Press Releases

Pfizer launches LYRICA^™ in India
Oral treatment for neuropathic pain
Mumbai, March 3, 2006

Pfizer Limited has launched LYRICA™ (pregabalin) - the breakthrough and advanced treatment for the management of neuropathic pain.

LYRICA™ or pregabalin is a new research molecule from Pfizer's Neurosciences portfolio. In an otherwise grim scenario, LYRICA™ has emerged as the proverbial ‘knight in shining armour' for neuropathic pain patients. The drug was tested in over 10,000 patients in one of the most extensive clinical research programs ever.

LYRICA™ not only relieves neuropathic pain but also manages co-morbid conditions like sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression, thus improving the overall quality of life.

LYRICA™ is the first pregabalin molecule to be approved by Indian regulatory authorities, based on results from clinical trials conducted abroad as well as in Indian patients.

“LYRICA™ is an important new therapy for millions of people suffering from neuropathic pain as it provides rapid and sustained pain relief” said Kewal Handa, Managing Director of Pfizer India . “LYRICA™ also represents a major achievement in Pfizer's research program and confirms our leadership in bringing life-changing medicines to patients."

Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain condition that occurs as a consequence of damage to the nervous system resulting from a variety of conditions like diabetes, herpes zoster, HIV, cancer, stroke, spinal cord injury, etc. Some of the expressions commonly used by patients to describe their pain are ‘burning', ‘stabbing', ‘piercing', ‘shooting', and ‘pins and needles'.

It is estimated that neuropathic pain affects over 2 million people in India . This syndrome diminishes the quality of life and causes disability because of the negative effects of pain on physical, psychological, social, and functional health.

The benefits demonstrated by the pregabalin molecule in clinical trials and in real-life clinical practice settings, make LYRICA™ the brand of choice in the management of neuropathic pain.

LYRICA™ is available as capsules in 150 mg and 75 mg dosage strengths.

About Pfizer: Globally, Pfizer discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets leading prescription medicines for humans and animals and many of the world's best-known consumer brands. Our innovative, value-added products improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer, healthier, and more productive lives. Pfizer has three business segments: health care, animal health and consumer health care. Our products are available in more than 150 countries.

Pfizer Limited has been present in India since 1950.