There is a substantial shortfall in treatment options for sufferers of chronic pain and a need for non-opiate based approaches.
The patient population for neuropathic and nociceptive pain is large, and it is forecast that the prevalence of individuals suffering from neuropathic pain will be over 39 million in the seven major markets, which is complemented by the forecast growth of the nociceptive market to include over 164 million individuals in 2011.
There is a significant market opportunity for a novel therapy to treat neuropathic pain as treatment of this condition can be very difficult, with only 40-60% of patients achieving partial relief with current therapies. The novel mechanism of action of Syntaxin’s TSI offers potential to provide relief to chronic pain sufferers, for whom existing therapies are not effective.
Allergan has an exclusive licence to Syntaxin intellectual property within the field of human pain. Allergan entered into the relationship in 2000.
Allergan is responsible for the development and marketing of products derived from the pain alliance with Syntaxin. Syntaxin receives milestone payments at key stages of pre-clinical and clinical development and a royalty on sales of the product.
Discovery Approach
The objective of the Pain Programme is to create and develop TSI that target peripheral neurones involved in the transmission of the pain signal.
The programme has utilized a matrix approach to the identification of TSI with in vivo effectiveness in a range of analgesia models.
The programme has applied Syntaxin’s know-how in protein engineering to develop a molecule optimisation strategy that has delivered optimal molecule architecture to achieve enhanced efficacy and/or protein biophysical characteristics.
Development
A lead TSI from the collaboration between Allergan and Syntaxin, AGN-214868, has been selected for clinical development. AGN-214868 has completed a Phase I clinical trial and now Allergan has initiated two Phase II trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the drug candidate AGN-214868. The Phase II trials are focused on patients with post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and overactive bladder (OAB).
A Phase II study to evaluate safety and efficacy in patients with PHN - nerve pain following injection into areas of PHN pain commenced in July 2010, please refer to the following link for further information - Clinical Trials. In addition, Phase II studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AGN-214868 in patients with OAB commenced in October 2010, please refer to the following link for further information – Clinical Trials.
AGN-214868 was discovered under the collaboration using Syntaxin’s proprietary TSI discovery platform. Under this agreement, Allergan is responsible for the clinical development, marketing and sales of identified drug candidates. Syntaxin receives milestone payments and royalties on product sales.