FDA approves Pfizer's pain drug

Pfizer has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its drug Oxecta (oxycodone) for use in the management of acute and chronic moderate to severe pain where the use of an opioid analgesic is appropriate.

Oxecta makes use of a technology that is designed to discourage methods of drug tampering associated with abuse of opioids. Pfizer has licensed the technology from Acura, a pharma company specialising in developing product candidates to potentially deter abuse and misuse.

Opioid analgesics such as Oxecta are prescribed for patients whose condition isn't managed by other pain treatments, but can result in overdose and death if abused.

Speaking on the approval, Olivier Brandicourt, Pfizer president and general manager, Primary Care, said: "We recognise our responsibility to physicians and patients and remain committed to appropriate access to pain treatment and developing medicines to potentially address this important public health and safety issue."

Oxecta was originally developed by King Pharmaceuticals. Pfizer acquired the drug when it purchased King in late 2010.