Pfizer announces EMEA approval of neuropathic pain drug

Pfizer has announced that Lyrica, a treatment for neuropathic pain, has been approved by the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA).

Lyrica, which has both analgesic and anti-convulsant properties, has been in use for two years as a treatment for peripheral neuropathic pain. The new approval means that Lyrica can be prescribed to treat central neuropathic pain – the “first of its kind” for this type of patient, according to Pfizer.

The decision to approve the drug follows clinical studies of patients with spinal chord injuries, which demonstrated that Lyrica users experienced “significant” and “rapid” reductions in pain levels, in comparison to the placebo.

Paul Smith, executive director of the Spinal Injuries Association, remarked: “Neuropathic pain can be a major problem for spinal cord injured people as it can have significant impact on the quality of our lives.”

“We welcome all new treatments that can help tackle the almost unbearable pain that many of our members face daily,” he added.

Neuropathic pain, described as a shooting, stabbing, burning or “electric-shock” type of pain, can be caused by a number of factors, including multiple sclerosis, spinal injuries, stroke or brain and spinal cancer.