Cephalon reports positive Fentora phase III data

Cephalon has presented positive data from a phase III clinical trial of Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet) as a treatment for breakthrough pain at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology in Boston.

The study investigated the use of the compound as a treatment for breakthrough pain in patients suffering from neuropathic pain already taking opiods as a therapy for persistent pain.

According to the study, the sum of pain intensity differences from five to 60 minutes was significantly higher in patients receiving Fentora, while pain relief and reduction in pain intensity were also lower in patients administered with the compound at ten through to 120 minutes.

Dr David Simpson, professor of neurology at Mount Sinai Medical Centre, said: “This study provides strong evidence that opiods like Fentora may be useful in managing breakthrough pain in patients with chronic neuropathic pain.”

He added that the clinically meaningful improvements in pain control were seen in patients taking Fentora, while these individuals also expressed a preference for this therapy ahead of their previous breakthrough pain treatment.

In March 2007, Cephalon announced the submission of an application for marketing approval for Fentora as a treatment for breakthrough pain in the European Union.