CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—Zalicus Inc. and Hydra Biosciences Inc. have announced a new collaboration in which the companies will work together to advance development of Zalicus’ preclinical ion channel modulator product candidates for the treatment of pain. Per the agreement, Zalicus will pay an upfront payment of an undisclosed amount in addition to funding research and development activities at Hydra for two years, during which Hydra will be responsible for the preclinical development activities related to advancing Zalicus’ ion channel product candidates toward clinical development. Zalicus’ clinical-stage modulators—Z-160, an N-type calcium channel blocker, and Z944, a novel T-type calcium channel blocker, both in Phase I development for the treatment of pain—are not included in the agreement. Zalicus will retain all intellectual property and commercial rights to its candidates.