Zalicus Inc. Initiates the First of Two Phase 2a Studies with Z160, a First-in-Class, Oral, State-Dependent, Selective N-type Calcium Channel Blocker, for the Treatment of Chronic Neuropathic Pain

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zalicus Inc. (NASDAQ: ZLCS), a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel treatments for patients suffering from pain and immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced that it has initiated the first of two Phase 2a clinical studies with Z160, its first-in-class, oral, state-dependent, selective N-type calcium channel blocker for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain indications. This first Phase 2a study will enroll subjects with chronic neuropathic pain associated with Lumbosacral Radiculopathy (LSR). LSR is a common neuropathic pain condition resulting from the compression or irritation of the nerve roots exiting the lumbar region of the spine. Common symptoms include pain radiating from the lower back and down the legs, as well as numbness and tingling in the lower extremities. The prevalence of LSR is high, affecting 3-5% of the global population1. Currently there are no drug treatments specifically approved to treat this common condition, indicating that LSR is a condition with very high unmet medical need.