Living with Fibromyalgia pain is difficult. Fortunately, these days we have a better insight into what causes he pain and several medications are available to treat its symptoms.

The first medication approved by FDA to treat fibromyalgia was pregabalin (Lyrica®); the second was duloxetine (Cymbalta®); and the third was milnacipran (Savella®). Of the three, pregabalin (Lyrica®) is prescribed most commonly. Unfortunately, it is rather expensive and some people experience undesirable side effects, including sleepiness and dizziness, which occur, according to Lyrica’s web site (www.lyrica.com), in about 30% of patients. This is why it is so encouraging to know that new medications are currently in development.

One of these promising medications is mirogabalin, a compound being developed by Daiichi Sankyo. The compound acts similarly to pregabalin in providing analgesic effects, but is believed to be more precise in targeting, thus generating fewer side effects. It is also expected to have a longer half-life, which may possibly allow it to be taken less frequently, perhaps only once or twice daily. Results from a Phase 2 pilot 5-week study which tested mirogabalin against pregabalin and placebo indicated encouraging results (Annals of Long-Term Care and Medscape).

Yet in order to prove mirogabalin efficacy and safety, a broader testing is required. In 2015, Daiichi Sankyo launched a Phase 3 trial. The trial conducted under the supervision of FDA and is specifically intended to find out whether mirogbalin (compound DS 5565) will be well tolerated and whether it will be better than placebo and/or pregabalin in managing fibromyalgia pain.

We, at Boston Clinical Trials, are excited to be a part of this new study. If you’d like to learn more about this study, which offers free study-related care, free medications, and compensation to participants, please call us at (617) 477-4868 or visit us online.

Check Out Our Fibromyalgia Study