Neuraptive Therapeutics' NTX-001 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA, signaling a major advancement in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries requiring surgical repair. This designation, announced on September 11, 2024, aims to expedite the development and review of NTX-001, a drug-device combination, offering hope for improved outcomes in patients with these debilitating injuries. The decision follows promising results from the Phase 2 NEUROFUSE study and several constructive interactions with the FDA.
Phase 2 NEUROFUSE Study Results
The Phase 2 NEUROFUSE study evaluated the safety and efficacy of NTX-001 in patients with acute, single-transected upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries. Interim findings from the 24-week analysis, presented at the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) Annual Meeting, highlighted several key benefits:
- Significant improvement in MHQ (Michigan Hand Questionnaire) total scores at 8 and 24 weeks post-operation compared to standard of care alone.
- No safety concerns were identified related to the use of NTX-001.
- Patients treated with NTX-001 experienced significantly reduced post-operative pain compared to standard of care alone.
The full 48-week data from the NEUROFUSE study is expected to be released in the coming weeks and will be presented at a future scientific conference.
Planned Phase 3 Program
Building on the Phase 2 results, Neuraptive is preparing to initiate a Phase 3 pivotal program for NTX-001 in early 2025. The program will consist of a single randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy and safety of NTX-001 in patients with peripheral nerve injury requiring repair. The final protocol for this Phase 3 study is currently under discussion with the FDA.
Expert Commentary
Evan L. Tzanis, COO and EVP of R&D at Neuraptive Therapeutics, stated, "The FDA’s Breakthrough Therapy designation for NTX-001 is a major step forward in our mission to provide an innovative treatment for patients suffering from peripheral nerve injuries requiring repair. We are eager to continue working closely with the FDA to ensure NTX-001 reaches patients as quickly as possible and to deliver a transformative therapy in the field of nerve repair."
Dr. David Brogan of Washington University, lead author of the NEUROFUSE study presentation, noted, "Traumatic peripheral nerve transections are an unsolved problem in hand and upper extremity surgery, and the potential use of PEG fusion to meet this challenge has gained considerable interest among clinicians who deal with these devastating injuries. This data demonstrating improvement in pain and patient-reported outcomes is an exciting first step in addressing the needs of these patients."
About Neuraptive Therapeutics
Neuraptive Therapeutics, Inc. is dedicated to the innovation and development of medical products and therapeutics to repair and regenerate peripheral nerves, addressing the unmet medical needs of patients and physicians dealing with the complex challenges of nerve injuries. The company received Orphan Drug Designation for NTX-001 in January 2024.
