Pain/Inflammation
One of the most common reasons for seeking medical attention is chronic or acute pain. In Europe, an estimated one in 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, such as 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 largest products include two in the pain and inflammation therapy area: Zamadol (for moderate to severe pain) and Soma (for acute painful musculoskeletal conditions). Meda’s other pain and inflammation products include Axorid (ketoprofen and omeprazole), Onsolis (fentanyl) for treatment of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer, Lederspan (triamcinolone) for treatment of joints in conjunction with rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis (arthritis), and Relifex (nabumetone) for treatment of stiff, aching joints in connection with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Key Products in Pain and Inflammation
Zamadol
Zamadol contains the active ingredient tramadol, one of the world’s most widely
prescribed painkilling active ingredients. The indication for Zamadol is moderate to severe pain.
Tramadol combines analgesic efficacy with a favorable safety profile. Meda markets the active ingredient tramadol under several brands 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 once-daily controlled-release and FlashTab formulations that are patent protected.
Soma
Soma is a well-established brand in the US, for discomfort from acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Soma contains the active ingredient carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant.
Onsolis
Onsolis contains the active ingredient fentanyl. Onsolis is a patented drug that is designed to treat breakthrough pain in patients with cancer. It has a new administration method that allows rapid and reliable dosage of fentanyl.
The product consists of a thin soluble disc that contains fentanyl and is applied to the inside of the cheek. The product is approved in Canada, Europe and the US and has been submitted for regulatory approval in several other key markets.
