Dara Provides Results Of Phase 2 Study For KRN5500

Dara BioSciences (Dara) has provided clinical data results for KRN5500, its lead compound for neuropathic pain, which achieved its primary endpoint of pain reduction and demonstrated superior performance vs Placebo. The study results were presented at the 12th International Conference on the Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain, held on November 19-21, 2009 in San Francisco.

The presentation provided an overview of the results from the recently completed multicenter, placebo-controlled, blinded, randomised, parallel group study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of KRN5500 in patients with neuropathic pain and advanced cancer.

The study result suggested that in the study KRN5500 demonstrated clinical proof of concept by meeting the primary efficacy endpoint of pain reduction.

Linda Jett, leader of the pain program at Dara, said: “Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain occurs in approximately 40% of patients treated with polychemotherapy and often responds poorly to presently available pain medications. Based on these positive results, Dara plans to commence a Phase 2b study in 2010.”

Richard Franco, CEO of Dara, said: “With two drug candidates in the clinic and collaboration with America Stem Cell, Dara is poised for an exciting and productive 2010.”