FDA approves nasal spray to reverse opioid overdoses.
The FDA has approved Opvee, a nasal spray version of the drug nalmefene, to reverse overdoses caused by fentanyl and other opioids. Developed by Opiant Pharmaceuticals and recently acquired by Indivior, Opvee is similar to naloxone and is approved for patients 12 and older. While Opvee achieved similar recovery results to Narcan in studies, some experts see potential downsides to its longer-acting effect, including longer-lasting withdrawal symptoms. The drug will compete in the same market as naloxone, where most buyers are local governments and community groups that distribute to first responders and those at risk of overdose.
