Eli Lilly reports positive Cymbalta trial analysis

Eli Lilly has presented data from three studies at the annual meeting of the American Pain Society showing improvements in daily and night pain severity in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy treated with Cymbalta (duloxetine HCl).

The firm reports that this analysis showed a “clear” correlation between lowering in average daily and night pain and a reduction in pain sleep interference.

Lilly notes that patient population tested was not depressed, exhibiting treatment emergent somnolence or treated with sedative medication, while previous studies were complicated by at least one of these three factors.

Cymbalta is a reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine – substances present in the brain and spinal column that are believed to regulate pain perception and mood symptoms.

David Fishbain, lead author of the study, said: “Patients with diabetic nerve pain often complain of being awoken, or having difficulty falling asleep because of pain and it is difficult for physicians to know whether sleep problems are the cause or effect of pain.”

He added that this new data indicated that sleep interference will tend to improve if nighttime pain improves.

Last month, Lilly announced the results of a survey showing that 97 per cent of physicians involved in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain believe that the condition is often misdiagnosed.