NeurogesX Testing Pain Patch in Phase 3

U.S. firm NeurogesX said Monday it has enrolled more than 400 patients in a phase 3 study of an experimental patch for postherpetic neuralgia.

The investigational pain patch treats the peripheral neuropathic pain associated with the condition.

The randomized phase 3 study will take place at centers in the United States and Canada, NeurogesX said.

In the study, the patch will be applied in an office setting for one hour, with the patients’ pain relief tracked for the next 12 weeks.

The company said its previous studies suggest the patch applied for 30 to 60 minutes on the pain site gives relief for up to three months.

We are currently in the follow-up phase of the study and expect to be able to provide top-line results near the end of the third quarter, said Jeffery Tobias, the company’s chief medical officer.