Schwarz Pharma, a subsidiary of UCB, submitted a MAA to the EMEA for Vimpat to treat diabetic neuropathic pain and it has been accepted for review.

Vimpat is an anticonvulsant drug with a novel dual mode of action acting on CRMP-2 (collapsing response mediator protein 2) and sodium channel slow inactivation. Diabetic neuropathic pain is a common chronic pain syndrome from which approximately eleven million people with diabetes suffer. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to a peripheral or central nerve and can lead to spontaneous sensations of pain.

An application for marketing approval for Vimpat as an adjunctive therapy for adult patients with epilepsy with partial onset seizures was accepted for review by the EMEA in May 2007. The company plans to file for approval in the U.S. in 4Q2007.

Also, clinical studies with lacosamide in additional indications such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and migraine prophylaxis, have been initiated, with first results expected in 2008.