Pfizer forced to discontinue more trials for novel pain drug tanezumab

Pfizer is facing further disappointment with its promising first-in-class nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibitor, tanezumab. It has been forced by the US FDA to suspend clinical trials of the agent in chronic low back pain and painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy, following the recent suspension of the lead osteoarthritis programme due to safety concerns.

In June, Pfizer suspended Phase III trials of tanezumab for osteoarthritis at the request of the FDA after some patients receiving the drug experienced a worsening of their osteoarthritis that led to joint replacement (www.scripintelligence.com, 24 June 2010)