Palmitoylethanolamide, a special food for medical purposes, in the treatment of chronic pain: A pooled data meta-analysis 

A meta-analysis by Paladini et al. published in 2016 evaluated the safety and efficacy of micronized and ultra-micronized PEA. Authors confirmed that it produced analgesia in patients with chronic or neuropathic pain in a manner that was independent of age and gender. Twelve studies were included (3 were double-blind trials, 2 were open-label trials vs standard therapies, and 7 were open-label trials without comparators.) The authors concluded that PEA elicits a progressive reduction of pain intensity significantly higher than control- the magnitude of reduction is 1.04 points (vs 0.2 points in placebo) every 2 weeks (35% response variance.) Making it an effective option for neuropathic pain management. 

References:

Paladini A, Fusco M, Cenacchi T, Schievano C, Piroli A, Varrassi G. Palmitoylethanolamide, a Special Food for Medical Purposes, in the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Pooled Data Meta-analysis. Pain Physician. 2016;19(2):11-24.