FZ008-145, a selective second-generation Nav1.8 inhibitor, is designed to provide non-addictive pain relief. The Nav1.8 target has been clinically validated in five acute pain and one chronic pain proof-of-concept studies. Fermion, the company that developed the drug, was founded in 2019 and specializes in developing drugs for autoimmune diseases and pain, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS) domain.
In October 2023, Fermion granted Joincare Pharmaceutical Group Industry exclusive rights to FZ008-145 in the Greater China region while retaining the rights outside of this region. Fermion’s drug development strategy emphasizes high target selectivity and tissue targeting to minimize off-target effects and improve drug safety.
Fermion’s Innovative Approach to Drug Development for Enhanced Efficacy and Safety
Fermion’s CEO, Dr. Deco Deng, has stated that compared to other therapeutic areas, the CNS domain presents limited therapeutic options and existing medications demand improvements in efficacy and safety. Therefore, Fermion’s dedicated research and development efforts, supported by their Drug Studio AI platform, have focused on enhancing target selectivity and tissue targeting to minimize off-target effects.
This strategy has allowed Fermion to develop innovative and safer drugs. Their Drug Studio AI drug development platform plays a crucial role in creating differentiated innovative drugs. Currently, Fermion has two drug candidates in the pipeline to provide pain relief.
Pioneering Pain Relief: Fermion’s Breakthroughs in Nav1.8 Targeting Medications
Alongside FZ008-145, Fermion’s lead pipeline, FZ002-037, has completed Phase I clinical trials and is set to commence Phase II concept validation POC trials. This positions FZ002-037 as the second globally and the first in China clinical drug targeting the same Nav1.8. Fermion’s pipelines focus on innovative pain relief targets, SSTR4 and Nav1.8.
FZ008-145 is a significant advancement in the field of non-addictive pain relief medication. Its approval by the IND in China is evidence of its potential to address the substantial unmet clinical needs in the field of pain management, particularly in the CNS domain.

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