Dogwood Therapeutics Advances Non-Opioid Pain Treatment in Phase 2b Trial

ATLANTA, Jan. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dogwood Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DWTX), a development-stage biopharmaceutical company, announced today that dosing of the first patient in its Phase 2b clinical trial, HALT-CINP, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025. The trial evaluates Halneuron®, a first-in-class Nav 1.7 inhibitor, as a non-opioid treatment for chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain (CINP).

Halneuron® targets a specific voltage-gated sodium channel, offering a potential alternative to opioid-based pain management. In previous Phase 2 trials, the drug demonstrated statistically significant pain reduction in cancer-related pain with an acceptable safety profile. Over 700 patients have participated in Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies, with no evidence of addiction potential.

“Chemotherapy is effective but often comes with debilitating side effects, including neuropathy and pain,” said Dr. R. Michael Gendreau, Chief Medical Officer of Dogwood Therapeutics. “Approximately one-third of patients treated with certain chemotherapeutics develop chronic painful neuropathy, and current treatments are largely ineffective. Halneuron® represents a promising solution to this unmet medical need.”

The CINP market is valued at approximately $1.5 billion, highlighting the significance of this research. Greg Duncan, Chairman and CEO of Dogwood Therapeutics, emphasized the company’s track record in developing blockbuster pain treatments, including Celebrex, Lyrica, and Savella. “Halneuron® has the potential to transform pain management for cancer patients,” Duncan said.

Dogwood Therapeutics is also advancing its antiviral program, which includes IMC-1 and IMC-2, targeting conditions like fibromyalgia and Long-COVID. IMC-1 is poised for Phase 3 development, while IMC-2 is expected to enter Phase 2b trials focused on reducing fatigue associated with Long-COVID.

Interim data from the Phase 2b CINP trial is anticipated in the second half of 2025. For more information, visit Dogwood Therapeutics’ website.