AcelRx initiates Phase II cancer breakthrough pain trial

The primary objective of this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study is the assessment of safety, tolerability and efficacy of ARX-02 relative to placebo in cancer patients experiencing episodic breakthrough pain.

Thomas Schreck, CEO of AcelRx, said: “We are pleased to have initiated the dosing of our first patient in this proof-of-concept study. Developing a fast acting opioid with a shorter half-life than fentanyl for cancer patients who experience sudden breakthrough pain represents a significant step towards effectively treating pain while minimizing overall opioid exposure.”