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news.Neurogen has said that an affiliate of Merck & Co has begun a phase II proof-of-concept trial to study MK-2295 for the treatment of post-operative dental pain.
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MK-2295 is one of several drug candidates Merck is developing as part of its exclusive worldwide alliance with Neurogen to develop oral medicines targeting the VR1 receptor.
The initiation of the phase II study triggers a $3 million milestone payment from Merck to Neurogen. Through the alliance, Neurogen and Merck have generated a broad spectrum of chemical intellectual property and several drug candidates, including MK-2295. The companies will select the most promising of the lead candidates for further development once proof-of-concept has been established.
The phase II proof-of-concept trial is designed to determine the efficacy of MK-2295 in the treatment of post-operative dental pain. In single ascending dose phase I trials, MK-2295 was potent and active at the VR1 target and generally well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
“VR1 receptor antagonists have the potential to alleviate pain, including pain from inflammatory states,” said William Koster, president and CEO of Neurogen.