US FDA approves Eli Lilly's Cymbalta for added use in chronic musculoskeletal pain

The US Food and Drug Administration yesterday approved drug major Eli Lilly’s (NYSE: LLY) Cymbalta (duloxetine) - already marketed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, diabetic nerve pain and fibromyalgia - to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, including discomfort from osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain. Lilly’s gained less than 1% to $35.76 by close of New York trading.

The approval was not a foregone conclusion since an FDA advisory panel narrowly voted (eight to six) in favor of expanding the use of the drug year (The Pharma Letter August 20.  Sales of Cymbalta were $3.07 billion last year, accounting for 14% of the firm’s revenue and generated turnover of $825.3 million in the third quarter of this year (TPL October 22). However, the new indication will not be a particularly long-term benefit for increasing sales, as the drug, which is Lilly’s second best seller, is scheduled to lose US patent protection in 2013.

Another treatment option