Tokyo, Japan, Nov 26 – Toray Industries, Inc. and Sanodyne Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement granting Sanodyne the rights to develop, manufacture, and market TRK-750 (Toray code name), a drug candidate under development to treat peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain. Sanodyne will continue its R&D under the code name SNT-001.
Sanodyne will pay Toray upfront and milestone fees for each development stage, as well as sales-based milestone fees and royalties after the market launch.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition characterized by dysfunction of one or more peripheral nerves, including motor nerves that control the movement of limbs, sensory nerves that transmit sensations, and autonomic nerves that regulate the functions of internal organs. This condition can result from underlying causes such as shingles, diabetes, or chemotherapy. Reported symptoms include burning pain and tingling sensations (neuropathic pain), numbness, paralysis, and muscle weakness. At least 200 million people worldwide suffer from this condition (see note 1). While certain drugs can relieve some symptoms, treatment needs remain largely unmet, as peripheral neuropathy arises from diverse underlying causes.
Nonclinical studies have demonstrated that SNT-001, a small molecule compound with a novel mechanism of action (note 2) suppresses neuropathic pain and helps protect peripheral nerves from damage and promote their repair. A Phase I clinical trial in the United Kingdom demonstrated tolerability and safety with no serious central nervous system adverse events (note 3). Sanodyne plans to initiate a Phase II clinical trial in 2026.
Toray, pursuing an open innovation strategy that concentrates on areas leveraging its key proprietary drug discovery technologies, will collaborate extensively with external entities by licensing out or jointly developing candidate compounds that it identifies through its research. The company will further accelerate drug innovation with venture firms and pharmas.
Sanodyne, alongside developing SNT-001, will introduce, research, and develop new therapies for neuropathy and pain.
Together, Toray and Sanodyne will accelerate clinical development and commercialization, aiming to deliver effective treatments to patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain.