Oxycodone DETERx®: A Novel Abuse-Deterrent, Extended-Release Analgesic Option for the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Pain

Abstract

Background: Extended-release (ER) opioid analgesics are commonly used to provide safe and effective pain relief to treat pain severe enough to require around-the-clock, long-term dosing. These ER opioid formulations usually contain more drug per dosage unit than immediate-release (IR) agents, and therefore bring with them challenges related to both opioid abuse and misuse, often through manipulation of the dosage form. Oxycodone DETERx® (Xtampza® ER, Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.) is a novel abuse-deterrent, ER formulation developed to deter common methods of manipulation. In addition to having abuse-deterrent properties, oxycodone DETERx was developed to provide alternative modes of administration for patients with chronic pain and difficulty swallowing. Scope: Using published articles, abstracts, and prescribing information, data supporting the use of oxycodone DETERx are reviewed. Findings: Oxycodone DETERx was effective at reducing chronic pain in patients enrolled in a pivotal clinical trial, and had a tolerability profile expected of opioids. In addition to administration of the intact capsule, oxycodone DETERx can also be administered by sprinkling directly into the mouth from a dosing cup, onto soft foods, or through nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes, thus providing flexible dosing options for patients who have difficulty swallowing. In vitro studies demonstrated the reduced ability of oxycodone DETERx to be manipulated by common techniques used by abusers to defeat the ER characteristics or prepare the formulation for injection. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that the ER characteristics of oxycodone DETERx are maintained if chewed or crushed. As a result, oxycodone DETERx is currently the only ER-formulated opioid without a boxed warning against crushing or chewing. Human abuse-potential studies conducted in a population of recreational opioid users demonstrated lower drug-liking scores for oxycodone DETERx administered intranasally and orally when compared with IR oxycodone. Funding: Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.