FDA panel recommends agency reject NeurogesX HIV pain patch

An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended Thursday that the agency reject an HIV pain patch from NeurogesX Inc. not be approved.
Qutenza, the patch from the San Mateo-based company (NASDAQ: NGSX), already is used for pain related to shingles, but NeurogesX is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for its use in nerve damage associated with the AIDS virus.
The 12-member panel’s unanimous decision does not mean the FDA will reject the drug, but the agency typically follows the advise of its committees of experts.
The FDA is scheduled to make a final decision on the Qutenza on March 7.