Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has obtained exclusive research, development and commercialization rights to LX9211 (BMS-986176), a drug candidate for neuropathic pain that was jointly developed by Lexicon and Bristol-Myers Squibb as part of their neuroscience drug discovery alliance. Additional small molecule compounds acting through the same target as LX9211 are also included in the exclusive agreement. LX9211 is currently completing IND-enabling studies, with Phase I trials expected to begin in 2017. 
 
LX9211 is an orally-administered small molecule for the treatment of neuropathic pain. In preclinical studies, it has shown robust efficacy in models of neuropathic pain and is well-tolerated at and above efficacious doses in animals. 
 
“In our alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb, we jointly discovered and extensively characterized a promising new target and novel compounds for neuropathic pain, ultimately selecting LX9211 as a development candidate,” said Jeffrey L. Wade, Lexicon’s executive vice president, corporate and administrative affairs and chief financial officer.  “This program demonstrates the utility of Lexicon’s science and the value that we have been able to create through our strategic alliance with Bristol-Myers Squibb.  Our acquisition of full development and commercialization rights to this program furthers our strategy of developing drug candidates with the potential for changing the standard of care in areas of high unmet medical need.”
 
“Working together with Bristol-Myers Squibb, we have accumulated an extensive amount of data supporting the potential of LX9211 for neuropathic pain and other chronic pain indications,” said Praveen Tyle, Ph.D., Lexicon’s executive vice president of research and development.  “With the nearing completion of IND-enabling studies, we are planning to advance LX9211 into the clinic next year so that patients in an area of high unmet need can benefit from this innovation.”