Cephalon, Inc. announced positive results from a 12-week, phase III clinical trial of Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablet) [C-II] in patients with breakthrough pain associated with a broad range of chronic non-cancer pain conditions.

Fentora is indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy, as described below in the Fentora label, for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Fentora incorporates a drug delivery system that generates transient changes in pH, which may optimise how well the tablet dissolves and how quickly the medicine passes across the lining of the cheek, or buccal mucosa.

The study achieved statistical significance on the primary endpoint. Results across the 12 weeks of treatment showed both statistically significant and clinically relevant outcomes for patients with breakthrough pain who were already receiving and who were tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent pain. Fentora is approved only for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain.

"We are excited to complete our phase III programme with this third and final controlled study. These data show similar positive outcomes as those with Fentora in treating breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients with cancer, chronic neuropathic pain, and chronic low-back pain," said Dr Lesley Russell, executive vice president, worldwide medical and regulatory operations. "We plan to submit these data to the Food and Drug Administration in the fourth quarter as part of our supplemental New Drug Application."

Fentora is indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking at least 60 mg of oral morphine/day, at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl/hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.