NeurogesX says pain patch trial fails to meet goals, shares hit

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Feb 27 (Reuters) - NeurogesX Inc (NGSX.O) said a second late-stage trial of the biopharmaceutical company's skin patch to treat neuropathic pain in HIV infected patients did not meet its main or secondary goals, and its shares fell 33 percent after the bell.

Patients treated with the patch, NGX-4010, experienced a 29.5 percent reduction in pain compared to a 24.6 percent reduction in the group that received a dummy patch, the company said in a statement.

The pain patch is also being evaluated to treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a complication of shingles that initially causes chickenpox and can lead to pain.

The company said it is on track to file a new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration later this year in PHN.

Shares of the company were trading at $4 after market close, after ending at $5.97 Wednesday on the Nasdaq. (Reporting by Varsha Tickoo in Bangalore; Editing by Anil D'Silva)