Pfizer, Acura get FDA OK for Oxecta

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a medication designed to treat acute and chronic moderate to severe pain, where the use of an opioid analgesic is suitable.

Pfizer and Acura Pharmaceuticals said that their drug Oxecta (oxycodone HCl, USP tablets) is the first tamper-resistant medication designed to deter abuse and misuse with Aversion technology, which is being licensed by Pfizer from Acura.

Opioid medications are an important treatment option for patients with moderate to severe pain who are not adequately managed by other pain treatments, Pfizer and Acura said, noting that abuse and misuse of opioids is a serious public health issue.

"We are excited to be partnered with Pfizer to bring Oxecta to patients who need opioids to manage their pain," Acura's interim president and CEO Robert Jones said. "Acura is focused on developing technologies that are intended to potentially deter abuse and misuse."