New combo drug aims to ease pain after breast surgery
NCT ID NCT03011333
First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested a drug called HTX-011, which combines two pain relievers (bupivacaine and meloxicam), given as a nerve block before breast augmentation surgery. The goal was to see if it reduces pain and the need for opioid painkillers after the operation. The trial involved 243 women and compared HTX-011 to standard pain relief and a placebo.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- HTX-011 (bupivacaine and meloxicam combination)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a new way to manage pain after surgery, reducing the need for opioids.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 2 trial with 243 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not be more effective than existing options.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
243 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2017
- Finished
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Mar 2018
- Lead sponsor
-
A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Is scheduled to undergo primary bilateral submuscular augmentation mammoplasty with saline or silicone smooth implants with a volume of 300 to 500 cc, inclusive. Note: textured implants are not allowed. * Has an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status of I, II, or III. * Subjects are eligible only if not pregnant, not lactating, not planning to become pregnant during the study, sterile; or using acceptable contraceptives. Exclusion Criteria: * Has a planned concurrent surgical procedure. * Has a planned reconstructive procedure status post breast cancer therapy. * Has a pre-existing concurrent acute or chronic painful physical/restrictive condition expected to require analgesic treatment in the postoperative period for pain. * Has a contraindication or a known or suspected history of hypersensitivity or clinically significant idiosyncratic reaction to required study medication. * Has known or suspected daily use of opioids for 7 or more consecutive days within the previous 6 months. * Has taken NSAIDs within 10 days prior to scheduled surgery. * Has been administered bupivacaine within 5 days prior to the scheduled surgery. * Has been administered any local anesthetic within 72 hours prior to the scheduled surgery other than to treat an AE that occurs after signing the ICF or for pretreatment prior to a needle placement. * Has initiated treatment with any of the following medications within 1 month prior to study drug administration or is taking any of these medications to control pain: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors. (Note: If a subject is taking one of these medications for a reason other than pain control, she must be on a stable scheduled dose \[ie, not "as needed"\] for at least 1 month prior to study drug administration.) Anxiolytics prior to surgery are permitted, if necessary. * Has a medical condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, participating in the study would pose a health risk to the subject or confound the postoperative assessments. * Has a known history of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). * Has uncontrolled anxiety, psychiatric, or neurological disorder that might interfere with study assessments * Has any chronic neuromuscular deficit of either pectoral nerve function or arm/shoulder/truncal musculature. * Has any chronic condition or disease that would compromise neurological or vascular assessments. * Had a malignancy in the last year, with the exception of non-metastatic basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or localized carcinoma in situ of the cervix. * Has a known or suspected history of drug abuse, a positive drug screen on the day of surgery, or a recent history of alcohol abuse. Note: Subjects with a positive drug screen who are taking an allowed, prescribed medication that is known to result in a positive drug test (eg, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, benzodiazepine for anxiety disorder) may be eligible for participation in the study. Subjects taking medical marijuana are not allowed to participate in the study. * Received an investigational product or device in a clinical trial within 30 days or within 5 elimination half lives. * Has undergone 3 or more surgeries in 12 months. * Has a body mass index (BMI) \>35 kg/m2.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Study site
Pasadena, California, 91105, United States
-
Study site
Houston, Texas, 77027, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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