Cubist and Hydra have recently identified and completed preclinical testing on a novel small molecule antagonist of the human TRPA1 channel, CB-625 (CB-189,625), and filed for regulatory approval to initiate human clinical studies.
CB-625’s mechanism of action in peripheral pain fibers distinguishes it from all other classes of analgesics.
The Phase 1 trial is intended to assess the potential of TRPA1 investigational product in treating acute pain and inflammatory conditions.
The open-label, dose-escalation study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of CB-625 in healthy volunteers is likely to begin in the first quarter of 2012.
Hydra Biosciences president and CEO Russell Herndon said the advancement of CB-625 into the clinic would help in the management of peri-operative pain, reducing reliance on opioids, which are believed to have many side effects.