Qutenza could have a substantial market, based on the percentage of population affected by Peripheral Neuropathy, bearing in mind that the European approval is much wider in scope than that of the FDA, as it applies to PN in general...
It is estimated that about 8% of the UK population suffer from neuropathic pain. HIV-associated polyneuropathy affects 29% to 62% of patients with HIV and AIDS.
Of course, a lot will depend on pricing, insurance coverage and modalities of application...
However, I am far more interested in what the clinical trials have shown: the efficacy of cheap, low dose Capsaicin patches, even though they were used for a short time interval, when they're far better suited for repeated applications of longer duration, which should have a beneficial effect on overall efficacy...
Clinical Study:
http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/applications/...newDrugID=4080
Quote:
Results of a 12-week a multicentre trial published in which 402 patients with PHN of ≥6 month duration were treated with one 60-min application of NGX-4010 (8% capsaicin) or a low-concentration capsaicin control patch (0.04% capsaicin).
The average baseline numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) score was 3-9. The mean changes in NPRS score from baseline to weeks 2-8 (primary endpoint) were −29.6% vs. −19.9% respectively (difference −9.7% [95%CI −15.47 to −3.95] p=0.001).
42% vs. 32% of patients had a ≥30% reduction in mean NPRS score (odds ratio 1.56 [1.03 to 2.37] p=0.03). Erythema and pain at application site were common but short-lasting...
Adverse Events: erythema was reported in 94% of the treatment group (n=205) versus 65% of the control group (n=197). Pain at the site of application was reported in 56% versus 22% of patients, respectively.
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This basically means that the inexpensive low dose 0.04% patch available OTC - think of the Salonpas 0.025% Hot patch, as a readily available substitute - had 3/4 of the efficacy of the expensive Qutanza that need to be applied in a controlled environment by prescription...
BUT, when the low dose patch is used as designed, that is for repetitive applications of much longer duration, I feel that it will likely not only outperform Qutenza, but will also have fewer side effects...
http://www.amazon.com/SALONPAS-Hot-C.../dp/B000BRPZPM
I'll soon know, as DHL just called to inform me of the delivery of a bunch of Salonpas patches that I can't wait to try out...