Sangamo BioSciences' ZFP Therapeutic shows potential as treatment for neuropathic pain

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Nov. 7 - Sangamo BioSciences Inc. said it has clinical data that supports the use of its ZFP Therapeutic as a treatment for neuropathic pain.

The studies were presented at the 8th International Conference on the Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain on Nov. 5 in San Francisco.

"Our data show that we have designed ZFP TFs that, in human cells and primary nerve cells, can significantly repress the expression of a well-validated gene target for neuropathic pain, TrkA," said Philip Gregory, Sangamo's vice president of research, in a company press release.

"These data are very encouraging and we are in the process of testing this novel approach in animal models including a model of bone-cancer pain."

"Neuropathic pain represents a significant unmet medical need. Annual sales for over-the-counter analgesics alone add up to $3 billion and prescribed drugs account for another $100 billion a year," said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo's president and chief executive officer, in the press release.

"Only 15% to 30% of neuropathic pain is treatable using opioids, the most potent existing pain relievers, which have many undesirable side effects. The promise of the 'better opioid' that is non-addictive and side-effect-free has not materialized."

Neuropathic pain is the result of an injury or malfunction in the peripheral or central nervous system, the company said.

Sangamo BioSciences is based in Richland, Calif., and develops DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification.

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