RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Oct. 19, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Icagen, Inc. (Nasdaq:ICGN) today announced that data related to its collaboration with Pfizer focused on certain sodium channels for the treatment of pain and related conditions were presented in two poster presentations at the Neuroscience 2009 Annual Meeting sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience ("SFN") in Chicago, Illinois.
Icagen and Pfizer jointly presented data demonstrating progress in identifying subtype-selective modulators of the sodium channel Nav1.8. This channel is one of three sodium channel pain targets that form the basis of the collaboration. There are extensive preclinical data demonstrating a role for Nav1.8 in modulating pain. However, to date only limited examples of subtype-selective small molecule modulators of Nav1.8 have been described. In collaboration with Pfizer, Icagen presented pharmacokinetic and efficacy data for two novel modulators of this target. These orally bioavailable, use-dependent compounds have excellent in vitro profiles, impact nerve firing, are efficacious in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain and have acceptable pharmacokinetic and drug-like properties. Overall these data provide further evidence for the feasibility of identifying selective Nav1.8 compounds as potential novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of pain.
"While sodium channel blockers have been used to treat pain for many years, currently available agents are not subtype-selective and therefore are limited by serious side effects," noted Douglas Krafte, Ph.D., VP Biology and Pharmacology at Icagen. "In collaboration with Pfizer, compounds which selectively inhibit one particular subtype of voltage-gated sodium channels, Nav1.8, have been characterized. By blocking only one subtype of these channels it should be possible to identify compounds which demonstrate efficacy in pain with an improved side effect profile as compared with existing therapies. We look forward to continuing this research program with Pfizer as we seek to identify novel clinical compounds for the treatment of pain and related disorders."
About Icagen
Icagen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel orally-administered small molecule drugs that modulate ion channel targets. Utilizing its proprietary know-how and integrated scientific and drug development capabilities, Icagen has identified multiple drug candidates that modulate ion channels. The Company is conducting research and development activities in a number of disease areas, including epilepsy, pain and inflammation. The Company has clinical stage programs in epilepsy and asthma.
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Forward-Looking Statements
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