Hypercorporation Leads Innovation in Neuropathic Pain Treatment with Non-Opioid Analgesics

by Jang Hyowon

Published 10 Oct.2024 08:55(KST)

Hyper Corporation (CEO Lee Sang-seok) announced on the 10th that it has developed the non-narcotic analgesic 'MDR-652,' presenting a new alternative for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

MDR-652 is a gel-type non-narcotic analgesic that acts through TRPV1 efficacy, overcoming the limitations of existing neuropathic pain treatments. It was developed to reduce the side effects of narcotic analgesics, such as addiction and cognitive impairment, and is expected to emerge as a new option for patients with neuropathic pain.

Unlike previous TRPV1-based drugs that were discontinued during clinical development due to difficulties in body temperature regulation, MDR-652 minimizes side effects while demonstrating high analgesic effects. It targets various neuropathic pains, including postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, postoperative pain, and pain caused by chemotherapy.

In June 2020, MDR-652 received IND approval for Phase 1 clinical trials from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, with clinical trials commencing in May 2022. In March 2023, the Phase 1 clinical trial report was submitted, proving excellent tolerability and human safety. Hyper Corporation, which changed its name last March, has been actively negotiating technology transfers and held meetings with more than 10 domestic pharmaceutical companies at InterBiz 2024.

According to Global Data, a bio/pharmaceutical research institution, the neuropathic pain treatment market is expected to reach $10.7 billion by 2026. MDR-652 is anticipated to establish itself as an innovative alternative that overcomes the side effect limitations of narcotic analgesics.

Kang Seung-jin, CEO of Hyper Lifecare, stated, “MDR-652 will play an important role in the treatment of neuropathic pain,” adding, “Along with early dementia diagnostic kits and dementia treatment substances, we will commercialize non-narcotic analgesics to strengthen our competitiveness in the bio-pharmaceutical market.”