NeurogesX enrolls PHN Phase III

NeurogesX (San Carlos, Calif.) completed enrollment of 400 patients in a Phase III trial of its Transacin ( NGX-4010) trans-capsaicin dermal patch to treat neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The primary endpoint of the double-blind, U.S. trial is change in average pain level from baseline compared with a lower-concentration active control. The control is 1/200 the concentration of Transacin, which is enough to irritate the skin so that the trial can be blinded, but not enough to reduce nerve fiber density. The company expects final data in the fourth quarter. ...