The company said that the drug, currently named V3381, was generally well-tolerated and that the data showed that further clinical development was warranted.
V3381 is a novel drug candidate which has a dual mechanism of action targeting both the central and peripheral nervous systems and for which Vernalis has worldwide rights.
“The safety and efficacy results of this phase IIa trial are encouraging and it is promising to see trends of efficacy across a range of pain measures,” commented Dr John Hutchison, Vernalis’ development director and chief medical officer.
The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover phase IIa clinical trial designed to assess safety, pharmacokinetics and preliminary efficacy of repeat dosing with V3381, in development for the treatment of neuropathic pain. The study was conducted in five specialist centers in the US and Canada with 35 patients completing both treatment periods.