FDA Approves Teva’s Opioid Dependence Drug
FDA has approved a Teva 505(b)(2) NDA for Cassipa (buprenorphine and naloxone) sublingual film for the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. The approval provides a new dosage strength (16mg/4mg) of buprenorphine and naloxone sublingual film, which is also approved in both brand name and generic versions and in various strengths. “Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a comprehensive approach that combines FDA-approved medications (currently methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone) with counseling and other behavioral therapies to treat patients with opioid use disorder (OUD),” an agency release says. “Regular adherence to MAT with buprenorphine reduces opioid withdrawal symptoms and the desire to use opioids, without causing the cycle of highs and lows associated with opioid misuse or abuse.”