VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. VTGN announced that the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to its non-opioid pain candidate, AV-101. The company completed a phase I study evaluating the non-sedating candidate as an adjunct treatment for neuropathic pain.The candidate also enjoys Fast Track designation for the treatment of major depressive disorder (“MDD”), which was granted in December 2017. Non-opioid pain medication is in focus as the FDA is committed to address adverse issues related to opioid treatment.The FDA grants fast track designation to help the development and a faster review of drugs, which treat serious and unmet medical conditions. With this designation, the drug is expected to be granted priority review once it files a new drug application (“NDA”).VistaGen’s shares were up almost 37.5% on Wednesday as investors cheered the FDA’s decision. Shares of the company have gained 87.8% so far this year against the industry’s decline of 3.1%.VistaGen is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing new treatments for central nervous system (“CNS”) diseases and disorders with high unmet need.The company is currently evaluating AV-101 in a phase II study – ELEVATE – as a treatment for MDD in patients who have inadequate response when treated with a standard antidepressant therapy.Per the press release, neuropathic pain, which is characterized by steady burning or a pricking sensation resulting in abnormal neuronal function, is estimated to affect 33 million in the United States.We remind investors that Alkermes ALKS is also developing a candidate, ALKS 5461, for treating MDD. The candidate is under review in the United States with a decision expected in January 2019.VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. Price VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. Price | VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. QuoteZacks Rank & Key PicksVistaGen currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Some other top-ranked stocks from the pharma space are Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. CLBS and Ligand Pharmaceuticals LGND. Both the stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Caladrius’ loss per share estimates have narrowed from $2.30 to $2.17 for 2018 and from $2.43 to $2.39 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 41.5%. The stock has rallied 64.4% so far this year.Ligand’s earnings per share estimates have moved up from $5.64 to $6.33 for 2018 and from $5.59 to $5.74 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 89.3%. The stock has rallied 85.3% so far this year.5 Companies Verge on Apple-Like RunDid you miss Apple's 9X stock explosion after they launched their iPhone in 2007? Now 2018 looks to be a pivotal year to get in on another emerging technology expected to rock the market. Demand could soar from almost nothing to $42 billion by 2025. Reports suggest it could save 10 million lives per decade which could in turn save $200 billion in U.S. healthcare costs. A bonus Zacks Special Report names this breakthrough and the 5 best stocks to exploit it. Like Apple in 2007, these companies are already strong and coiling for potential mega-gains.Click to see them right now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Alkermes plc (ALKS): Free Stock Analysis Report Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. (CLBS): Free Stock Analysis Report Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report VistaGen Therapeutics, Inc. (VTGN): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here.