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Cara Therapeutics Announces Issuance of U.S. Patent Covering Second Generation Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonists
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Shelton, CT -- Cara Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that The United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,402,564 entitled "Synthetic Peptide Amides" under its Accelerated Examination Program. The application was filed on November 12, 2007 and covers Cara's second generation, peripherally-selective kappa opioid receptor agonist compounds. These compounds include CR845, currently completing a Phase I clinical trial and in development for injectable and oral delivery for the treatment of acute and chronic pain of visceral, inflammatory and neuropathic origin, and for the treatment of pruritis (itch), a common disorder associated with several diseases and conditions.
In preclinical studies, CR845 was highly selective for the peripheral kappa opioid receptor. Animal studies indicate that CR845 is effective in treating pain of inflammatory, neuropathic and visceral origin and exhibits analgesic efficacy for up to 18 hours after a single dose. Analgesic activity was seen after intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral administration. Unlike currently marketed opioids, CR845 did not inhibit intestinal transit (ileus), impair breathing or elicit signs of addiction in animal models. Preclinical studies also indicate that CR845 possesses anti-itch activity. CR845 is currently completing Phase Ia studies.
Cara Therapeutics is a privately held biotechnology company focused on developing novel, superior therapeutics to treat pain and inflammation associated with diverse medical conditions. Cara's current pipeline includes near-term clinical drug candidates within multiple classes of peripherally-acting analgesics. Cara also plans to develop entirely novel classes of analgesics that emerge from its proprietary GPCR DimerScreenTM technology.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements include statements relating to the therapeutic applications of Cara compounds and about Cara's strategy, technologies, pre-clinical and clinical programs, and ability to identify and develop drugs, as well as other statements that are not historical facts. Actual events or results may differ materially from Cara's expectations. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the timing, success and cost of Cara's research and clinical studies and Cara's ability to obtain additional financing. These forward-looking statements represent Cara's judgment as of the date of this release. Cara disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
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