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Novel Prodrug Approaches Show Promise in Neuropathic Pain, Epilepsy Treatment and Functional Neurological Seizures
At the 2024 Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting, Xyzagen presented new research from its internal Kv7 prodrug programs, highlighting novel therapeutic approaches for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, status epilepticus, and functional neurological seizures.
The presentations showcased Xyzagen’s development of next-generation, water-soluble Kv7 ion channel opener prodrugs designed to improve pharmacokinetic control, expand clinical utility, and reduce treatment-emergent adverse events. These programs reflect more than two decades of Kv7 research and Xyzagen’s integrated expertise in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical modeling.
Scientific Focus and Program Overview
Xyzagen presented data on two Kv7 prodrug candidates:
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XYG204, a highly water-soluble Kv7 channel opener prodrug developed as both an injectable and oral therapy. The injectable formulation demonstrated more than a 10,000-fold increase in solubility over ezogabine, supporting acute use in status epilepticus and functional neurological seizures. The oral formulation is positioned for development under a 505(b)(2) pathway for focal onset seizures.
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XYG203, a second prodrug designed for neuropathic pain, demonstrated constant absorption throughout the gastrointestinal tract. This profile enables loading-dose strategies and significantly reduced peak-to-trough variability, with a reported Cmax-to-Ctrough swing of approximately 3%, which may reduce adverse events associated with rapid absorption.
Presentation Details
Event: Society for Neuroscience (SfN) Annual Meeting
Date: October 4–9, 2024
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Presentation 1
Title: Development and Clinical Modeling of Kv7 Channel Opener Prodrug for Treatment of Neuropathic Pain
Session: Non-Opioid Treatment for Persistent Pain
Date & Time: October 6, 2024 | 8:00–9:00 AM CDT
Poster: PSTR069.21 / C160
Presenter: Danshina et al.
Presentation 2
Title: Development and Clinical Modeling of Kv7 Channel Opener Prodrug for Treatment of Focal Onset Seizures, Status Epilepticus, and Functional Neurological Seizures
Session: Epilepsy: Human Studies
Date & Time: October 7, 2024 | 4:00–5:00 PM CDT
Poster: PSTR205.21 / B33
Presenter: Thrasher et al.
Key Scientific Highlights
- Xyzagen’s novel Kv7 channel opener prodrugs show promising results in preclinical models of neuropathic pain and epilepsy
- Advanced clinical modeling techniques provide insights into potential efficacy and safety profiles in humans
- Innovative prodrug approach may offer improved therapeutic window and reduced side effects compared to existing treatments
Executive Quote
“Our presentations at the SfN Annual Meeting represent a significant milestone in Xyzagen’s mission to develop novel transformative therapies for patients with neurological disorders based on over 25 years of Kv7 research,” said Mr. Christopher Crean, Founder and CEO of Xyzagen, Inc. “The positive data from our Kv7 research programs underscore the potential of our prodrug approach for ezogabine and paves the path for our novel Kv7 programs, to address critical unmet needs in neuropathic pain, epilepsy treatment and functional neurological seizures.”
Final Takeaways
Xyzagen’s presentations at SfN 2024 highlight the depth of its internal Kv7 research programs and its ability to translate complex pharmacology into clinically actionable strategies. By combining innovative prodrug chemistry with rigorous PK/PD analysis and clinical modeling, Xyzagen is advancing Kv7-based therapies designed to improve dosing control, reduce adverse events, and expand treatment options across multiple neurological indications.
If you’re exploring novel CNS therapies or need support integrating pharmacology, PK, and translational modeling into your development strategy, Xyzagen can help. Contact us today to discuss how our expertise can support your neurological drug development program.
About Xyzagen, Inc.
Xyzagen augments a client’s pharmacology and pharmacokinetics drug development team. As a leading pharmacokinetics consultancy and contract research organization with wet lab and rodent vivarium facilities, Xyzagen is able to push model informed drug development into its First-in-Rat® and First-in-Mouse® discovery platforms as well as support late stage clinical noncompartmental PK, PopPK and Quantitative Medicine. Our knowledge in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics allows the client to expand their core scientific team during the critical period of candidate selection up to the PreIND meeting and through clinical development and the preNDA meeting. We’re a boutique organization which allows for small clients to work directly with experts during their critical decisions.
Media Contact:
Christopher Crean
Founder & CEO
Xyzagen, Inc.
Phone: (919)-762-2072
Email: [email protected]
