(RTTNews) -  Development stage biotechnology company Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. (RPTP: News ), Monday said that its orally administered pain relief compound NGX426 proved effective in a variety of neuropathic pain states, citing positive data from a clinical trial.

According to Novato, California- based Raptor, tests reveal that NGX426 effectively reduced neuropathic pain caused by damage to or dysfunction of the peripheral or central nervous system, rather than in those stimulated by pain receptors.

A single center, double-blind, randomized study conducted in 18 subjects compared the effectiveness of 90 mg, 150 mg of NGX426 in pain reduction, 30 and 120 minutes after inducing the pain with a capsaicin injection.

Results reveal that 150 mg of the compound was statistically significant in reducing spontaneous and elicited pain, after both time intervals.

90 mg NGX426, on the other hand, significantly reduced spontaneous pain, hyperalgesia or increased pain sensitivity and allodynia or pain due to an abnormal stimulus, after 30 minutes. After 120 minutes, the dosage was effective against hyperalgesia and allodynia, compared with placebo.

The compound was well tolerated after three treatment periods, and the most common adverse events were mild somnolence and dizziness.
"These proof-of-concept results support further clinical development for NGX426 as well as its companion drug, tezampanel, as potential non-opioid treatments for pain.", added the company. Tezampanel is Raptor's compound for acute migraine and thrombotic disorder.

Raptor is developing NGX426 as a treatment for acute pain such as migraine, and chronic pain, such as neuropathy. The pro-drug is looking for partners or collaborators for development, according to the company.

Apart from NGX426, Raptor's product development pipe-line includes DR Cysteamine for cystinosis and Huntington's disease, and Convivia for ALDH2 deficiency among others.

RPTP last traded at $3.50, gaining 9 cents or 2.64% on the Nasdaq.

To receive FREE breaking news email alerts for Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. and others in your portfolio

by RTT Staff Writer

For comments and feedback: contact editorial@rttnews.com