A Comparison of EpiCept™ NP-1 Topical Cream vs. Oral Gabapentin in Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

A Phase II, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Non-inferiority Trial of EpiCept™ NP-1 Topical Cream (2% Ketamine / 4% Amitriptyline) vs. Oral Gabapentin in Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

The purpose of this study is to compare EpiCept™ NP-1 Topical Cream (2% ketamine / 4% amitriptyline) vs. Oral Gabapentin in the treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)

This is a phase II, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of NP-1 and oral gabapentin in approximately 500 patients with PHN. Adult patients with pain resulting from PHN and meeting all other eligibility requirements will be screened for 7 days to determine their average daily pain intensity. Qualifying patients will be randomized on a 2:2:1 basis to NP-1, oral gabapentin, or placebo. The treatment period will be 4-Weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients with pain for ≥ 3 months following onset of a herpes zoster rash

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinically significant intercurrent illness (e.g., endocrine, cardiac, hepatic, renal, neurologic, hematologic, skeletal) that the investigator determines could interfere with the efficacy or safety assessments.