
treatment period with CNV1014802 at a dose of 150mg three times a day (tid). If a
successful response is observed in the final week of this period, patients are then
randomised to a 4-week double-blind treatment period with either CNV1014802 150mg tid or
placebo.

A planned interim analysis was performed once a pre-defined number of patients had
completed the 3-week open-label treatment period. Success criteria for individual patient
response was defined as a 30% or more reduction in numbers of paroxysms, or severity of
paroxysms, relative to the run-in period. A total of 70% patients showed a successful
response and were subsequently randomised into the double-blind treatment period.
CNV1014802 was well tolerated in these patients. A Data Monitoring Committee (including
medical experts in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia) reviewed all available efficacy
and safety data from the open-label treatment period and agreed that the study should
continue to completion as defined in the protocol, using the dose regimen of 150mg tid for
CNV1014802.

TN is a very severe form of facial pain that is experienced in short bursts or
attacks. The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) defines TN as sudden,
severe, brief, stabbing, recurrent episodes of pain usually on one side of the face and
can be provoked by light touch. The pain follows one or more branches of the trigeminal
nerve which provides nerve sensation from the mouth, face and the front of the scalp.

TN currently affects approximately 50,000 people in the USA alone. The majority of
people affected are over 50 years of age, however many cases have been reported in young
adults. TN is more prevalent in women than men, and for most sufferers, the condition is
progressive and worsens over time. TN is commonly misdiagnosed and to date there is no
guaranteed cure for the condition. Current therapies are centred on sodium channel
blockers such as carbamazepine or oxcarbazepine as first-line treatments. However, these
agents although providing relief, are often poorly tolerated, and require lengthy dose
escalation, resulting in sub-optimal efficacy.

Clive Dix, Chief Executive Officer of Convergence Pharmaceuticals, added: "These
interim data are very encouraging. Based on its preclinical and clinical profile,
CNV1014802 offers the potential as an effective treatment for neuropathic pain, with a
potentially better tolerability profile and wider therapeutic index than currently
available treatments. We look forward to reporting full clinical results by the end of
2013."

The need for new drug treatments for chronic pain

The Pain therapeutic area encompasses any disease where pain is a major symptom. The
unmet medical need for patients in pain is enormous, with the greatest need being for a
more effective therapy that is well tolerated and safe over a long period of time. Within
the pain marketplace, current pain treatments are unsatisfactory; overall efficacy is poor
(typically 1-2 point reductions on a 10 point scale) and satisfactory to less than 50% of
patients. Whilst treatments, such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
are available on the market, many patients obtain little or no relief from these existing
analgesics and often such drugs are associated with adverse events, side effects and
addiction concerns. This highlights the importance of Convergence Pharmaceuticals' goals
to be a world leader in the development of novel, efficacious analgesics with improved
pharmacology and safety profiles.

About chronic pain

Currently, more than 1.5 billion people worldwide suffer from chronic pain of varying
degrees. Among all types of chronic pain, neuropathic pain stands out with approximately
3-4.5% of the global population affected, with incidence rate increasing in line with
increased age of the population. With the unmet clinical need so high, the demand for
better pain management therapies, addressing acute and chronic pain, is on the rise.

According to recent research the global pain management market is to reach US$60
Billion by 2015[1].

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.