VA111913 (dysmenorrhoea)

VA111913 is a novel small molecule drug candidate, discovered by Vantia Therapeutics, and in clinical development for the treatment of dysmenorrhoea. Dysmenorrhoea is a condition characterised by abnormal contractions of the uterus and constriction of uterine blood vessels during menstruation which causes cramping and pain. VA111913 acts by blocking vasopressin V1a receptors in smooth muscle in the uterus wall and blood vessels, which in response to elevated vasopressin levels, results in these symptoms.

In preclinical trials, VA111913 has demonstrated it can inhibit contraction of human uterus stimulated by vasopressin thereby offering the potential to be a first-in-class drug that directly targets the cause of the pain associated with dysmenorrhoea.

In its first clinical trials, VA111913 was safe and well tolerated. Exploratory Phase II clinical data showed promising evidence of reduced pain levels in patients with dysmenorrhoea who received VA111913. Statistically significant differences between VA111913 treatment and placebo were seen for a number of other endpoints including treatment preference, and a trend to efficacy was seen in all other relevant endpoints. The study also identified a specific target population that derived a substantial reduction in period pain from VA111913 treatment.

Market Opportunity

Dysmenorrhoea affects a large number of women for whom there are currently no targeted therapies; treatments that are in common use, however, include over-the-counter painkillers (e.g., NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen) or oral contraceptives used 'off-label'.

It is estimated that the market opportunity for a targeted drug for the management of dysmenorrhoea is in excess of $1 billion per year.