FAAH Pharma has announced an investment by TVM Life Science Ventures VII investment into the company. FAAH Pharma will continue the clinical development of a compound with the potential to treat neuropathic pain. The asset has been tested in the clinic in healthy volunteers and will be studied in a Phase IIa trial. The company is fully funded to this stage by TVM Life Science Ventures VII.
The compound was originally discovered and developed by Infinity Pharmaceuticals, a company located in Cambridge, MA. “Infinity is pleased to have its fatty acid amide hydrolase, or FAAH, inhibitor advance in clinical development. The inhibition of FAAH increases levels of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in humans, which we believe could result in a prolonged local analgesic response to pain,” stated Vito Palombella, chief scientific officer at Infinity. “Pain remains a serious problem for which patients are seeking new and unique treatments to bring relief. So we look forward to the focus and dedication that FAAH Pharma will bring towards rapidly advancing this programme.”
The primary indication to be initially studied in Phase IIa clinical development with the compound is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a syndrome of intractable neuropathic pain that follows what is commonly known as shingles, caused by an outbreak of the herpes zoster (chicken pox) virus. Some treatments are available, but an important need remains for treatments to abate the pain symptoms.
“TVM Capital Life Science is proud to add this investment into a clinical stage pain asset to its portfolio of project-focused companies. We believe that human proof-of-concept from a Phase IIa trial will provide strong clinical validation for this well-known target in postherpetic neuralgia, and a basis for development in other neuropathic pain indications,” stated Dr Cynthia Lavoie, general partner with TVM Capital Life Science. Dr Lavoie will be joining the board of directors of FAAH Pharma and will be joined by Dr Gail Farfel, chief development and regulatory officer at Marinus Pharmaceuticals, and Dr Franz Hefti, president and CEO of Acumen Pharmaceuticals.
TVM Life Science Ventures VII is a unique collaboration between TVM Capital Life Science and Eli Lilly and Company to finance and access innovation and as a way to manage risk and share reward.
“Neurodegeneration remains a key therapeutic area for Lilly, given our strong legacy and expertise in this area,” said Elaine Sullivan, vice president of Lilly global external research and development. “TVM Life Science Ventures VII is an important part of our strategy as we strive to discover innovative medicines in multiple therapeutic areas of great unmet need, including pain, so we can help make life better for people around the world.”