Novel pharmacotherapy for fibromyalgia

Abstract

Fibromyalgia is a common disorder that is characterized by chronic widespread pain, tenderness to light palpation, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The present lack of a well-accepted model of the disorder has hampered progress towards adequate treatment. A review of potential models to explain the pathophysiology underlying its primary symptom (i.e., chronic widespread pain) lends insight on the therapeutic potential of novel therapies. Following this, a mechanistic evaluation of those medications that are under consideration for the treatment of the disorder is offered. Adequate treatment will be likely to involve the identification of biologic subgroups within the greater fibromyalgia construct. Key insights from basic research are the basis for increased optimism for effective relief among patients and clinicians.

Keywords::

• central sensitization
• chronic widespread pain
• descending inhibition
• dopamine
• fibromyalgia

Disclosure

PB Wood has received a research fellowship funded by GlaxoSmithKline, and has previously served as a consultant to and received fees from Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Boehringer Ingelheim.

AJ Holman holds patents describing the use of dopamine agonists used to treat fibromyalgia (including pramipexole and ropinirole) and also serves as a consultant for Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

KD Jones is a fibromyalgia consultant on and has received fees from the National and international Advisory Boards for Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.