Lazanda approved as breakthrough pain treatment

BEDMINSTER, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug made by Archimedes Pharma for treating breakthrough pain in cancer patients, Archimedes said last week.

Archimedes announced the approval of Lazanda (fentanyl) nasal spray for cancer patients who have acquired a tolerance to opioid drugs. Breakthrough pain is an intense, sudden pain that is unpredictable and often debilitating and occurs despite otherwise appropriate pain therapy.

“Lazanda is an important new option for patients with cancer who experience excruciating breakthrough pain,” Archimedes Pharma CEO Jeffrey Buchalter said. “Lazanda, which uses our patented PecSys drug delivery system, is designed to deliver medicine in a rapid, but controlled manner, and provides patients with an effective alternative to manage their breakthrough pain.”