EGFR-inhibitors have been used to treat cancer in millions of patients worldwide
A class effect in neuropathic pain - striking effects reported by 70% of patients treated.
EGFR-inhibitors do not have sedative side effects and are not addictive.
A well established drug class in oncology, but with novel mode of action against pain.
Pain relief already documented in >100 patients treated with EGFR-inhibitors at 10 clinics.
The Two Routes of Administration
Several EGFR-inhibitors are approved for treatment of various cancers. These include monoclonal antibodies for intravenous use and tyrosine kinase inhibitors which come as oral tablets.
We have mapped all marketed EGFR-inhibitors and >60 development candidates that have been tested in clinical trials.
We aim to collaborate with owners of EGFR-inhibitors (both marketed and developmental candidates) in order to bring an EGFR-inhibitor to the neuropathic pain market.
- Monoclonal antibodies
for intravenous use
For acute or transient pain and among patients who cannot swallow/absorb tablets, monoclonal antibody EGFR-inhibitors, with their rapid onset of action, may be preferred. Examples of these pain entities are cancer-related neuropathic pain, post-traumatic neuropathic pain, and CRPS.
We have already generated clinical evidence sufficient to warrant a definitive trial of an anti-EGFR antibody in CRPS (an orphan disease).
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
given as tablets
EGFR-inhibitors in tablet form are preferable for most cases of neuropathic pain and CRPS.
Many patients suffering from neuropathic pain or CRPS have considerably better outcomes with EGFR-inhibitors than with existing drugs that are marketed for these conditions.
Existing EGFR-inhibitors were developed to treat cancer. AKIGAI envisions EGFR-inhibitors that specifically target neuropathic pain and CRPS by targeting certain heterodimers, resulting in even better pain-relieving effects and lesser side-effects.
To this end, AKIGAI is identifying candidates by screening:
- Approved EGFR-inhibitors
- Developmental candidates that have demonstrated safety and the potential to treat neuropathic pain and CRPS.
AKIGAI is building a foundation for de novo EGFR-inhibitor development.
Repurposing vs de
novo drug development
Conventional drug development is risky, time consuming and thus costly. In certain situations, drug repurposing can be advantageous.
Drug repurposing is the use of existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes. Thus, it reduces the time, risk and costs of drug development. In Europe the term of «Value added medicines» has been used: Value added medicines – homepage | Medicines for Europe.
AKIGAI has matched its clinical and biological insight with scrutinized screening efforts to determine certain EGFR inhibitors for repurposing. This will advance our aim to make less toxic and more effective EGFR inhibitors available as fast as possible for as many neuropathic pain patients as possible.
Repurposing is underutilized due to unfortunate market protection mechanisms for certain drugs in certain situations and for certain drug owners. AKIGAI has thoroughly evaluated different options and created four layers of market protection mechanisms around our 1st generation EGFR inhibitor for the treatment of neuropathic pain.