The Problem

An estimated 10% of the western world suffers from chronic neuropathic pain.

Current drugs are effective in only 1 of 8 patients, and may result in significant side-effects and addiction.

AKIGAI has a strategy to tackle the problem. Scroll to learn more.

Our Strategy

EGFR-inhibitors have been used to treat cancer in millions of patients worldwide

A class effect in neuropathic pain - striking effects reported by 70% of patients treated.

EGFR-inhibitors do not have sedative side effects and are not addictive.

A well established drug class in oncology, but with novel mode of action against pain.

Pain relief already documented in >100 patients treated with EGFR-inhibitors at 10 clinics.

Our Strategy

The Two Routes of Administration

Several EGFR-inhibitors are approved for treatment of various cancers. These include monoclonal antibodies for intravenous use and tyrosine kinase inhibitors which come as oral tablets.

1. Intravenous drug for time- limited pain 2. Tablets for chronic pain

We have mapped all marketed EGFR-inhibitors and >60 development candidates that have been tested in clinical trials.

We aim to collaborate with owners of EGFR-inhibitors (both marketed and developmental candidates) in order to bring an EGFR-inhibitor to the neuropathic pain market.

  1. Monoclonal antibodies
    for intravenous use

For acute or transient pain and among patients who cannot swallow/absorb tablets, monoclonal antibody EGFR-inhibitors, with their rapid onset of action, may be preferred. Examples of these pain entities are cancer-related neuropathic pain, post-traumatic neuropathic pain, and CRPS.  

We have already generated clinical evidence sufficient to warrant a definitive trial of an anti-EGFR antibody in CRPS (an orphan disease).

  1. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
    given as tablets

EGFR-inhibitors in tablet form are preferable for most cases of neuropathic pain and CRPS.

Many patients suffering from neuropathic pain or CRPS have considerably better outcomes with EGFR-inhibitors than with existing drugs that are marketed for these conditions.  

Existing EGFR-inhibitors were developed to treat cancer. AKIGAI envisions EGFR-inhibitors that specifically target neuropathic pain and CRPS by targeting certain heterodimers, resulting in even better pain-relieving effects and lesser side-effects.

To this end, AKIGAI is identifying candidates by screening:

  • Approved EGFR-inhibitors
  • Developmental candidates that have demonstrated safety and the potential to treat neuropathic pain and CRPS.

AKIGAI is building a foundation for de novo EGFR-inhibitor development.