Wyeth presents phase III Pristiq results

Wyeth has announced the results of a phase III clinical study of Pristiq (desvenlafaxine), a compound for the treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms – night sweats and hot flushes – in menopausal women.

Pristiq, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is believed to function by affecting the balance of these neurotransmitters in the body and is currently being investigated as a potential treatment for hot flushes in women currently in the menopause.

The trial results, presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists held in San Diego, showed that administration with the compound resulted in a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flushes.

Furthermore, analyses of the data indicated that patients receiving the compound did not exhibit impaired sexual function, while also showing reduced mood disturbances and night-time awakenings.

Joseph Camardo, senior vice-president of global medical affairs at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, commented that there is not yet an approved treatment available for women affected by hot flushes and consequent night sweats during menopause.

“The data indicate Pristiq has the potential to expand the range of effective treatment options by providing a non-hormonal choice for menopausal women with moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms,” he said.

In February 2006, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals published a report stating that women receiving oestrogen as a postmenopausal therapy are not at an increased risk of contracting coronary heart disease.