High concentration Capsaicin relieves neuropathic pain in Diabetic neuropathy

They evaluated phase 3 studies of the capsaicin 8% patch in patients with DSPN, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), HIV-associated distal sensory polyneuropathy (HIV-DSPN) and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Upon analyzing the ELEVATE study, they noted that in nondiabetic patients with PNP, the capsaicin 8% patch provided pain relief, non-inferior to pregabalin, with a faster onset of action, fewer systemic side effects, and greater patient satisfaction with treatment.

They also investigated STEP study, a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial performed between February 2012 and February 2014 in the United States. This study compared the action of capsaicin 8% and placebo and the findings confirmed the clinical safety and tolerability of capsaicin 8%.

They further assessed the PACE study which was an open-label, randomized, controlled, multicenter trial that assigned patients to 30- or 60-minute capsaicin 8% applications plus standard of care or standard of care alone. The study findings demonstrated longitudinal efficacy, safety, and tolerability over a much longer 52-week follow-up period.

The authors of the peer review concluded, "The high-concentration capsaicin 8% patch is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for treating DPNP. Capsaicin 8% patch may be used alone or in combination with other oral therapies and can provide rapid and sustained neuropathic pain relief following a single application and is safe and effective when used long-term."

For further information:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14737175.2021.1874920