Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Announces Topline Results from Phase 2b PROGRESS Study Evaluating Pilavapadin (LX9211) in Adults with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Core Insights - Lexicon Pharmaceuticals announced positive topline results from the PROGRESS Phase 2b study of pilavapadin, an investigational AAK1 inhibitor for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain (DPNP), achieving meaningful pain reduction compared to placebo and demonstrating good tolerability at the 10 mg dose [1][5][6] Study Results - The PROGRESS study met its objectives, identifying the 10 mg dose as effective for pain reduction and tolerability, advancing it into Phase 3 development [2][5] - In the PROGRESS study, the 10 mg, 20 mg/10 mg, and 20 mg dose arms achieved reductions in average daily pain scores of 1.74, 1.70, and 1.38, respectively, compared to a reduction of 1.31 in the placebo arm [3] - The 10 mg dose arm showed significant separation from placebo in pain reduction, while the 20 mg dose did not reach statistical significance [3] Adverse Events - Adverse events were more frequent in pilavapadin treatment arms but were milder compared to the RELIEF-DPN-1 study, with dizziness and nausea being the most common [4][6] - The 10 mg dose was generally well-tolerated, while the 20 mg dose had a higher incidence of adverse events leading to patient discontinuations [4] Market Potential - The neuropathic pain market represents a multibillion-dollar opportunity, and pilavapadin could become the first oral non-opioid treatment approved for neuropathic pain in 20 years [6][12] - The results from the PROGRESS study have generated significant interest from potential partners, and the company plans to accelerate discussions while preparing for Phase 3 development [6] Study Background - The PROGRESS study enrolled 496 adult patients with moderate to severe DPNP and was designed to evaluate the efficacy of pilavapadin against placebo [9] - The study's primary endpoint was the change in average daily pain score from baseline to Week 8 [9] Future Plans - A full analysis of the PROGRESS study results will be presented at a medical conference and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal [7]