Contineum Therapeutics Begins Phase 1b Dosing in PIPE-791 Chronic Pain Trial

Contineum Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, has embarked on an exploratory Phase 1b trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of their novel treatment, PIPE-791, in managing chronic pain. The company, known for developing innovative therapies targeting neuroscience, inflammation, and immunology conditions, has initiated patient dosing in this significant trial.

PIPE-791 is a small molecule antagonist that penetrates the brain and targets the lysophosphatidic acid 1 receptor (LPA1R). This receptor plays a crucial role in the nervous system, and its activation is associated with neuropathic pain, often leading to heightened sensitivity and chronic pain symptoms. By blocking the LPA1 receptor, PIPE-791 aims to address maladaptive changes in the central nervous system that contribute to persistent pain, offering a potentially new approach to treatment.

The current trial focuses on chronic pain linked with osteoarthritis (OA) and low back pain (LBP), two conditions that are prevalent and often difficult to treat effectively. The study will enroll approximately 40 patients across up to five sites within the United States, with a treatment period extending over 28 days. Contineum Therapeutics anticipates the release of topline data from this study in early 2026, which will be instrumental in determining the future direction of their chronic pain program.

Stephen Huhn, Chief Medical Officer at Contineum Therapeutics, expressed optimism about the trial, highlighting PIPE-791's unique mechanism of action. He emphasized the potential of PIPE-791 to serve as a differentiated, non-opioid treatment option for patients suffering from OA and LBP. This is particularly significant given the current opioid crisis and the need for alternative pain management solutions.

Chronic pain is frequently linked to neuropathic symptoms stemming from abnormal signaling within the central nervous system. These symptoms often result in increased sensitivity to pain. Preclinical studies have indicated that activation of the LPA1 receptor is involved in maintaining hypersensitivity associated with neuropathic pain. This is achieved through processes such as nerve fiber demyelination, increased excitability of neurons, and heightened neuroinflammatory responses. By specifically inhibiting the activity of the LPA1 receptor, PIPE-791 could potentially alter these maladaptive changes, thus reducing pain.

Contineum Therapeutics, listed on NASDAQ under the symbol CTNM, is committed to developing novel oral therapies for conditions with significant unmet medical needs in neuroscience, inflammation, and immunology. Alongside PIPE-791, which is also in clinical development for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive multiple sclerosis, the company is advancing PIPE-307. This selective inhibitor targets the M1 receptor and is being explored for use in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and depression.

The initiation of the PIPE-791 trial marks a significant step forward for Contineum Therapeutics in their quest to provide new and effective treatment options for chronic pain sufferers. With the potential to offer a non-opioid solution, this trial could pave the way for innovative approaches to managing pain, addressing both the underlying causes and the symptoms of chronic pain conditions. As the trial progresses, the industry will be watching to see the outcomes and potential implications for future chronic pain therapies.