New Abbott Study of Investigational Vicodin CR(TM) Meets Primary Efficacy Endpoints in Phase III Trial

Abbott is developing a sustained-release formulation of hydrocodone.

Vicodin is used mostly widely used pain medication because it can be prescribed over the phone without a written prescription. That said, familiarity with this compound will make it an easy sell to physicians. Cost will prove the main barrier to widespread adoption- will compete against generic morphine sulphate, topical fentanyl and methadone. Will prove a solid competitor tobranded agents.

The availability of any existing opioid molecule as a sustained-release preparation, eg Vicodin CR, is an advance in pain management.  That being said, however, there is little evidence that the risk of abuse or addiction is less with SR opioids.  In fact, the (usually) higher doses is SR pills can contribute to their being a target for abusers. 

This new study suggests that a new tool will soon be available for use in the management of moderate chronic pain. Vicoden is a well established, widely used and tolerated short acting agent. An FDA approved long acting version would place a unique tool in the hands of pain management specialists across the country. At this time most long term pain relief agents are much higher potency. The availability...

LONG TERM MEDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PAIN CONDITIONS ARE MUCH PREFERRED THAN USING SHORT ACTING NARCOTICS BOTH FROM A TOLERANCE AND FROM A RISK OF ADDICTION PERSPECTIVE.