Propiram Shire

Shire is developing propiram (Dirame, under license from Bayer), a non-addictive analgesic for the relief of moderate-to-severe pain. It is intended for the management of cancer pain, traumatic and post-surgical pain, and pain associated with dental surgery and childbirth [201830]. Propiram is effective for the treatment of mild-to-moderate pain and is more active than codeine, while showing no addictive potential. In July 2001, Shire confirmed that the product was undergoing phase III trials and anticipated launch in its first market to take place in 2003 [317541], [415823]. In June 2001, ABN AMRO predicted launch in 2003 with sales of $16 million in 2003 rising to $24 million in 2005 [422762].