Neurology

Mouse studies identified two acylsulfonamide-based Nav1.7 inhibitors that could help treat inflammatory and neuropathic pain. In a human Nav1.7-expressing mouse model of neuropathic pain, a previously reported acylsulfonamide-based Nav1.7 inhibitor decreased pain-related flinching and licking behaviors compared with vehicle. In mouse models of formalin- and Freund’s adjuvant-induced inflammatory pain, the compound and another previously reported acylsulfonamide-based Nav1.7 inhibitor decreased pain-related flinching, licking and lifting behaviors. In mouse models of streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy and spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, the compounds decreased pain-related behaviors compared with no treatment. Next steps by Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc. and the Genentech Inc. unit of Roche could include optimization of the compounds.

Biogen Inc. has raxatrigine, a state-dependent inhibitor of Nav1.7, in Phase II testing for pain...