HUMAN trials of a painkiller from the venom of a shellfish on the Great Barrier Reef have started as speculation surrounds the future of the biotech company’s chief executive officer.The first trials will be conducted on up to 20 fit men and are designed to establish the safety and side-effects of the painkiller, developed by Brisbane-based Xenome. The drug, Xen2174, is designed for people suffering from ailments including cancer and back pain. Yesterday’s announcement came amid speculation about whether Xenome chief executive officer Tony Evans had decided not to renew his contract.
