Gene therapy aimed at cutting opioid use for diabetic nerve pain – but trial never started

NCT ID NCT04087941

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Brigham and Women's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study planned to test a gene therapy called VM202 in people with painful diabetic neuropathy who were already taking opioid painkillers. The goal was to see if VM202 could help them safely reduce their opioid dose. However, the trial was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no data was collected.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: VM202 (a DNA plasmid gene therapy that produces hepatocyte growth factor)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way to reduce or replace opioid painkillers for people with painful diabetic neuropathy, potentially lowering addiction risk.
What could go wrong: The trial was withdrawn before enrolling anyone, so no results exist. Gene therapies like VM202 are still experimental, and safety or effectiveness in humans is unproven.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

diabetic neuropathy

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAINFUL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Translational Pain Research, Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.