Pfizer has presented more positive late-stage data on its abuse-resistance painkiller ALO-02.
The US giant has published top-line results from a Phase III study of ALO-02 (extended-release oxycodone/naltrexone) in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic low back pain. The results, which will be submitted for presentation at medical congresses and publication in a peer-reviewed journal, show a statistically significant difference from placebo.
AALO-02 uses technology which should discourage tampering associated with prescription opioid misuse and abuse. It consists of extended-release oxycodone pellets that surround a sequestered core of naltrexone; when the pellets are crushed, the naltrexone is released to counteract the effects of oxycodone.
Pain is a major area for Pfizer but it has suffered regulatory setbacks. One treatment, Remoxy (extended-release oxycodone), co-developed with Pain Therapeutics and Durect Corp, has been rejected twice by the US Food and Drug Administration.
