FDA approves another nasal spray for treating opioid overdose

Opvee nasal spray. [Image from Indivior/Opiant Pharmaceuticals]The FDA approved Opvee nalmefene hydrochloride nasal spray for the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses from Opiant Pharmaceuticals.

Approval covers the treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose in adults and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. This market the first such authorization for this type of spray in healthcare and community use.

The FDA nod comes on the heels of the March authorization of over-the-counter Narcan. Narcan (naloxone hydrochloride) rapidly reverses the effects of opioid overdose and remains the standard treatment for such an overdose. The nasal spray first received FDA approval in 2015 as a prescription drug.

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Indivior eyes cannabis disorder treatment

Billing itself as the “world leader in opioid addiction treatment,” Indivior (INDV.L) is looking to diversify into treating cannabis use disorder.

The North Chesterfield, Va.–The headquartered company will spend $30 million upfront to acquire Aelis Farma for development rights for AEF0117, an investigational drug that blocks the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in the brain. In addition to cannabis use disorder, the experimental drug could also potentially treat cannabis-induced psychosis.

AEF0117 has shown promise in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. AEF0117 is a first-in-class signaling-specific inhibitor, according to Indivior.

Aelis stands to rake in an additional $100 million if the drug candidate meets additional milestones, including succeeding in a planned Phase 2b study.

Indivior, like many other companies with opioid-based products, has faced significant legal pressures in the U.S. as the country grapples with an ongoing opioid epidemic.

In a s…

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