The Opioid Crisis
Why are Opioids so Dangerous?
- All opioids (narcotic drugs like morphine or hydrocodone) induce respiratory depression, which is invariably the cause of death in cases of overdose
- In 2020, 273 people died each day in the US from an opioid overdose - more than the number from automobile accidents or gun violence
- The US economic burden of this crisis is estimated to be greater than $78 billion annually
The Challenge of Abuse Deterrence
- Many opioids with abuse-deterrent formulations have been approved by FDA in recent years
- However, these products offer no safety benefit (still cause lethal respiratory depression in overdose)
- Furthermore, while these products may limit intravenous or nasal abuse, they do not deter oral over-consumption - the most common form of abuse of prescription opioids
The Quivive Solution
Functional Antagonism
- All opioids cause respiratory depression, which is mediated by the same receptor target responsible for analgesia (can't have one without the other)
- This is why opioid antagonists like Narcan also eliminate the analgesic effects of opioids
- A functional antagonist reduces undesired side-effects without impacting opioid analgesia
- Doxapram is FDA-approved for opioid-induced respiratory depression w/out impacting analgesia
Fewer Opioid Side Effects
- Laxatives are routinely prescribed for opioid-induced constipation, but the most dangerous side effect was left untreated – until Now
- In addition to preventing deadly respiratory depression, Doxapram may counteract other undesirable opioid side effects
Patented Abuse Deterrence Technology
- Psychiatrists use Doxapram to safely induce anxiety attacks, but high doses are needed for these effects
- Hydrocodone is the most widely abused prescription opioid - especially among school age children
- More than 90% of addicts started by abusing prescription opioids like hydrocodone
- Closes the primary gateway to later opioid addiction