SAN MATEO, Calif. (AP) — NeurogesX Inc. said Wednesday it will study Qutenza as a treatment for nerve pain caused by shingles or diabetes, following an agreement with the FDA. The drug will be tested as a potential treatment for post-herpetic neuralgia following pretreatment with an FDA-approved topical anesthetic. The FDA is currently reviewing Qutenza as a potential treatment for the nerve pain condition, with a decision expected by Aug. 16. The new study will involve 20 patients receiving the pain patch after a 60-minute pretreatment with an FDA-approved topical anesthetic. The goal of the study is the mean duration of the patch application. Qutenza is already approved in Europe. The drug had a slight setback in 2008, when it failed to reduce nerve pain in a late-stage study of HIV patients. At the time, though, it produced positive results in post-herpetic neuralgia. Lazard Capital Markets analyst William Tanner reaffirmed a “Buy” rating and $8 target price on the stock, citing the study agreement with the FDA. “Following European Union approval of Qutenza, we believe commercial prospects for the company are improving,” he said, in a note to investors. The company could announce a European partnership soon, he said.
