Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated took another important step in its efforts to develop a NaV1.8 inhibitor for chronic pain on 13 December, reporting that VX-548 demonstrated statistical significance at three doses in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) versus a reference arm of Pfizer Inc.’s Lyrica (pregabalin). Analysts noted that while the drug hit the efficacy bar in DPN with data numerically similar to Lyrica, its best hope to compete in the generic-dominated pain market may lie in showing a better safety and tolerability profile.
Vertex’s Non-Opioid Pain Candidate Hits Marks In Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
VX-548, which is set to read out Phase III data in acute pain in early 2024, demonstrated initial efficacy in chronic pain, but analysts say the drug will have to compete mainly on safety and tolerability.
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