Trevi: Pain to itch

Trevi Therapeutics Inc. is developing a reformulated pain compound with a dual mechanism of action for a new indication, uremic pruritus, a severe chronic itching condition for which there is no approved drug in the U.S. or Europe. The biotech expects T111's broad therapeutic index will give it advantages over other products in development for the indication.

T111 is an extended-release oral formulation of the small molecule nalbuphine, which is a mu opioid receptor (OPRM1; MOR) antagonist and kappa opioid receptor (OPRK1; KOR) agonist. Trevi licensed exclusive, worldwide rights to the compound in 2011 from Endo Health Solutions Inc., which gained the rights from its 2010 acquisition of Penwest Pharmaceuticals Co...