Pfizer Japan, Eisai To Introduce Lyrica Capsules

Lyrica was approved in Japan on April 16, 2010 and was listed in the NHI drug price list. Pfizer Japan and Eisai are jointly promoting sale of the drug and work together to ensure the provision of information regarding its proper usage.

Developed by Pfizer (US), Lyrica is currently approved in over 105 countries worldwide. Its major mechanism of action is thought to express its analgesic effects by suppressing the output of various neurotransmitters from overexcited nerves.

Pfizer claimed that the efficacy and safety of Lyrica have already been proven in a number of clinical trials. Lyrica is also listed as a first-line drug in the treatment guidelines / algorithm for neuropathic pain (including postherpetic neuralgia) in the US and Europe.

Lyrica has a new mechanism of action that is completely different from existing analgesic treatments, and domestic phase III trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of its analgesic effects. The drug is also under review for indication approval for peripheral neuropathy, and development is underway to secure indication for fibromyalgia.

Both Pfizer Japan and Eisai will contribute to the QOL improvement for patients with PHN by providing Lyrica capsules as a new treatment.