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Home > Research & Development > Central
Nervous System
| Drugs in Development |
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| Definition |
Chronic neuropathic pain is a type of pain that results from nerve damage and is characterized by an abnormal hypersensitivity to innocuous, as well as noxious stimuli. |
| Effects |
| This type of pain is extremely difficult to manage, fails to respond to standard analgesic interventions, and often worsens over time. |
| Facts |
| The neuropathic pain market has become one of the most sought-after in the pharmaceutical industry. The global neuropathic pain market is forecast to grow to $5.5 billion by 2015 (Datamonitor, 2006). Neuropathic pain occurs in 30% of cancer patients (Cancer Pain, Pharmacor Decision Resources 2007). Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain occurs in 3-7 % of patients treated with single agents and 38% treated with polychemotherapy [Ref: Quasthoff S, Hartung HP., J Neurol, 249: 9-17, 2002., Forman A., Oncology (Huntingt),4: 57-62, 1990., Chaudhry V, Rowinsky EK, Sartorius SE, Donehower RC, Cornblath DR., Ann Neurol, 35: 305-311, 1994.]. |
| DARA's Approach |
| Current approved therapeutic agents often have intolerable side effects and limited efficacy. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs to treat neuropathic pain. DARA is targeting KRN5500 for the treatment of neuropathic pain in cancer patients, in particular, chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. There are currently no approved marketed medicines for this indication and as such represents a largely untapped market for new therapies. |
| Drugs in Development |
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| Definition |
A chronic and progressive condition, Parkinson’s disease is characterized by four main symptoms:
- Tremors or trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face;
- Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk;
- Bradykinesia or slowness of movement; and
- Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination.
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| Effects |
As the disease progresses, patients may have difficulty walking, talking or completing simple tasks. Other effects include skin changes, sleep problems, dementia and emotional changes such as depression. |
| Facts |
| With more than 50,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States, at least 500,000 people are believed to suffer from the disease. |
| DARA's Approach |
| DARA has invested in the research of devices that help treat and control the symptoms of this debilitating disease. |
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Central
Nervous System