Pain and inflammation

One of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention is chronic or acute pain. In Europe, an estimated one out of five adults suffers at least one period of chronic pain during their lifetime.

The pain market is generally divided into nociceptive and neuropathic pain. Nociceptive pain, also called tissue damage pain, means that potentially harmful stimuli activate nociceptors. Put simply, it is pain caused by tissue damage when the body is subjected to extreme pressure, temperature, or the like. Neuropathic pain arises due to damage to or functional disorders of the nervous system. Arthritic pain and post-operative pain are usually classed as examples of nociceptive pain, while pain associated with disorders such as fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis is usually considered neuropathic.

Meda’s 10 most important products include two in the pain and inflammation therapy area: Zamadol (for moderate to severe pain) and Soma (for acute pain conditions). Meda’s other pain and inflammation products include (i) Axorid (ketoprofen and omeprazole), the first NSAID and proton pump inhibitor combination product for treatment of rheumatic diseases, (ii) Onsolis (fentanyl) for treatment of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer, (iii) Lederspan (triamcinolone), a product for treatment of joints in conjunction with rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis (arthritis), and (iv) Relifex (nabumetone) for treatment of stiff, aching joints in connection with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Examples of Meda's key products
in the Pain and inflammation therapy area:

Zamadol

Tramadol is the active ingredient in Zamadol—one of the world’s most widely prescribed painkillers. The indication for Zamadol is moderate to severe pain.

Tramadol combines analgesic efficacy with a favorable tolerability profile. Meda markets tramadol under several brand names in the European market; Zamadol in the UK is the biggest. Other brand names are Zamudol, Tradonal, and Travex.

Tramadol is not a proprietary ingredient, but Meda has launched innovative formulations such as once-daily, controlled-release, and FlashTab formulations, which are patent protected.

Meda’s tramadol products are now the market leaders in several European countries.

Zamadol sales in 2009 were SEK 395 million (378).

Soma

Soma is a well-established US brand and is used to treat the discomfort associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions. Carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, is the active ingredient in Soma. Carisoprodol products generate about 10 million prescriptions annually in the US market.

In 2009, Soma sales amounted to SEK 449 million (314).

Onsolis

Onsolis (fentanyl) is a new patented drug that is designed to treat breakthrough pain in patients with cancer. Onsolis has a unique administration method that allows rapid, reliable dosage of fentanyl, the active ingredient.

The product consists of a thin soluble disc that contains fentanyl and is applied to the inside of the cheek. The launch of Onsolis began in Q4 of 2009, and the product is in the registration phase in several key markets.

Axorid

Axorid consists of the well-known and broadly used pharmaceuticals ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for treatment of rheumatic disorders, and omeprazole, an acid-reducing proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Axorid can prevent gastrointestinal side effects due to NSAID use. Axorid’s once-daily administration can also improve patient compliance. The launch of Axorid began in the UK in early 2010.