Avanir’s Value More Than Doubled on Phase III Results of Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Drug

Avanir Pharmaceuticals reported positive results from the Phase III evaluation of its diabetic neuropathic pain drug. The company’s shares soared 165% to open trading at $3.37.

Zenvia (dextromethorphan hydrobromide/quinidine sulfate (DMQ)) is an NMDA antagonist and sigma-1 agonist. In the trial, two doses of Zenvia, 45/30 mg DMQ and 30/30 mg DMQ, both dosed twice daily, were compared to placebo. Both treatment groups had lower pain ratings than placebo patients. The drug also showed statistically significant improvements in a number of secondary endpoints, including pain relief and pain intensity.

Zenvia is also in development for the treatment of involuntary emotional expression disorder.