Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) announced today that a Phase 3 study for Lyrica
(pregabalin) in patients with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) met each of
its three co-primary endpoints, showing significant benefit as compared
with placebo and pramipexole. Pfizer will continue to further analyze
these top-line results.
The study, A0081186, was a randomized, double-blind, 12-month trial. It
enrolled more than 700 patients, who received either a placebo, Lyrica
at 300 mg/day, pramipexole at 0.25 mg/day or pramipexole at 0.5 mg/day.
Patients treated with Lyrica experienced a statistically significant
improvement compared with placebo in RLS symptom severity as measured by
the International Restless Leg Group Rating Scale following 12 weeks of
treatment. The Lyrica group also demonstrated a statistically
significant improvement following 12 weeks of treatment in the
proportion of patients responding to treatment compared with those on
placebo as measured by the Clinical Global Impression Improvement scale.
In addition, Lyrica treatment resulted in a statistically significant
reduction in the rate of augmentation (worsening of RLS symptoms that
occur after starting a medication to treat RLS) compared with
pramipexole 0.5 mg/day over 12 months.
The results for this study indicate that the most common adverse events
in Lyrica-treated patients were dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, headache
and nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal cavity and throat). The
adverse event profile is consistent with that known for pregabalin.
Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological condition that is characterized
by an unpleasant irresistible urge to move the legs and, in severe
cases, other parts of the body. The symptoms have a circadian pattern
and occur mostly in the evening and bedtime. It often results in
difficulty falling or staying asleep and can result in periodic limb
movements while sleeping, causing partial awakenings that disrupt sleep.
RLS has profound negative impact on patients’ quality of life.
Top-line results from a previous Phase 3 study in RLS patients,
A0081185, showed Lyrica demonstrated statistically significant
improvements in the primary endpoint, sleep maintenance, compared with
placebo in adults with RLS.
The preliminary results of the previous study indicate that the most
common adverse events in Lyrica-treated patients were dizziness,
somnolence, headache, nausea, dry mouth, upper respiratory tract
infection and disturbance of attention. The adverse event profile is
consistent with that known for pregabalin.
At present, Pfizer does not have plans to seek regulatory approval for
an indication in Restless Legs Syndrome.
About Lyrica
Lyrica® is currently approved in 110 countries and regions
globally. In the United States, Lyrica (pregabalin) capsules CV is
approved to treat Diabetic Nerve Pain, Pain after Shingles, Fibromyalgia
and partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy who take one or more
drugs for seizures. Lyrica is not approved to treat Restless Legs
Syndrome in any country. Treatment with Lyrica may cause dizziness,
somnolence, peripheral edema or blurred vision. Other most common
adverse reactions include dry mouth, weight gain, constipation, euphoric
mood, balance disorder, increased appetite and thinking abnormally.
There have been post-marketing reports of angioedema and
hypersensitivity. Like other anti-epileptic drugs, Lyrica may cause
suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people.
For Lyrica prescribing information, please visit www.lyrica.com.
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