Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder of uncertain origin associated with widespread pain, tenderness, muscular spam, fatigue, sleep disturbance and cognitive dysfunction. The disorder affects 2% of the population worldwide, predominantly women of all ages, but also men and children. In three studies, including a randomized controlled trial, Inmedix discovered the effect of dopamine agonists to reduce pain for patients with FM. While not approved by the FDA for treatment of FM, dopamine agonists are FDA-approved for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and restless legs syndrome (RLS). Inmedix sold patents related to its discovery to Boehringer-Ingelheim pharmaceutical company in 2007.

1. Wood PB, Holman AJ. The elephant among us: dopamine and the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia [editorial]. J Rheum 2009;36(2):221-4.

2. Holman AJ, Myers RR.  A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial of pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia receiving concomitant medications.  Arthritis Rheum 2005;52(8):2495-2505.

3. Holman AJ, Neiman RA, Ettlinger RE. Preliminary efficacy of the dopamine agonist, pramipexole for fibromyalgia: the first, open label, multicenter experience. J Musculoskeletal Pain 2004;12(1):69-74.

4. Holman AJ. Pramipexole and fibromyalgia: promise and precaution. [letter]  J Rheum 2003;30(12):2733.

5. Holman AJ: Safety and Efficacy of the Dopamine Agonist, Pramipexole, on Pain Score for Refractory Fibromyalgia. Arthritis Rheum 2000;43(9)suppl:S333.