VRX698

VRX698 is a backup compound to retigabine (also known as ezogabine), a first-in-class neuronal potassium channel opener developed by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. It was part of Valeant's pipeline in the mid-2000s, positioned in preclinical or early development stages alongside retigabine for potential neurological indications. In 2008, Valeant granted GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) worldwide development and commercialization rights to VRX698 as part of a deal valued up to $820 million, which included milestone payments for its advancement. No further public development updates or clinical trial data are available, suggesting it may not have progressed beyond early stages.[2][7][14]