Pfizer Inc announced today that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved Lyrica® (pregabalin) capsules for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. This follows the recent approval in Japan of Lyrica for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia on April 16, 2010. Lyrica is the first medication approved for peripheral neuropathic pain in Japan where it is co-promoted with Eisai Co., Ltd.
Steve Romano, M.D., vice president, Medical Affairs Head, Primary Care Business Unit at Pfizer aid, Neuropathic pain remains an under-diagnosedcondition in many parts of the world, in large part due to low awareness and understanding of the condition and the fact that there arefew proven treatment options available. This approval reinforces the benefit that Lyrica can bring to appropriate patients suffering from peripheral neuropathic pain.
