[Abuse deterrent drug formulations for opioids]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Public Health

Background:

• Opioid misuse presents a significant public health challenge, leading to overdose deaths and societal impact.
• The "opioid crisis" necessitates urgent attention and multifaceted solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the extent of opioid misuse, with a specific focus on the situation in Switzerland.
• To propose measures to mitigate the opioid crisis, including technical and regulatory interventions.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on opioid misuse and its consequences.
• Analysis of the opioid crisis landscape, particularly within Switzerland.
• Identification and discussion of proposed solutions, including abuse-deterrent formulations.

Main Results:

• Opioid misuse is a widespread and escalating problem with severe health and social ramifications.
• Switzerland faces challenges related to opioid misuse that require targeted interventions.
• Abuse-deterrent formulations are identified as a key technical solution.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the opioid crisis requires a comprehensive strategy involving education, regulation, and technological advancements.
• The development and implementation of abuse-deterrent opioid formulations are crucial for reducing misuse and overdose deaths.