Pfizer’s anxiety drug approved in Europe

In the European Union, it is estimated that nearly 12 million patients suffer from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) on a yearly basis yet only one-third of these patients are properly diagnosed and even fewer received effective treatment.

Lyrica’s approval was based on five randomized double-blind clinical trials involving over 2,000 patients. Data from a combination of five placebo-controlled studies demonstrate that Lyrica provides rapid and sustained efficacy for the treatment of GAD.

As early as the first week of treatment, Lyrica was shown to be significantly effective in providing relief of both emotional symptoms, such as depressive symptoms and panic, as well as physical symptoms, including headaches and muscle aches.

“Lyrica represents an innovative treatment advance for patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorder,” said Dr Joseph Feczko, president of Worldwide Development at Pfizer. “Early diagnosis and effective treatment is critical since prolonged anxiety increases impairment and worsens the outcome of co-existing illnesses.”