As the opioid epidemic continues to result in numerous deaths, health problems, and high financial costs, the search continues for drugs that can adequately treat pain without harmful adverse effects. Drug developers are hopeful the following products will meet this need:
Oliceridine (TRV130)
Oliceridine is an intravenous analgesic that treats moderate-to-severe acute pain with a reduced frequency of opioid-related adverse effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, hypoventilation) when compared to intravenous morphine.
This drug has been granted breakthrough therapy status by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning the FDA will review portions of the new drug application (NDA) ahead of time and increase communication with the manufacturer, in the hopes of providing important guidance to increase the likelihood of the drug’s approval.
Oliceridine is currently in phase 3 trials, with an estimated completion date of March 2017.
CR845
An opioid that targets the site of injury without passing the blood-brain barrier, CR845 is being called a non-addictive opioid that induces potent analgesia and anti-inflammatory properties, without adverse effects such as constipation, respiratory depression, or euphoria.
The drug is currently in phase 3 trials, with results expected early 2017.
UMB425
Currently in development at the University of Maryland (UM) School of Pharmacy (in association with UM’s Computer-Aided Drug Design Center), UMB425 is an opioid that does not induce withdrawal when discontinued.
This drug has been in development for 10 years, and research efforts surrounding UMB425 have received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) signifying high promise, but the drug has yet to move beyond animal trials.