Lilly seeks approval for Cymbalta in fibromyalgia

BOSTON, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Eli Lilly and Co. (LLY.N) said on Tuesday it has filed for U.S. approval to sell its antidepressant Cymbalta as a treatment for the pain condition fibromyalgia.

The company said data shows that patients with and without depression who took Cymbalta showed greater reduction in pain than those who took a placebo.

Fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 2 percent to 4 percent of the U.S. population. It is characterized by widespread pain and fatigue, sometimes to a disabling degree.

Cymbalta is approved in the United States for the treatment of major depression, nerve pain associated with diabetes, and generalized anxiety.