Second generation COX-2 inhibitors are considered hot news in the pain management market, with one product now available in the European market and another in the pipeline
Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) has thrown down the gauntlet to rival Pharmacia with the development of its new, second generation COX-2 inhibitor Arcoxia.
The newest pain management drug from the pharmaceutical giant's porfolio has just been launched in the United Kingdom.
And, with Pharmacia's competing offering Bextra as yet unavailable in the European market, Arcoxia is widely predicted to consolidate Merck's sway over the European pain management market.
Christian Downton, healthcare analyst with Frost & Sullivan and author of a shortly to-be-released report on the 'Pain Management Market in Europe' is optimistic about the success of Arcoxia. "General practitioners are very clear about what a pain relief drug should offer patients.
With attributes like speed of action, efficacy, higher safety profile and long lasting relief of up to 24 hours, Arcoxia is well positioned to gain the approval of both GPs and patients." Clinical trials have proven Arcoxia's versatility and enhanced ability to offer pain relief in cases of osteo and rheumatoid arthritic pain, acute gouty arthritis, chronic low back pain, as well as in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Arcoxia also marks an advance on first generation COX-2 inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs due to its proven cost-effectiveness in gastrointestinal safety.
Such benefits notwithstanding, Downton throws in a cautionary note; "It will be a tough battle ahead for Arcoxia. Pharmacia's Bextra and predecessor Celebrex will mount a strong challenge.
Also in the fray is Dynastat (the first injectable COX-2 specific inhibitor).
At the outset, however, Dynastat is likely to cater to a small market for the short-term treatment of postoperative pain." Arcoxia's introduction into the European markets should come as a shot in the arm to Merck.
The company is set to bounce back after a bumpy start in the US, when Arcoxia has been temporarily withdrawn from the FDA regulatory approval process.
In its new, improved avatar, this next generation COX-2 inhibitor is expected to give Merck the competitive edge in the lucrative European market.
