Cephalon announces positive Fentora results

Cephalon has announced the results of a phase III clinical study investigating the administration of Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet) C-II in patients with neuropathic pain that are opioid-tolerant.

The research showed that pain relief began within ten minutes of administration with the drug, with similar results in a distinct phase III trial investigating the use of the drug in opiod-tolerant cancer patients.

In both cases, patients taking Fentora reported statistically significant pain relief within ten minutes when compared with a placebo.

Fentora’s delivery system generates temporary changes in pH that may enhance the dissolution and absorption of the medication across the buccal mucosa.

Dr Lesley Russell, executive vice president, worldwide medical and regulatory operations at Cephalon, said: “These new studies of Fentrora provide strong support for our clinical development strategy in breakthrough pin in additional chronic pain conditions.

She added that the results suggested pain relief in opioid-tolerant patients may occur more rapidly than is currently indicated on approved labelling of the drug.

In November 2006, Cephalon announced the results of a phase III clinical trial showing the efficacy of administration with Fentora in patients suffering chronic lower-back pain that had exhibited tolerance to opioids.