CeNeRx has received the rights to develop and market a novel agent for the prevention and treatment of neuropathies and neurodegenerative disorders.
The drug candidate, CXB909 is a small molecule, orally active agent that enhances the effects of nerve growth factor (NGF). CeNeRx intends to initiate a Phase-l trial of CXB909 for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), later this year.
CXB909 was licensed from Krenitsky, which also licensed the RIMA series of selective and reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) compounds to CeNeRx.
Daniel Burch, Executive Vice President of R&D and CMO of CeNeRx, said: “In preclinical studies, our small molecule agent CXB909 has been shown to increase the action of native NGF, but without the pharmacokinetic and administration challenges of recombinant NGF. Most notably, CXB909 crosses the blood brain barrier, has a long half-life and is orally available. The preclinical data for this agent is very promising, and we look forward to assessing it in the clinic for neuropathic and neurodegenerative conditions that currently have no treatment options.”