The pharmacokinetics of a long-acting OROS hydromorphone formulation

Abstract

Importance of the field: New formulations of opiods can provide round-the-clock pain relief to improve pain management and quality of life for patients with chronic pain.

Areas covered in this review: Information and comments on the pharmacokinetic processes associated with a new once-daily formulation of the potent opiod hydromorphone.

What the reader will gain: This review presents an overview of data from several small pharmacokinetic studies to gain a better perspective on the pharmacokinetic properties of a new long-acting formulation of hydromorphone.

Take home message: The development of advanced oral formulation that deliver analgesic drugs over an extended period provides new solutions to improve pain management and quality of life for patients with chronic pain.

Keywords::

• chronic pain
• once-daily dosing
• OROS^® hydromorphone
• OROS^® Push-Pull™ delivery system
• pharmacokinetics

Acknowledgements

The authors thank M Lee for preparing the first draft of the manuscript on behalf of Janssen-Cilag AG in accordance with the European Medical Writers Association guidelines.

Notes

This box summarises key points contained in the article.