Concentric Analgesics presents vocacapsaicin pain relief data

California-based biopharmaceutical company Concentric Analgesics recently presented new data on their innovative pain management drug, vocacapsaicin, at the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) World Congress in Amsterdam. The presentation included crucial Phase II data demonstrating significant reductions in postoperative opioid use following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and bunionectomy surgeries.

One of the key highlights was the Phase II trial concerning opioid cessation after TKA. The study, registered under NCT03731364, revealed that only 38% of patients treated with vocacapsaicin required opioid-based analgesia two weeks post-surgery, compared to 58% in the placebo group. This suggests a considerable reduction in opioid dependency for patients using vocacapsaicin.

In an interview with Pharmaceutical Technology, Concentric's CEO Frank Bellizzi disclosed that the company is planning four additional clinical studies for vocacapsaicin. Three of these studies have already received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bellizzi also mentioned that Concentric is actively seeking commercial partnerships to further develop and distribute the drug.

Another significant portion of the presentation covered data from a Phase II trial investigating vocacapsaicin’s effectiveness after bunionectomy surgery (NCT03599089). This trial, with findings published in the journal Anesthesiology, demonstrated that all patients receiving vocacapsaicin were able to cease opioid use by the fifth day post-surgery. In stark contrast, only 16% of patients in the placebo group achieved this milestone, with half of them continuing opioid use for up to two weeks.

The implications of these findings are particularly important given the ongoing opioid crisis in the United States. Persistent opioid use beyond five days significantly elevates the risk of developing an addiction. Dr. Edwin Su from Weill Cornell Medical College emphasized that the reduction in opioid consumption observed over the two-week period was accompanied by earlier ambulation, suggesting faster recovery times and potentially fewer postoperative complications.

Vocacapsaicin operates as a prodrug of capsaicin, targeting TRPV1 receptors on pain-specific nerves to deliver prolonged analgesia. Unlike traditional painkillers, vocacapsaicin’s effects can last for months without causing numbness or motor weakness. Dr. Harold Minkowitz from HD Research highlighted that vocacapsaicin's unique mechanism of action sets it apart from existing pain management options, offering long-lasting postoperative pain relief.

Since gaining Fast Track designation from the FDA in 2017 and Breakthrough Therapy designation in 2018, vocacapsaicin has garnered significant attention. Concentric Analgesics raised $76 million in Series B financing in 2019 and an additional $40 million over the past three years, supporting the ongoing development and commercialization of this promising drug.

Vocacapsaicin’s future looks promising, especially with upcoming legislation like the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NO PAIN) Act. Set to take effect in January 2025, this act will improve access to non-opioid pain management solutions by eliminating reimbursement barriers for Medicare, potentially benefiting a wide range of patients and reducing the overall dependency on opioids for pain relief.