New pain treatment out

MANILA, Philippines - Invida Philippines, the local subsidiary of leading Italian research-based pharmaceutical group Menarini, has launched dexketoprofen trometamol, a novel molecule that promises rapid and efficacious pain relief with lesser gastrointestinal side effects due to its formulation.

“Some pain medicine provide fast pain relief but cause stomach pain. With dexketoprofen trometamol, a balance between efficacy and tolerability is achieved,” said Prof. Magdi Hanna, clinical director of the Analgesics and Pain Research Unit in London.

“The unique molecular structure of dexketoprofen trometamol is the key to its pain-relieving potency and speed of action as well as its improved tolerability. Potency and safety in pain management is now possible with dexketoprofen trometamol,” said Dr. Maaliddin Biruar, director for medical and scientific affairs of Invida Philippines Inc.

“Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and has a significant effect on a person’s quality of life. A local study in 2003 showed that 6.5 percent of Filipinos suffer from arthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent type of arthritis in the elderly and is among the first five leading causes of disability in developed countries (Leung YY and Thumboo J, 2011). A recent study estimates that around 4.2 million Filipinos suffer from osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Ester Penserga of UP-PGH, past president of the Philippine Rheumatology Association. 

Penserga and Hanna were the guest speakers during the media launch of dexketoprofen trometamol yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Galleria in Quezon City.

Hanna was also the guest speaker during the dinner launch also yesterday at the same hotel, which was attended by more than 700 physicians in the fields of rheumatology, anesthesiology, surgery, rehabilitation medicine, and family medicine.

According to Biruar, the drug’s formulation allows quick absorption, resulting in pain relief in as early as 20 minutes.

Its limited contact with the upper gastrointestinal tract reduces the incidence of gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with NSAIDs.

“Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of dexketoprofen trometamol in various pain conditions,” Biruar said.

Available in tablet and parenteral (IV and IM) formulations, dexketoprofen trometamol provides doctors and patients with dose flexibility.

The film-coated tablet is indicated for pain of mild to moderate intensity like musculoskeletal pain, dysmenorrhea, postoperative pain, low-back pain and renal colic.

The IV formulation is indicated for symptomatic treatment of acute pain of moderate to severe intensity when oral administration is not appropriate.

“The launch of Dexketoprofen trometamol in the country is in line with Invida’s commitment to provide Filipino patients with innovative and affordable treatment options,” said Eleanor Lopez, marketing director of Invida Philippines Inc.