Glenmark Pharma announces phase-1 trial of drug for neuropathic pain

Mumbai, Jul 15 (UNI) Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited (GPL) today announced that its candidate for Neuropathic Pain, Osteoarthritis and other Inflammatory Pain - GRC 10,693 is entering Phase-I trials.

The Company intends to develop GRC 10,693, a cannabinoid-2 [CB-2] receptor agonist, in neuropathic pain as the primary indication. The molecule has been filed for Phase-1 approval with European regulatory authorities. Glenmark expects to complete Phase-I trials for GRC 10,693 and initiate Phase-II before the end of fiscal 2009.

Speaking on this development, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Limited (GPL) MD&CEO Glenn Saldanha said, GRC 10693 was Glenmark's fifth molecule to enter the clinics from its pipeline of thirteen NCEs and NBEs, and was an affirmation of Glenmark's research capabilities and focused approach towards drug discovery.

''This development reiterates Glenmark's commitment towards setting new benchmarks in speed, efficacy and demonstrates the company's steady progress in the drug discovery space,'' he said.

GRC 10,693 is potentially a first-in-class molecule and is likely to be an early launcher in this class of compounds with a target launch date of 2014.

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