Forest expects delay on fibromyalgia drug

Forest expects the shipment of a fibromyalgia management drug to be delayed.

The selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Savella (milnacipran HCl), was originally approved on January 14th 2009 for the chronic condition, which is characterised by decreased physical function and widespread pain.

It was expected to be available from wholesalers and pharmacies in March this year.

However, the company submitted a minor post-approval cosmetic formulation change to be permitted.

The firm believes it will hear a response by no later than May 2009. Forest will market the drug, along with its licensor Cypress Bioscience.

Savella is similar to some medication used for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as depression.

Last week, the pharmaceutical company announced that it would conduct further studies of aclidinium bromide for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The purpose of the additional trials is to provide further support for how the medication should be taken, including looking at the benefits and risks or higher and/or more frequent doses.