European Conference on Pain Features NeurogesX Symposium on Capsaicin and Neuropathic Pain; Examining the Roles of Capsaicin and VR1 Receptor Agonists.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K PRAGUE, Czech Republic--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 4, 2003 A symposium on neuropathic pain, sponsored by NeurogesX, Inc., was held today at the 4th Congress of the European Federation of IASP IASP International Association for the Study of Pain IASP International Association of Science Parks IASP International Association for Suicide Prevention IASP Information Assurance Scholarship Program IASP Independent Auxiliary Storage Pool Chapters (International Association for the Study of Pain The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) is an international professional organisation for doctors and other health professionals involved in the diagnosis, treatment and scientific study of pain, as well as education and training in the field of pain medicine. ), in Prague, Czech Republic. The symposium, entitled "Neuropathic Pain: Emerging Role of VR1 Receptor Agonists," featured presentations from three scientists studying the roles of capsaicin capsaicin /cap·sa·i·cin/ (kap-sa´i-sin) an alkaloid irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, the active ingredient of capsicum; used as a topical counterirritant and analgesic. cap·sa·i·cin n. and VR1 receptor agonists in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The first presentation, "Lessons from Peppers and Peppermints: An Emerging Molecular Logic of Thermosensation," was made by the symposium's chair, David Julius, Ph.D., professor and vice-chair in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at the University of California, San Francisco . Dr. Julius is also a member of NeurogesX's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Julius presented the biology of the vanilloid receptor (VR1) in terms of its role in neuropathic pain. The second presentation, "Effect of Capsaicin on Structure and Function of Peripheral Nerve Fibers," was made by Donald Simone, professor of the Department of Oral Sciences, at University of Minnesota (body, education) University of Minnesota - The home of Gopher. http://umn.edu/. Address: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. , Minneapolis, Minn. Dr. Simone summarized the impact of capsaicin on peripheral nerve fibers. The symposium's third presentation, "Topical High-Concentration Capsaicin: Prospects for Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain," was made by Nathaniel Katz, M.D., assistant professor of Neurology and Anesthesia at Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School (HMS) is one of the graduate schools of Harvard University. It is a prestigious American medical school located in the Longwood Medical Area of the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. , Boston, Mass. Dr. Katz is also a member of NeurogesX's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Katz presented previously announced results of Phase II trials of a capsaicin-based dermal dermal /der·mal/ (der´mal) pertaining to the dermis or to the skin. der·mal or der·mic adj. Of or relating to the skin or dermis. patch used to reduce neuropathic pain in patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia. "Today's symposium is another indication of the growing worldwide interest in VR1 agonists and their role in neuropathic pain," said Wendye Robbins, M.D., vice chairman and founder of NeurogesX. "Targeting these receptors for the treatment of chronic pain has shown promising results in our clinical programs." About NeurogesX NeurogesX (neur-o-GEE-six) is a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company focusing on the development of products for the treatment of nerve signaling disorders. The company's initial products are focused on the treatment of chronic and acute pain. The company's first product, a topical treatment for neuropathic pain has been evaluated in a Phase II randomized ran·dom·ize tr.v. ran·dom·ized, ran·dom·iz·ing, ran·dom·iz·es To make random in arrangement, especially in order to control the variables in an experiment. double blind trial. Two phase II/ III multi-center clinical trials are currently enrolling patients. The company has raised $30 million in total equity investments since its first funding round in June 2000. Investors include Alta Partners, ARCH Venture Partners, Montreux Equity Partners, Grove Street Advisors Affiliated Fund, TIAA TIAA Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association TIAA Travel Industry Association of America TIAA This Is An Acronym TIAA Texas Insurance Advisory Association (statistical reporting agency in Texas) TIAA Total Inactive Aircraft Authorization (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association), Duke University, University of North Carolina and Walden International. For more information about NeurogesX, go to www.neurogesx.com. NeurogesX is a trademark of NeurogesX, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are those of their respective companies. |
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