FDA Introduces Overdose Prevention Framework

FDA commissioner Robert Califf says the agency has launched the FDA Overdose Prevention Framework, its vision for undertaking “impactful, creative actions to prevent drug overdoses and reduce deaths.” In an FDA Voices post, Califf says agency activities within four overarching priorities are dynamic to allow it to recalibrate its approach as the overdose crisis continues to evolve.

The framework has these four priorities:

• supporting primary prevention by eliminating unnecessary initial prescription drug exposure and inappropriate prolonged prescribing;
• encouraging harm reduction through innovation and education;
• advancing development of evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders; and
• protecting the public from unapproved, diverted, or counterfeit drugs presenting overdose risks.

Califf’s post includes a description of some key agency activities under each of the priorities.