Human abuse potential studies of abuse-deterrent opioids: lessons from oral and intranasal studies with morphine abuse-deterrent, extended-release, injection-molded tablets.

Background: The development and use of abuse-deterrent (AD) opioids is part of a multifaceted strategy to reduce misuse, abuse, and diversion, while maintaining access for patients with severe pain who may benefit from their analgesic efficacy. Morphine AD, extended-release (ER), injection-molded tablets (morphine-ADER-IMT; ARYMO ER; Egalet US Inc., Wayne, PA) is approved by the FDA as an AD opioid. As part of the characterization of AD opioids, assessments of their human abuse potential (HAP) are required. Evidence from HAP studies can guide clinicians on the use of AD opioids in clinical practice. Herein, we describe HAP study design, and how specific AD features can impact the conduct of a study and interpretation of its results.

Objectives: To review the design features and results of the oral and intranasal HAP studies with morphine-ADER-IMT in order to improve the understanding of key elements of HAP studies of AD opioids.

Conclusions: Results from HAP studies with morphine-ADER-IMT and other AD opioids suggest that key study design features include the release profile (immediate-release vs extended-release) of the positive control, study drug doses, and the way the products are manipulated. These elements can directly impact the outcomes of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (e.g. Maximum Drug Liking, Overall Drug Liking, and Take Drug Again) results. When evaluating HAP studies, it is important to understand study design features to assist in the interpretation of the results and understand the clinical relevance of the data to help guide clinical decision-making about the use of AD opioids.