• NeurogesX Inc., of San Mateo, Calif., has begun a Phase I trial (study C203) of NGX-1998, a high-concentration, capsaicin-based liquid formulation designed to deliver a localized therapeutic dose directly to the pain site. The trial is designed to evaluate potential control formulations for future NGX-1998 trials. NeurogesX expects to complete the trial by the end of the year.

• Nile Therapeutics Inc., of San Francisco, initiated an open-label Phase IIa ascending-dose trial of CD-NP for acute decompensated heart failure. Data from the Phase IIa trial and an ongoing Phase Ib trial are expected later this year. CD-NP is a chimeric natriuretic peptide designed to prevent hypotension and renal issues associated with existing B-type natriuretic peptide drugs.

• Repros Therapeutics Inc., of The Woodlands, Texas, said a two-month interim analysis of its four-month Phase II Proellex trial indicated the drug significantly decreased endometriosis pain compared to placebo. Proellex is a selective progesterone receptor blocker and also is entering Phase III trials for uterine fibroids and uterine fibroid induced anemia. (See BioWorld Today, Feb. 25, 2008.)