causing side effects such as depression and stomach upset. Herndon says the drug developed with Cubist is so selective that it shouldn’t cause the addiction issues seen with opioids, either. “There’s a potential [CB-625] could be used in lieu of opioids,” Herndon says.
Hydra’s collaboration with Zalicus will focus on ion channel modulators that Zalicus has discovered but not yet advanced into clinical trials. The two companies will work together on development activities necessary to move those molecules forward, the companies said.
Herndon says Hydra’s executives are gaining key drug development experience that he hopes will pay off with products that are further back in its pipeline. He says the company is working on one TRP compound to treat neuropathic pain and another that is showing early promise in both anxiety and pain.
Hydra is adequately funded through this year, Herndon says, but will be looking to raise more capital soon. “We are interested in establishing additional partnerships around our earlier pipeline programs,” he says. “We’re not looking to partner all of our assets—we do have a goal of moving at least one of these compounds through ourselves—but we’re definitely interested in looking for additional relationships.”
As for the need for non-opioid pain relievers, Herndon believes the rapid aging of the population will create a rich market opportunity. “Drug interactions and side effects with opioids in the elderly is very challenging,” he says. “Being able to provide a medication that doesn’t interfere with your activities of daily living would be incredibly valuable to physicians, patients, and the economy.”
