Zalicus commences Z944 Phase 1 clinical trial for treatment of acute and inflammatory pain

Zalicus Inc. (NASDAQ: ZLCS) a biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops novel treatments for patients suffering from pain and immuno-inflammatory diseases, today announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics and safety of Z944, a novel oral T-type calcium channel blocker with demonstrated preclinical potential for the treatment of acute and inflammatory pain. In addition, Zalicus has drawn the remaining $8.5 million from its $20.0 million secured credit facility with Oxford Finance to fund ion channel clinical development.

“We look forward to reporting data from these Phase 1 studies in 2012”

"I am encouraged by the progress we are making in moving our ion channel candidates into clinical development. Z944, a T-type calcium channel blocker, is the second clinical study emanating from our ion channel discovery platform this month, following closely on the heels of Z160, an N-type calcium channel blocker, which initiated Phase 1 studies earlier in December" said Mark H.N. Corrigan, MD, CEO of Zalicus. "We look forward to reporting data from these Phase 1 studies in 2012" commented Mark H.N. Corrigan, MD, President and CEO of Zalicus.