Current and future development of extended-release, abuse-deterrent opioid formulations in the United States

Prescription opioid misuse and abuse in the United States (US) is epidemic and is a major burden on health-care resources and costs to society. The need to significantly reduce the risks of prescription opioid misuse and abuse must be balanced with the important needs of patients with chronic pain who may benefit from treatment with opioids. The use of abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs) of prescription opioids is one approach that could reduce the risk of prescription opioid abuse and misuse while maintaining access to opioids. ADF opioids have properties that make their abuse more difficult, less attractive, or less rewarding. In 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration issued final guidance to industry for the development of ADF opioids that recommended specific studies be conducted to demonstrate the abuse-deterrent properties of new opioid formulations. The technologies and the preclinical and clinical development of ADF opioids are rapidly evolving. This review provides an overview of the required testing for product labeling that includes language about the abuse-deterrent features of an ADF opioid. The objective of this review is to inform and help health-care providers understand the unique development of extended-release ADF opioids and their place in the treatment of patients with pain.