Originally published January 17 2006
Pfizer will fund study to determine if Celebrex is safe for consumers
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A $100 million dollar study, funded by Pfizer, will be performed at the Cleveland Clinic to compare Celebrex, Pfizer's painkiller, to ibuprofen and naproxen, to determine the cardiovascular risks of each drug.
Pfizer (PFE) is taking a big gamble in its bid to revive the beleaguered painkiller Celebrex.
On Dec. 13, Dr. Steven E. Nissen at the Cleveland Clinic announced that Pfizer was funding a massive, 20,000-patient study to finally answer questions about the possible cardiovascular risk posed by the blockbuster drug (see BW, 12/19/05, "Big Pharma's Favorite Gadfly").
The study, being run independently by the clinic, will compare three drugs: Celebrex (the Cox-2 drug from Pfizer), ibuprofen (sold under the brand name Motrin), and naproxen, sold under brand names such as Alleve.
The study should answer a big question: Were the cardiovascular problems seen with the withdrawn painkiller Vioxx unique to that drug or a common problem for all so-called Cox-2 inhibitors?
Merck (MRK) pulled Vioxx from the market in the fall of 2004 after a study confirmed it was linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks (see BW Online, 12/13/05, "Merck's Plan for Relief").
Celebrex fell under similar suspicion in December, 2004, when one Pfizer's studies showed a possible link to increased cardiovascular risk at higher doses.
All patients will be given low-dose aspirin, which is a typical treatment for people with heart problems, as well as the drug Prilosec, to reduce stomach acid.
But even if Pfizer's gamble pays off, some on Wall Street warn that Celebrex may never regain its lost luster.
SG Cowen's Scala says if the cardiovascular worries about it are determined to be unfounded, sales may stop declining.
Cox-2 drugs "are overpriced products that don't add a lot of value," compared to cheaper options, Scala argues.
The firm's survey found a year ago that one-third of doctors were getting visits every month from Pfizer sales reps to promote Celebrex.
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