AV333

AV333 was an experimental small molecule drug candidate developed by Avigen Inc. for the treatment of neuropathic pain. It was characterized as a glial cell modulator (also referred to as a glial attenuator), a mechanism intended to suppress the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the central nervous system. These glial cells, when activated, release pro-inflammatory cytokines and other substances that contribute to the development and maintenance of chronic pain states. AV333 was developed as a next-generation follow-on compound to Avigen's lead candidate AV411 (ibudilast). In the mid-2000s, Avigen divested its gene therapy assets to Genzyme to focus resources on its small molecule programs, including AV333. However, the program did not progress to late-stage clinical trials and was discontinued following Avigen's strategic reorganization and eventual acquisition by MediciNova.