Regeneron Says FDA Halts Pain Killer Drug Development

In a major blow for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has put an end to the development of its new pain killer drug after a similar study by another company resulted in a serious nerve problem in a volunteer.

The experimental drug, REGN475/SAR164877, is being developed by Regeneron along with Sanofi-Aventis SA but was asked to halt the research after a similar study by Pfizer which led to the development of avascular necrosis in the patient.

Pfizer is currently developing a similar NGF-inhibitor but a number of patients who took part in the study had to undergo joint replacement surgeries due avascular necrosis.

The FDA then contacted both the companies, requesting it to suspend their trials until a clear picture emerged.


Source: Medindia