Pfizer's Lyrica cleared for spinal cord injury pain in USA

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of Lyrica (pregabalin) capsules CV for the management of neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury. Lyrica, from drugs behemoth Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) received a priority review designation for this new indication from the FDA.

With the patent expiry of the company’s best-ever selling cholesterol lowerer Lipitor (atorvastatin) last November, Lyrica - with 2011 revenues of $3.39 billion - is likely to become Pfizer’s top seller. The treatment has patent protection until 2018, and Pfizer is working to expand its use. Lyrica is currently backed to treat nerve pain from fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain and pain after shingles.

More than 100,000 patients - around 40% of the 270,000 patients with spinal cord injury in the USA - suffer from this chronic, complex pain condition. Neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury can be severely debilitating and may significantly hinder rehabilitation and the ability to regain function.