KAI Pharmaceuticals has initiated enrollment in a Phase I study of KAI-1678, a first-in-class, isozyme-selective inhibitor of the epsilon protein kinase C pathway. KAI-1678 has been shown to be highly effective at reducing pain responses in a wide variety of preclinical pain models.
   
“Epsilon PKC has been shown to have an important role in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain. KAI-1678 is the first clinical-stage compound that is a specific inhibitor of epsilon PKC,” commented Gregory Bell, senior vice president of development and chief medical officer. “Current therapies for the management of pain, such as opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), can be limited by side effects and inadequate efficacy. There is a need for novel therapeutics with unique mechanisms of action that provide effective pain relief with reduced side effects.”
   
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, rising dose study will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of KAI-1678 in healthy males. The study will enroll five cohorts and is expected to complete this quarter.