SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.,
Feb. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/
-- Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTNP) today announced
that studies of its kappa opioid agonist peptide, JT-09, has
demonstrated high potency and specificity for the human
kappa-opioid receptor ("KOR"). JT-09 is being developed for use in
combination with Titan's ProNeura® long-term, continuous
drug delivery technology for the treatment of moderate-to-severe
chronic pruritus (itch).
The KOR potency studies used the cAMP Hunter™ assay with cloned
human mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors. In addition, in studies
conducted in collaboration with Charles
Chavkin, Ph.D., Allan and Phyllis Treuer Endowed Chair of
Pain Research and Professor, Department of Pharmacology, at the
University of Washington Health
Sciences Center, Seattle, WA,
pretreatment with JT-09 or with difelikefalin (which is being
developed as Korsuva™ by Cara Therapeutics, Inc.) were observed to
be equally potent in reducing scratching and grooming bouts when
injected subcutaneously (0.3 mg/kg) in a 5'-guanidinonaltrindole
(5'-GNTI) itch-induced mouse model.
"Pilot pharmacokinetic studies in rats previously indicated that
subcutaneous placement of ProNeura implants containing JT-09 could
deliver potentially therapeutic concentrations of this KOR agonist
for up to six months or longer," said Kate
Beebe DeVarney, Ph.D., President and Chief Operating Officer
of Titan.
Dr. Beebe DeVarney continued,
"These additional early positive data provide strong support for us
to move forward with our planned non-clinical proof-of-concept
study of JT-09 ProNeura implants in this animal itch model. This is
an important next step for Titan towards developing a new treatment
modality for moderate-to-severe chronic pruritus that is effective,
patient-friendly and convenient."
About Chronic Pruritus
Chronic pruritus is an unpleasant sensation resulting in a need
to scratch that lasts more than 6 weeks. It is a prevalent and
bothersome symptom associated with both cutaneous and systemic
conditions. Due to its complex pathogenesis and numerous
contributing factors, effective treatment of chronic pruritus
therapy remains challenging.
About Titan Pharmaceuticals
Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTNP) is a
development-stage biotechnology company developing proprietary
therapeutics using its clinically proven ProNeura® long-term,
continuous drug delivery technology. The ProNeura technology has
the potential to be used in developing products for treating
a number of chronic conditions where maintaining consistent,
around-the-clock blood levels of medication may benefit the patient
and improve medical outcomes. For more information about Titan,
please visit www.titanpharm.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements
include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our
product development programs and any other statements that are not
historical facts. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties
that could negatively affect our business, operating results,
financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from management's current
expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to our
ability to raise capital, the winding down of U.S. commercial
activities related to Probuphine, the regulatory approval process,
the development, testing, production and marketing of our drug
candidates, patent and intellectual property matters and strategic
agreements and relationships. We expressly disclaim any obligation
or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change
in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or
circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as
required by law.
Korsuva is a trademark of Cara Therapeutics, Inc.
CONTACT:
Stephen Kilmer
Investor Relations
(650) 989-2215
skilmer@titanpharm.com
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SOURCE Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.