FDA approves Purdue Pharma's analgesic

STAMFORD, Conn. Purdue Pharma has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for its analgesic product that delivers continuous release of medication for seven days.

The Butrans (buprenorphine) Transdermal System CIII is designed to manage moderate to severe chronic pain  in patients requiring a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic for an extended period of time.

Three strengths of Butrans are available: 5, 10, and 20 mcg/hour; each single patch is intended to be worn for seven days.

"We are very pleased with the FDA approval of Butrans and believe that it will be a valuable pain management option for healthcare professionals and patients,"said John H. Stewart, president and CEO of  Purdue Pharma. "We are committed to improving the lives of patients  in meaningful ways, including developing safe and effective therapies as well as offering educational tools and information that support their  safe and proper use."