AlzeCure Pharma AB is set to host a live event on October 23rd, focusing on their Phase II clinical candidate, ACD440, a novel topical treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. The symposium, titled "ACD440 - A novel non-opioid analgesic", will feature Dr. Rolf Karlsten, alongside AlzeCure's CMO and project manager, Märta Segerdahl, providing an in-depth look at the drug's development and the broader landscape of pain management.
ACD440: A Novel Approach to Neuropathic Pain
ACD440 is a first-in-class TRPV1 antagonist administered topically for peripheral neuropathic pain. Originating from Big Pharma through strategic in-licensing, the drug candidate boasts a strong scientific foundation, with its underlying research having been awarded a Nobel Prize in 2021. The topical gel formulation is designed to minimize systemic exposure while maintaining a high local concentration of the substance, maximizing analgesic effects over extended periods.
Positive Proof-of-Mechanism Results
In 2023, AlzeCure reported positive proof-of-mechanism (PoM) results from a Phase II study of ACD440 in patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain. The study demonstrated that ACD440 had a significant analgesic effect, reducing pain induced by cold and heat by approximately 50%. This reduction is considered clinically relevant, addressing temperature hypersensitivity, a common and debilitating issue for individuals with neuropathic pain. These results aligned with previously reported Phase I findings, further supporting the drug's potential.
Well-Tolerated Topical Treatment
The Phase II study also highlighted that ACD440, when applied topically as a gel, was well-tolerated by patients. The substance and its administration route demonstrate good suitability for further clinical development, suggesting a promising future for ACD440 as a non-opioid treatment option for neuropathic pain.
Addressing a Significant Unmet Need
Neuropathic pain affects an estimated 7-8% of the global adult population, with conditions like diabetes and HIV increasing the risk. Current treatments often fail to provide adequate relief, with 70-80% of patients not achieving effective pain management. The need for new, non-opioid treatments is critical, given the risks associated with opioid use. AlzeCure's development of ACD440 represents a significant step towards addressing this unmet medical need.
