Pfizer study addresses heart safety concerns regarding Celebrex

Pfizer has reported new data from a landmark study that addresses some of the longstanding cardiovascular safety concerns associated with its drug Celebrex.

Results from the PRECISION study have shown that Celebrex, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, poses no more of a heart health risk than other comparable therapies.

In the study, similar rates of cardiovascular risk were observed in patients treated with prescription doses of Celebrex, ibuprofen and naproxen who had a clinical diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, were at high risk for cardiovascular disease, and required daily treatment with NSAIDs.

Additionally, those treated with Pfizer's drug experienced significantly fewer gastrointestinal events, offering evidence to refute the common assumption that naproxen is the safest drug in the NSAID category.

This study, which involved 24,081 patients, also acts as a reminder that all prescription NSAIDs can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, meaning they must be prescribed and monitored carefully to achieve an appropriate balance between their risks and benefits.

Ian Read, chairman and chief executive officer of Pfizer, said: "The study demonstrated that patients treated with prescription doses of celecoxib, ibuprofen or naproxen had similar rates of cardiovascular events and dispels the long-held perception of excess cardiovascular risk associated with long term use of Celebrex."

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