Nasal Spray to Reverse Opioid Overdose

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has endorsed Opvee, a nasal spray version of the drug nalmefene, which was previously approved as an injection but taken off the market due to low sales. Opvee is similar to naloxone, available as both a nasal spray and injection, and used to reverse opioid overdoses. Opvee will be available by prescription and is approved for patients aged 12 and older. Studies funded by the federal government have shown that Opvee achieves similar recovery results to Narcan, the leading brand of naloxone nasal spray. Opvee was developed by Opiant Pharmaceuticals, which was recently acquired by Indivior, a rival company known for producing medications for opioid addiction. Indivior plans to launch Opvee in October or later.

Main takeaways:

1. The FDA has endorsed Opvee, a nasal spray version of the drug nalmefene, for reversing opioid overdoses.
2. Opvee is similar to naloxone and has a longer-acting effect.
3. Opvee will be available by prescription and approved for patients aged 12 and older.
4. Studies show that Opvee achieves similar recovery results to Narcan, a leading brand of naloxone nasal spray.
5. Opiant Pharmaceuticals developed Opvee which will be launched by Indivior, a company specializing in medications for opioid addiction.

Read the full story at FDA.gov