New Formulation of OxyContin May Reduce Abuse Potential

By Rachel Stockton

Last year, the FDA ordered Purdue Pharma to undergo more testing in order to prove the efficacy of its new tamper resistant version of OxyContin; Thursday a panel will advise the FDA on whether or not the new reformulation should be approved.  Scientists on the FDA stated Tuesday that although the new formulation is not completely resistant to abuse, it may be better than current formulations.

Purdue admits that no reformulation can be absolutely tamper proof, but they've come up with a particular plastic coating which will certainly make it more difficult.

OxyContin was introduced in 1996 as an alternative, extended release formulation of the codeine-derived pain killer Oxycodone, targeting those suffering from severe pain from cancer, and other end stage diseases.

Drug abusers soon discovered that when crushed or chewed, the drug delivers a heroin-like high, making it one of the most abused prescriptions ever to appear on the market.  Entire communities have been purportedly affected by the strong abuse potential of the formulation.

A schedule II controlled substance, it is one of the most widely abused pain killer among street drug users as well, who have gone to great lengths to obtain the drug illegally through fake prescriptions, pharmacy theft and "doctor shopping", a practice of seeing several physicians in an effort to gain multiple prescriptions of the drug.

In one of the more dramatic stings involving the drug, the New York Times reported last year that New England Patriots guard Nicholas Kazcur worked as an informant against his supplier after he was arrested on possession charges.  Kazcur wore a wiring device during three buys, providing the DEA with an opportunity to indict his alleged source, Daniel Ekasala.