The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Vantrelatm, a pain medication designed by Teva Pharmaceutical Ltd., for long-term use in time-released capsules.
Teva has said that the drug is formulated in such a way as deter from opioid dependency.
“Teva understands the risk of prescription drug abuse is a challenge health care professionals face when treating millions of Americans affected by chronic pain,” Dr. Rob Koreman, president of global specialty medications at Teva, said. “Abuse-deterrent treatments provide options for prescribers that may help deter or mitigate abuse while still preserving access to pain medications for the patients that need them most.”
Teva, however, has said that while the formula does deter dependency, there is now a foolproof method to avoid drug abuse.
“No technology can completely eliminate abuse,” Dr. Michael Hayden, president of research and development at Teva, said. “Teva’s proprietary abuse deterrence technology is an important step forward. We are committed to furthering responsible pain management.”
FDA approves Teva pain medication for long-term use
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