FDA Approves Cymbalta for Fibro

Pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved their medication Cymbalta for the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome (Fibro).

Cymbalta is only the second drug to be approved by the US FDA specifically for the treatment of Fibro. Last year, Pfizer's Lyrica (Pregabalin) made Fibro history when it became the first drug approved for the treatment of Fibro.

Cymbalta (Duloxetine hydrochloride) is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI or SNRI), working to increase levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Reduced levels of serotonin and norepinephrine have often been associated with Fibro and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), an older class of medication that also work on both serotonin and norepinephrine levels, are often used as the first medication to try in the treatment of Fibro. Cymbalta is the first SNRI proven in studies to reduce pain in patients with Fibro.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is the fourth condition for which the US FDA has approved Cymbalta as a treatment. In addition to Fibro, Cymbalta is approved for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, all in adults age 18 years and older. Lyrica was also approved for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain before its approval for the treatment of Fibro.

According to the pharmaceutical news outlet, PharmaLive, Madelaine Wohlreich, M.D., medical advisor and research physician at Lilly, said that:

"The approval of Cymbalta is important because it provides physicians and patients with a new treatment option shown to help reduce pain and improve functioning in this difficult-to-treat disorder."

FibroAction founder, Lindsey Middlemiss, who is also a Fibro sufferer, said today that:

"The FDA approval of Cymbalta for the treatment of Fibromyalgia Syndrome is an important step forward for the condition, taking us closer to the day when all Fibro sufferers will have effective treatment options easily available. Despite being an American system, FDA approvals are watched worldwide and can generate significant publicity. Many doctors do not realise that there are treatments available to control the chronic, widespread pain of this often debilitating condition and Cymbalta's FDA approval will help to raise awareness, both of Fibromyalgia Syndrome and the treatments available for it."