AX-8: Progressing a Local TRPM8 Therapy for Refractory Chronic Cough
AX-8 is Axalbion’s lead clinical-stage program for refractory chronic cough (RCC), a debilitating sensory neuropathic condition with limited approved treatment options. Designed as a locally delivered TRPM8 agonist, AX-8 targets cold-sensitive sensory fibers in the throat to engage a counter-sensory mechanism that may reduce cough hypersensitivity while minimizing systemic exposure.
In proof-of-concept clinical studies, AX-8 demonstrated rapid onset, reduced cough and cough-bout frequency, improved patient-reported outcomes, and a favorable tolerability profile. Axalbion is advancing AX-8 toward Phase 2b development, including a novel, optimized formulation intended to support both maintenance and on-demand use in patients with RCC
