Neurotin News

Replacement Drug For Neurontin?
From Mlive.com - April 11, 2004

Medical company Pfizer is said to have a number of new prescription drugs that will hit the market very soon. Among them is one that is possibly serious competition for Neurontin. More details below.

Leading the pack on those possible prescriptions-in-waiting is Pregabalin, also known by its likely commercial name Lyrica. The drug is seeking to ease certain neuropathic pain, as well as help in treating seizures and psychiatric disorders.

"A year ago, we were very uncertain where we stood with this compound," Canter said. "But we've been able to solve some scientific problems."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the drug, which recently gained a favorable review from the London-based Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products. Those recommendations for marketing approval are normally endorsed by the European Commission within 90 days. Pfizer said it was prohibited from discussing the drug in detail, but analysts believe it could gain regulatory approval and be sold within a year.

"I think Pfizer is holding a billion-dollar potential with (Lyrica)," said John Eade, an analyst with Argus Research in New York. "A billion is a home run. It's not a grand slam - Lipitor would be a grand slam. ... Still, I think it's going to be a profitable product because Pfizer has (an) excellent neurological franchise."