Antidepressant Cymbalta approved for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 08 Sep 2004 - 7:00 PDT

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The FDA has approved the use of an antidepressant for the treatment of diabetic pain - pain associated with nerve damage suffered by diabetic patients. This is the first drug to be approved for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

The drug, Cymbalta, is produced by Eli Lilly.

This is a double whammy for Cymbalta. Last month it was approved as an antidepressant (for treating major depression).

In the USA 5 million patients suffer from diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

Business experts say the income potential for Eli Lilly is enormous. Some say Cymbalta's income for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain should top the $1bn mark. Add to that another three to four billion for treating depression and you have a blockbuster.

http://www.cymbalta.com