Therapeutic targets to watch for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of the most prevalent rheumatologic conditions. Even though the condition is primarily characterized by chronic widespread pain, patients with fibromyalgia experience a number of associated symptoms, including mood and sleep disturbances. The search for drugs able to control all of these manifestations has been always regarded as an aim of paramount importance. However, most of these attempts have been frustrated by the complex multifactorial pathogenesis of fibromyalgia. The recently failed phase III trials of mirogabalin and cyclobenzaprine modified release (TNX-102) underline once again the difficulties of finding effective therapies. In this paper, we review the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, the ongoing trials, and the possible future scenario of this common and yet elusive condition.