About Us
Afferent Pharmaceuticals
Afferent Pharmaceuticals is focused on developing first-in-class medicines to treat chronic pain by targeting P2X3 receptors in nerve fibers. Research shows that P2X3-containing receptors are highly specific to nerve fibers that transmit the sensations of pain and discomfort in response to inflammation or injury, particularly in chronic conditions. P2X3 antagonism represents a breakthrough and potentially transformative approach to treating chronic pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain, visceral pain and neuropathy. The company’s lead compound, AF-219, has successfully completed two Phase 1 clinical studies, and is expected to undergo efficacy testing in several indications starting in 2010. Afferent was launched in December 2009 by Roche, Pappas Ventures, Third Rock Ventures, Domain Associates and New Leaf Ventures, and is led by Anthony P. Ford, Ph.D., chief scientific officer and a recognized expert in the P2X3 field.