Phosphagenics Limited (ASX: POH, AIM: PSG, OTCQX: PPGNY) advises that it has received approval to commence its Phase 1 clinical trial aimed at delivering the pain relief drug, oxycodone, through the skin.
The Company is aiming to become the first to offer chronic pain sufferers a patch that provides sustained-release oxycodone into the bloodstream.
Dr Esra Ogru, Executive Vice President of Research and Development at Phosphagenics, said that developing its pain relief pipeline will build on the success of previous transdermal clinical trials and provide a platform for the development of many other products.
“With this trial, we will be using our transdermal technology to deliver oxycodone in a sustained-release formulation with the aim of treating chronic pain. Currently oxycodone is not available in a transdermal route of administration,” Dr Ogru said.
“Oxycodone, with worldwide annual sales of more than $US 1 billion, is more potent than morphine with fewer adverse effects.”
As previously advised, the trial, to be conducted by CMAX – an independent clinical research organisation located at the Royal Adelaide Hospital – will be a single centre, single blinded, pharmacokinetic trial in up to 32 healthy volunteers and it will evaluate the tolerability and safety of the Phosphagenics’ novel transdermal oxycodone. This trial is scheduled to begin next month.
