Phosphagenics gets ethics nod for its pain patch trial

Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has secured ethics approval for a phase II trial of its TPM/Oxycodone pain patch.

The proof-of-concept trial is designed to examine the effectiveness of the patch at reducing pain in patients with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a well-accepted model for neuropathic pain.

If successful, the trial will represent the first time opioids delivered via the skin have been applied to treat peripheral pain in humans.

TPM-Oxycodone uses Phosphagenics' targeted penetration matrix technology to deliver the drug, helping to reduce side effects including addiction. The company recently demonstrated using the technology to provide local pain relief in a rodent model.

“It is very exciting to get our first opioid patch into formal phase II pain studies, especially as we are trialling a new application for this existing drug," Phosphagenics CSO Dr Paul Gavin said.

“Clearly an opioid product with little or no systemic delivery that greatly reduces most of the common adverse side effects caused by opioids while providing localised pain relief would be a unique and extremely valuable product."

Phosphagenics is also developing a second opioid-based pain patch, TCM-Oxymorphone, and recently completed an IND-enabling study of the treatment candidate.

Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) shares were trading 2.9% higher at $0.071 as of around 1.30 pm on Monday.