The efficacy of a novel adenosine agonist (WAG 994) in postoperative dental pain

Aims To determine the comparative efficacy of a new novel adenosine agonist (WAG 994) in postoperative pain after third molar surgery. Methods One hundred and twenty-two patients with postoperative pain after t hird molar surgery were randomised in a placebo double-blind trial with an active control group. In the early postoperative period patients received e ither a single dose of WAG 994 1 mg, ibuprofen 400 mg or matched placebos. Pain intensity score was recorded on serial visual analogue scales over a 6 h investigation period. Similarly, pain relief was completed oil a 4 Feint categorical scale at each evaluation point. Patients had access to escape analgesic and if these were taken, the time and dosage were recorded. A spa rse sampling technique was used to investigate the relationship between ana lgesic effects and plasma concentrations of WAG 994. Results All three treatment groups were matched for various demographic var iables. For all efficacy measures, WAG 994 was not significantly different from placebo (P>0.05), whereas ibuprofen 400 mg was significantly superior to placebo (P<0.001). No significant relationships (P<0.05) were found betw een WAG 994 pharmacokinetic variables and efficacy measures. Conclusion WAG 994, an adenosine agonist, did not show efficacy in the mana gement of postoperative: pain after third molar surgery. Although this pain responds well to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, it appears to be re sistant to compounds that interact with purinergic receptors.