Effect of NGX-4010 on ENFD and Sensory Function

Human Volunteers Clinical Trial

Official title: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Study to Investigate the Effect of NGX-4010 on Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density and Sensory Function in Healthy Volunteers

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate epidermal nerve fiber (ENF) regeneration and normalization of peripheral sensory nerve function over time in normal healthy volunteers following a 60 minute application of Capsaicin Dermal Patch (NGX 4010; capsaicin 640 mcg/cm2) as compared to comparable untreated skin areas (control).The objectives of this study are: 1) To assess the difference between patch-treated and comparable untreated skin areas (control) in ENFD as quantified by PGP 9.5 immunohistochemical staining of skin biopsy samples obtained at 1, 12 and 24 weeks following a 60 minute application; 2) To assess the difference between patch-treated and comparable untreated skin areas (control) for thermal detection thresholds as assessed by QST at 1, 12 and 24 weeks following a 60 minute application; and, 3) To assess the difference between patch-treated and comparable untreated skin areas (control) in mechanical (sharp pain) sensation and tactile threshold at 1, 12 and 24 weeks following a 60 minute application.

Clinical Trial Description

This is a randomized, controlled, open-label, single center, phase 1 study in normal healthy volunteers. Each subject will have a 60 minute exposure to two 5.0 × 5.5 cm NGX-4010 patches. In addition, two 5.0 × 5.5 cm comparable untreated control skin areas will be identified and evaluated. At baseline and prior to skin punch biopsy at Weeks 1 (± 1 day), 12 (± 3 days) and 24 (± 7 days), QST of patch-treated and untreated control skin areas will be performed and evaluated. QST for cooling detection threshold and heat-pain threshold, and assessment of mechanical (sharp pain) sensation and tactile threshold will be performed at each of the two patch-treated and two untreated control skin areas. Serial skin punch biopsies of patch-treated and untreated control skin areas will be obtained and evaluated at Weeks 1 (± 1 day), 12 (± 3 days), and 24 (± 7 days). Skin at the patch-treated and untreated control skin areas will be anesthetized with subcutaneous 1% lidocaine, and then three millimeter (mm) skin biopsies will be obtained with a sterile punch tool from each of the designated areas. Biopsy specimens will be fixed overnight, then cryoprotected in a phosphate buffered solution until processed. Thick sections will be cut and immunostained for localization and quantification of nerve fibers in the epidermis and visualization of the subepidermal plexus using antibodies to PGP 9.5. Antibodies to type IV collagen will be used to identify the basement membrane and superficial blood vessels in the biopsy microsections. Vital signs and adverse events (AEs) will be collected at each visit. Clinical laboratory tests will be performed at the Screening Visit and at the Termination Visit (Week 24). ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Human Volunteers

• NCT number: NCT00254449
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: NeurogesX
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 1
• Start date: November 2005
• Completion date: May 2006