Pfizer's Lyrica Scores in Study - Analyst Blog
November 21 2012 - 6:20AM
Zacks
Pfizer Inc. (PFE) recently announced positive
top-line data on its once-daily formulation of Lyrica (pregabalin).
Results were presented from a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
multi-center, randomized withdrawal phase III study that was
conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Lyrica controlled
release (CR) in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.
Pfizer said that Lyrica had a statistically significant positive
effect compared to placebo. The primary endpoint was time to loss
of therapeutic response (LTR). According to the company,
fibromyalgia affects more than five million people in the US. Other
players in the fibromyalgia market include Eli
Lilly’s (LLY) Cymbalta and Forest Labs’
(FRX) Savella.
The fibromyalgia study is the second of three studies evaluating
once-daily Lyrica. Pfizer had reported top-line results from the
first of these studies also. Results from the study, which was
conducted in adults with partial onset seizures with epilepsy,
showed that Lyrica failed to meet the primary endpoint of change in
the frequency of seizures compared to placebo. The third phase III
study is evaluating the use of once-daily Lyrica in patients with
post-herpetic neuralgia.
Lyrica, a key drug in Pfizer’s product portfolio, has
experienced a very strong ramp since its introduction. Total Lyrica
sales in 2011 were $3.7 billion. The product is approved in 120
countries and regions for indications like diabetic nerve pain,
pain after shingles, fibromyalgia and partial onset seizures in
adults with epilepsy who take one or more drugs for seizures.
Lyrica continues to perform well and we believe Lyrica has the
most potential within Pfizer’s current product suite. Pfizer is
looking to expand Lyrica’s label for additional indications.
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Pfizer, which
carries a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating). Pfizer is
currently facing generic competition for several of its products
including Lipitor, Geodon and Xalatan. These products are all
facing declining sales due to generic competition.
Pfizer has been looking to offset the impact of generic
competition by bringing new products to market. The company has
been focusing on the development of treatments in the fields of
oncology, cardiology, metabolic disorders, neuroscience,
immunology, inflammation and vaccines. These are areas in which the
company believes it can take leading positions.
FOREST LABS A (FRX): Free Stock Analysis Report
LILLY ELI & CO (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report
PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
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