Javelin begins second pain drug study

Javelin Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge-based drug developer, said today it began a second phase 3 study of its anti-inflammatory drug in the US.

Javelin's drug, called Dyloject, is an injectable form of diclofenac that would treat post-operative pain. The second phase of the study will have the drug administered to patients with pain from elective orthopedic surgery. Results from the first study, which focuses on pain from adbominal surgery, are expected to be released by the end of the year.

Phase 3 studies are important because they are the last test for the effectiveness of the drug before it is submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for approval for sale in the US.

Javelin says its drug could reduce the need for need for opioids like morphine.
"We are pleased to have met yet another important corporate milestone on time," said Daniel Carr, chief executive of Javelin. "This trial advances the US Dyloject program towards commercialization as we prepare for its anticipated launch in Europe.”
(By Se Young Lee, Globe correspondent)