Astellas commences new study of Qutenza

Astellas has announced the commencement of a new head-to-head study involving Qutenza, its capsaicin patch therapy for peripheral neuropathic pain.

The first patient has been enrolled for the Elevate study, which compares Astellas' treatment to pregabalin in terms of its efficacy, tolerability and impact on health-related quality of life.

Results from Elevate are expected in 2014, with around 526 patients ultimately set to be enrolled from approximately 100 centres in 23 countries.

Lead investigator Maija Haanpaa, a consultant in pain management at the Helsinki University Central Hospital, said: "It is important to perform head-to-head comparative studies in the field of neuropathic pain. This study may also provide information about the symptom profiles that are most likely to respond to the different treatments."

Earlier this month, the company announced that it will be allying with TI Pharma, Merck KGaA and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute to carry out research into new treatments for the parasitic disease schistosomiasis among younger patients.