Polyanalgesic Consensus Panel's New Treatment Guidelines Via Intraspinal Infusion for Severe Ch...( Updated Algorithm Includes PRIALT(R) ...),Health

Updated Algorithm Includes PRIALT(R) (ziconotide intrathecal infusion) as a

First-Line Intraspinal Infusion Alternative to Opioid Medications

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2007 Polyanalgesic Consensus Panel (PCP) -- a group of leading national pain management physicians from the United States and abroad -- has updated their intraspinal pain treatment guidelines and recommendations. The findings were released this month in Neuromodulation, a neurology and pain publication for physicians. The panel of pain experts revised the guidelines used to determine treatment via intraspinal infusion for patients suffering from severe chronic pain. The updated algorithm includes PRIALT (Elan Corp.) as a first-line alternative for intraspinal infusion to the opioids morphine and hydromorphone

"We did an extensive review of the literature that has been performed and the consensus was the data was very supportive that PRIALT should be considered a first line drug -- one of the first lines for intraspinal infusion you would use for a patient with chronic, severe or moderate pain," said Timothy Deer, MD of the Center for Pain Relief in Charleston, W.V. The group of experts was led by Deer and Samuel Hassenbusch, MD, PhD, of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. [Please see important safety information for PRIALT].

In addition, the panel looked at safety as one of the real landmarks of which drugs to put in the algorithm, recognizing patient safety should always come first above helping the pain, added Deer. "Our consensus demonstrates the evidence is fairly strong in support of PRIALT safety and efficacy as a first-line intraspinal infusion treatment option for chronic pain."

In making their new recommendations, the panel reviewed data published since its last meeting in 2003, as well as newly approved drugs and the clinical treatment experience of the consensus panel members. PRIALT was approved by the FDA
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