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Flex Pharma Initiates Human Efficacy Study with Single Molecule Tablet in Nocturnal Leg CrampsFlex Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLKS) today announced that it has initiated a human proof-of-concept efficacy study in nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) with its chemically synthesized, single molecule, transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channel activator, formulated as an orally disintegrating tablet. The randomized, blinded, controlled, cross-over study is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its single agent in over 50 subjects who suffer from nocturnal leg cramps on a frequent basis. Nocturnal leg cramps can cause severe pain, interrupted sleep, reduced quality of life and interference with activities of daily living. The Company estimates that NLC affects over four million Americans nightly; there is no approved therapeutic in the United States to treat this condition. "Based upon the statistically significant positive results from our recently completed human efficacy study in NLC with our proprietary extract formulation, we moved rapidly to initiate this NLC study with our single molecule TRP activator and we expect to soon begin Phase 2 studies with this agent in MS and ALS," said Flex Pharma Chief Medical Officer Thomas Wessel, M.D., Ph.D., who served as the medical lead for three products approved in United States: Razadyne®, Lunesta® and Ampyra®. Our studies of this agent in MS and ALS will be conducted outside the U.S. "Flex Pharma is at the forefront of clinical development in NLC and the statistically significant human efficacy data generated in the prior NLC study are highly encouraging," noted John Winkelman, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Sleep Disorders Clinical Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Flex Pharma Scientific Advisory Board member. "I am hopeful that Flex Pharma's efforts will ultimately help the millios of people who suffer from this painful condition and currently have no safe and effective therapeutic options." "The recently completed study results support using the approach of specific TRP ion channel activation to reduce nocturnal leg cramps via Chemical Neuro Stimulation," stated Bruce Bean, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School Professor of Neurophysiology and Flex Pharma Co-founder and Scientific Advisory Board Co-Chair. "These upcoming studies in multiple indications may help confirm the role of Chemical Neuro Stimulation as the general strategy to reduce alpha-motor neuron hyperexcitability for a broad range of neuromuscular conditions associated with cramps, spasms and possibly spasticity." About Flex Pharma Flex Pharma, Inc. is a biotechnology company that is developing innovative and proprietary treatments for nocturnal leg cramps, cramps and spasms associated with severe neuromuscular conditions such as ALS and MS, and exercise-associated muscle cramps. Flex Pharma was founded by National Academy of Science members Rod MacKinnon, M.D. (2003 Nobel (News - Alert) Laureate), and Bruce Bean, Ph.D., recognized leaders in the fields of ion channels and neurobiology, along with Chair and CEO Christoph Westphal, M.D., Ph.D. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We may, in some cases, use terms such as "predicts," "believes," "potential," "proposed," "continue," "estimates," "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "intends," "may," "could," "might," "will," "should" or other words that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes to identify these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations concerning, among other things: our expectations regarding future studies of our current product candidates, including the success and timing of these studies; our beliefs regarding the potential benefits of our current product candidates; and expectations regarding the number of individuals that may suffer from nocturnal leg cramps. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the status, timing, costs, results and interpretations of our clinical studies; the uncertainties inherent in conducting clinical studies, including receiving regulatory approval to conduct these studies; the fact that we rely on third parties to manufacture and conduct the clinical studies of our product candidates, which could delay or limit future development or regulatory approval; results from ongoing and planned preclinical development; expectations of our ability to make regulatory filings and obtain and maintain regulatory approvals; our ability to develop and commercialize our consumer product; anticipated positioning and product attributes of our consumer product; results of early clinical studies as indicative of results of future trials; the inherent uncertainties associated with intellectual property; and other factors discussed in greater detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC (News - Alert)). You are encouraged to read Flex Pharma's filings with the SEC, available at www.sec.gov, for a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statements that we make in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. We assume no obligation to update our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date of this press release.
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