US-based biotechnology company Flex Pharma has begun a Phase ll efficacy trial of FLX-787 to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients in Australia.

FLX-787 is a chemically synthesised, single molecule, transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel activator that has been formulated as an oral tablet.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

The randomised, controlled, blinded, cross-over Phase ll trial has been designed to assess the safety and efficacy of FLX-787 in patients who suffer from cramps and / or spasticity as a consequence of ALS.

Flex Pharma chief medical officer Thomas Wessel said: “We have initiated three human efficacy studies this year, in nocturnal leg cramps, multiple sclerosis and now ALS, with our single agent candidate, FLX-787.

"We are hopeful that our efforts will ultimately help the many patients with severe neuromuscular diseases who suffer from these painful conditions."

“We are hopeful that our efforts will ultimately help the many patients with severe neuromuscular diseases who suffer from these painful conditions.”

ALS is a neurological disease that leads to muscle weakness and impacts physical function.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The disease can ultimately affect the ability to control the muscles required to move, speak, eat and breathe.

According to a report by Centres for Disease Control, more than 12,000 people in the US suffer from ALS.

Flex Pharma scientific co-founder Dr Rod MacKinnon said: “Topical Chemical Neuro Stimulation is a process whereby small molecules activate TRP ion channels on sensory nerves in the oral mucosa, which we hypothesise signal through neural circuits to inhibit the hyperexcitable motor neurons in the spinal cord that can cause muscle cramps.

“We hypothesise that this approach may be generally applicable as a treatment for cramps and spasms in a spectrum of neuromuscular conditions.”

The company is currently involved in the development of new and proprietary treatments for nocturnal leg cramps, cramps and spasms related with severe neuromuscular conditions including ALS and MS, as well as exercise-associated muscle cramps.