FDA advances generic abuse-deterrent opioids

In a move that could make it easier for FDA to remove conventional formulations of opioids from the market, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb Tuesday announced the release of final guidance on the development of generic versions of abuse-deterrent opioids.

The guidance is part of a set of policies FDA has implemented and plans to implement to use regulatory innovation to blunt the epidemic of opioid abuse, addiction and overdoses. Other steps under consideration are aimed at changing prescribing behaviors, influencing payers, and stimulating new product development (see BioCentury, Nov. 17)...