Cara Therapeutics Initiates Phase 1 Clinical Trial Of Novel Analgesic, CR845

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 29 Apr 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Cara Therapeutics, Inc announced that it has initiated a Phase 1 clinical trial of its long-acting peripheral kappa opioid receptor agonist, CR845. The Phase 1a single-center clinical trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, and pharmacological activity of CR845 in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, single escalating intravenous dose study in 58 healthy male and female volunteers.

The company is also developing oral and subcutaneous formulations of CR845.

About CR845

In preclinical studies, CR845 was highly selective for the peripheral kappa opioid receptor. Animal studies indicate that CR845 is effective in treating pain of inflammatory, neuropathic and visceral origin and exhibits analgesic efficacy for up to 18 hours after a single dose. Analgesic activity was seen after intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral administration. Unlike currently marketed opioids, CR845 did not inhibit intestinal transit (ileus) or elicit signs of addiction in animal models. Preclinical studies also indicate that CR845 possesses anti-itch activity.

About Cara Therapeutics

Cara Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing novel, superior therapeutics to treat pain and inflammation associated with diverse medical conditions. Cara's current pipeline includes near-term clinical drug candidates identified as mechanistically distinct, peripherally-acting analgesics.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the therapeutic applications of CR845 and about Cara's strategy, technologies, pre-clinical and clinical programs, and ability to identify and develop drugs, as well as other statements that are not historical facts. Actual events or results may differ materially from Cara's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the timing, success and cost of Cara's research and clinical studies and Cara's ability to obtain additional financing. These forward- looking statements represent Cara's judgment as of the date of this release. Cara disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

Cara Therapeutics, Inc.
http://www.caratherapeutics.com