NGX-4010 and postherpetic neuralgia

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Nov, 2007 by Marissa Heller

NeurogesX, Inc recently announced positive results from its second phase III clinical trial for NGX-4010 in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. NGX-4010 is a non-narcotic, locally-acting dermal patch that contains synthetic capsaicin. The capsaicin is absorbed into the skin without being significantly absorbed into the bloodstream. It has been shown to lead to a clinically relevant reduction in peripheral pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia for up to 12 weeks after administration.

This second phase III trial was a multicenter, double-blind, controlled study that met its primary endpoint of reducing pain. During the course of the study, which enrolled 416 patients, a single 60-minute application of NGX-4010 was evaluated and compared to a control patch that contained a low concentration of the active ingredient. Physicians administered all treatments in their offices. The patients' responses to the treatment were evaluated daily for 12 weeks using an 11-point numeric pain rating scale. The prior phase III clinical study of NGX-4010 showed that this single 60-minute treatment to the site of pain translated into pain relief for up to 12 weeks.