Qutenza 8% patch now available for pain associated with PHN: NeurogesX

NeurogesX, Inc. (Nasdaq: NGSX) announced today that Qutenza® (capsaicin) 8% patch, the first and only product containing prescription-strength capsaicin, is now available. Clinical studies have shown that a single one-hour Qutenza application can provide three months relief from pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the nerve pain that can occur after shingles.

In November 2009, Qutenza was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with PHN. Qutenza, the first product from NeurogesX, is now available through selected specialty distributors and a specialty pharmacy—a complete list of these distributors is available at www.Qutenza.com.

Qutenza is the first prescription-strength topical treatment for PHN to be approved by the FDA in more than 10 years. Qutenza harnesses the power of capsaicin in a dermal delivery system that targets the nerves in the skin. It is locally-acting and non-narcotic, and unlikely to cause drowsiness or interact with other drugs. Qutenza can be used alone or with other pain medications.

Each year, about one million Americans develop shingles, a painful viral infection caused by a reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. It is estimated that up to one in five people with shingles will experience prolonged pain after shingles, known as PHN. The pain can persist long after the shingles rash clears up and can disrupt sleep, mood, work and the activities of daily living.

"PHN can be an excruciatingly painful condition that can greatly affect many aspects of a person's daily living," said Lynn Webster, M.D., medical director, Lifetree Clinical Research, Salt Lake City, Utah. "Despite the current availability of a variety of pain medications, undesirable side effects, such as drowsiness and interactions with other drugs, often limit their use. Because of these limitations, there is still a need for new treatment options for PHN, and, more importantly, many patients are still suffering. Qutenza may provide a unique treatment option for patients. It is targeted directly to the site of the pain and may be used alone or in combination with existing therapies."

"I have suffered from post-shingles pain for more than four years," said Brad Smith, a 68-year-old husband, father of four, and PHN patient who participated in the Qutenza clinical trials. "I tolerated tremendous pain every day. Qutenza gave me relief, and I was grateful for the treatment."

The active ingredient in Qutenza is a synthetic form of capsaicin, a naturally occurring compound found in chili peppers that gives them their heat sensation. Qutenza is applied directly to the painful site by a physician or health care professional under the close supervision of a physician.

"We are delighted to make Qutenza available for the many patients suffering from PHN and for the physicians looking for new ways to manage post-shingles pain," said Anthony DiTonno, president and chief executive officer, NeurogesX. "At NeurogesX, we have been committed to developing novel pain management therapies based on the power of prescription-strength capsaicin. Qutenza, which can provide patients with three months of pain relief, bears witness to the efficacy of capsaicin and the culmination of 10 years of work to bring this product to market for the benefit of PHN patients."

Up to four Qutenza patches may be used and patches may be cut to conform to the size and shape of the painful area. Treatment with Qutenza may be repeated every three or more months as warranted by the return of pain, but not more frequently than every three months.

In clinical trials, the most common side effects were application-site redness, pain, itching, and papules (small bumps). The majority of these reactions were local, transient and self limited. Among patients treated with Qutenza, 1 percent discontinued prematurely due to an adverse event. Serious adverse reactions included application-site pain and increased blood pressure. Increases in blood pressure occurred during or shortly after exposure to Qutenza and were associated with treatment-related increases in pain. The changes were on average less than 10 mm Hg, although some patients had greater increases, and these changes lasted for approximately two hours after patch removal.

NeurogesX is encouraging in-person, educational in-service training for health care professionals interested in prescribing and administering Qutenza for patients with PHN. Training will be provided by clinical educators who offer in-service demonstrations and answer any questions the physician or health care professional may have.