Japan-based companies Sumitomo Pharma and AlphaNavi Pharma have announced that AlphaNavi has exercised its option rights to obtain the worldwide exclusive license to develop, manufacture, and commercialise DSP-3905 (development code) currently under development for neuropathic pain by Sumitomo Pharma. 

Through the exercise of the option rights, Sumitomo Pharma grants AlphaNavi the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialise DSP-3905 worldwide. In connection with this, Sumitomo Pharma will receive a consideration from AlphaNavi. It may also receive development milestone payments depending on progress in development of DSP-3905 and royalty payments depending on sales revenue.

AlphaNavi will devote itself to the development of DSP-3905 to deliver it as soon as possible as a new treatment option for patients for whom existing neuropathic pain remedies have been insufficiently effective.

Sumitomo Pharma expects that the development of DSP-3905 by AlphaNavi will contribute to the treatment of diseases with high unmet medical needs.

AlphaNavi was established as a carve-out business venture from Sumitomo Pharma in January 2019 with the support of Kyoto University Innovation Capital.

DSP-3905 is an agent created by Sumitomo Pharma that selectively inhibits voltage-gated sodium channels Nav1.7. Based on its inhibitory mode of action, the agent is expected to show a potent analgesic effect on the pain occurring when neurons get excessively excited. In addition, DSP-3905 has a high selectivity for Nav1.7 expressed in peripheral neuron and may not produce central nervous system or cardiovascular system side effects, which are present with the current drugs for neuropathic pain. A Phase 1 study for neuropathic pain in the US has been completed.