Roche has licensed its P2X31 receptor program aimed at developing treatments for chronic pain to Afferent Pharmaceuticals (Afferent). In conjunction with the announcement, Afferent has successfully closed a $23m Series A financing. Proceeds from the financing will be used to accelerate the development of P2X3 receptor targeted pain therapies.
Anthony Ford, co-founder of Afferent, said: “Research shows that P2X3-containing receptors are specific to nerve fibers that transmit the sensations of pain and discomfort in response to inflammation or injury, particularly in chronic conditions. P2X3 antagonism represents a breakthrough and potentially transformative approach to treating chronic pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, visceral pain and neuropathy.
“Our preclinical and clinical data on this program suggest a very compelling first-in-class, orally delivered product, and we look forward to initiating clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of the lead product candidate, AF-219, in several indications early in 2010.”