Topical TRPV1 antagonist shows promise in heat-induced neuropathic pain
lzeCure Pharma has presented new clinical data on its lead pain candidate ACD440 at the NeuPSIG 2025 international pain conference. The presentation includes results from the phase 2 study in chronic peripheral neuropathic pain.
ACD440 is a first-in-class TRPV1 antagonist developed as a topical gel for localised treatment. It is designed to minimise systemic exposure while maintaining high local concentrations for sustained analgesic effect. The drug originated in Big Pharma and is based on Nobel Prize-winning science.
Dr Märta Segerdahl, Chief Medical Officer at AlzeCure Pharma, said: “Our data from the phase II study with ACD440 showed that the substance reduces temperature-induced pain by approximately 50%, a significant and clinically relevant reduction. These positive data are in line with the results from the phase Ib study and we have also demonstrated proof-of-mechanism in patients.”
The presentation, titled The TRPV1 antagonist ACD440 Gel as a tool in pain precision medicine, included post hoc analysis of phase 2a data. Results showed potent analgesic effects, particularly in heat-induced pain, which is common and distressing for patients with peripheral neuropathic conditions.
ACD440 recently received orphan drug designation from the FDA for erythromelalgia, a rare condition characterised by severe burning pain. The FDA has also provided positive feedback on a potential registration study for this indication.
Martin Jönsson, CEO of AlzeCure Pharma, said: “The positive results from the completed proof-of-mechanism study in patients with peripheral neuropathic pain and the recent orphan drug designation from the FDA demonstrate the great potential value of ACD440, making the project interesting for both investors and pharmaceutical companies with regards to out-licensing.”