Pfizer announced that the Lyrica drug, used to treat fibromyalgia and chronic pain disorders, is not effective in reducing neuropathic pain caused by HIV infection or diabetes, according to American News Report.
Pfizer ordered a halt to two phase III studies after a preliminary analysis showed that pregabalin, sold under the brand name Lyrica, was no more effective than a placebo.
In both studies — an HIV neuropathy study and a peripheral diabetic neuropathy study — patients were given Lyrica for six weeks and then switched to either a placebo or continued using Lyrica for 13 weeks. Pfizer said that patients who took Lyrica continued to show improvements, but they were not significantly different from those seen in the placebo group.
Pregabalin Bridges Gap in Treating Spinal Cord Injury Pain
Study Examines Why Vioxx Damaged Patients' Hearts
Pfizer ordered a halt to two phase III studies after a preliminary analysis showed that pregabalin, sold under the brand name Lyrica, was no more effective than a placebo.
In both studies — an HIV neuropathy study and a peripheral diabetic neuropathy study — patients were given Lyrica for six weeks and then switched to either a placebo or continued using Lyrica for 13 weeks. Pfizer said that patients who took Lyrica continued to show improvements, but they were not significantly different from those seen in the placebo group.
Related Articles on Pain Management:
Patients With Celiac Disease More Likely to Suffer MigrainesPregabalin Bridges Gap in Treating Spinal Cord Injury Pain
Study Examines Why Vioxx Damaged Patients' Hearts