Channel Therapeutics Corporation (NYSE American: CHRO) announced today that its novel non-opioid eye drop formulation, CT2000, has successfully met predefined endpoints in two preclinical animal models for the treatment of both acute ocular pain and chronic ocular surface pain associated with dry eye disease.
The positive results represent a significant advancement in the company's development of non-addictive pain therapeutics targeting the sodium ion-channel NaV1.7, which has been genetically validated as a potent target for pain management.
Promising Results in Dual Preclinical Models
In the first trial, researchers used a capsaicin-induced pain model in rabbits to simulate acute ocular injury. Following treatment with CT2000 administered four times over a 24-hour period, the drug demonstrated significant efficacy within just 15 minutes of administration and maintained pain relief for at least 60 minutes.
The second trial employed a benzalkonium chloride (BAC) model in mice to replicate dry eye disease conditions. CT2000, dosed four times daily for seven days, reduced pain indicators within a single day of administration and showed increasing efficacy with continued use over multiple days.
"We are very pleased with the results of these animal efficacy studies, which adds to the Depot formulation study results announced in December 2024, demonstrating a viable path forward in treating both post-surgical pain and chronic eye pain," stated Dr. Eric Lang, Chief Medical Officer of Channel. "Additionally, these results support our belief that the inhibition of NaV1.7 has broad applications in treating different pain indications and further supports the genetic validation that NaV1.7 is a potent target for pain."
Innovative Pain Assessment Methodology
Both trials utilized paw wipes over 60-second intervals as a validated surrogate measure of ocular pain in animal models. In the acute pain model, CT2000 significantly reduced the frequency of paw wipes compared to control groups. Similarly, in the chronic dry eye model, the treatment demonstrated both immediate and cumulative benefits with continued administration.
The methodology aligns with established preclinical assessment standards for ocular pain therapeutics and provides robust evidence for CT2000's analgesic properties.
Addressing a Significant Market Need
According to market research cited by Channel, the global chronic eye pain market was valued at $7.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $12.4 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. Additionally, the global acute eye pain market was valued at $404 million.
"We are very encouraged with these results, and the opportunity to target a large market that currently does not have many therapeutic options could provide Channel with considerable market opportunities," stated Frank Knuettel II, Chief Executive Officer of Channel. "Moreover, these results pave the way for Channel to launch Phase 1/II human proof of concept trials."
Expanding Treatment Portfolio
The positive results for CT2000 complement Channel's previously announced data on its Depot formulation, which is being developed for post-operative nerve blocks. Together, these developments strengthen the company's position in addressing multiple pain indications through NaV1.7 inhibition.
Channel Therapeutics is focused on developing non-opioid, non-addictive therapeutics for pain management. The company's approach of selectively targeting NaV1.7 represents a promising alternative to traditional pain medications, potentially offering effective relief without the risks of addiction and other serious side effects associated with opioid treatments.
Future Development Plans
Based on these encouraging preclinical results, Channel Therapeutics plans to advance CT2000 to Phase 1/II human proof-of-concept trials. The company aims to address significant unmet needs in both acute and chronic ocular pain management, where current therapeutic options are limited.
The development of CT2000 aligns with growing demand for non-opioid pain management solutions across various indications, positioning Channel Therapeutics to potentially capture significant market share in the expanding ocular pain treatment landscape.
