Nycomed gains new European licence for cancer pain spray

pharmafile | July 4, 2011 | News story | Sales and Marketing Nycomed, cancer pain, pain therapeutics 

The European Commission has approved Nycomed’s Instanyl in a single-dose nasal spray for the treatment of breakthrough pain in cancer patients.

The fast-acting nasal opioid was first approved in a multi-dose nasal spray in 2009, and Nycomed hopes the new version will prove more convenient for prescribers.

Guido Oelkers, executive VP at Nycomed, said: “Development of the Instanyl single-dose nasal spray further demonstrates Nycomed’s commitment to innovation in areas of clear medical need.

“Over half a million cancer patients are suffering from breakthrough pain in Europe. The Instanyl single-dose nasal spray will add flexibility to the managing of their pain.”

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The new version of the spray aims to make it easier for healthcare professionals to manage dose titration and dose modification, as well as enabling easier tracking of patients’ use.

Breakthrough pain is a transitory exacerbation of pain in patients whose persistent pain is otherwise controlled.

Nycomed said the problem is widespread, with up to 95% of patients with cancer pain experiencing breakthrough pain, two-thirds of who say their pain control is inadequate.

The company plans to launch Instanyl (fentanyl) in a single-dose nasal spray for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients from September 2011.

Dominic Tyer

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