One Week Out: CEPOP Webinar on Safe Disposal Strategies
On Monday, November 18th (1:00pm – 2:00pm ET), CEPOP will be hosting a national webinar focused on safe disposal strategies to help address prescription opioid misuse, abuse, and diversion of prescription opioids and implications for the broader response to the nation’s opioid epidemic. We encourage you to join us for this important discussion and please feel free to share this invitation with your friends and colleagues.
WebEx coordinates and an agenda will be circulated to all attendees in advance of this event.
Speakers will include:
- Dr. Chad Brummett, Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and Director of Anesthesia Clinical Research at the University of Michigan Medical School
- Dr. Jennifer Cooper, Principal Investigator, Center for Surgical Outcomes Research & Center for Innovation in Pediatric Practice, Nationwide Children’s Hospital at The Ohio State University
- General Arthur T. Dean, Chairman and CEO, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America
Any questions or RSVPs can be directed towards Matt Rubin.
Articles/Resources
White House, NIH, HHS Release Draft Federal Roadmap to Combat the Opioid Epidemic Through Science & Research
On Tuesday, the National Institutes of Health published in the federal register a draft report around necessary areas of research & development and related activities to help support the national response to the opioid epidemic and facilitate comprehensive interagency coordination. Additional partners in drafting the report include the National Science and Technology Council, Committee on Science, and Fast Track Action Committee on Health and Science Technology Response to the Opioid Crisis.
The 33-page report focuses on seven core areas of emphasis for the NIH and its partners around combatting the epidemic, included below. Each section includes the purpose of such investment, where the data currently exists and additional research recommendations to further improve the response.
- Biology and Chemistry of Pain and Opioid Addiction
- Non-Biological Contributors to Opioid Addiction
- Pain management
- Prevention of Opioid Addiction
- Treatment of Opioid Addiction and Sustaining Recovery
- Overdose Prevention and Reversal
- Community Consequences of Opioid Addiction
Stakeholder comments on the Roadmap are due by December 5, 2019 via email to [email protected]. Include “Health Research and Development to Stem the Opioid Crisis: A Federal Roadmap” in the subject line of the message.
Articles & Resources
Federal Register – Draft Report on Health Research and Development To Stem the Opioid Crisis: A Federal Roadmap; Request for Comments
Forbes – White House Releases National Roadmap To Combat The Opioid Crisis
FDA Moves to Expand MAT Availability Through Changes to Orphan Drug Designations
In a letter dated November 7th, the FDA responded to a citizen petition filed by Braeburn Pharmaceuticals regarding Indivior’s orphan drug designation for its buprenorphine product used to treat opioid use disorder. In revoking the orphan designation for the Indivior product, Braeburn and other manufacturers may begin manufacturing, advertising and distributing buprenorphine products earlier than anticipated. Given this change, the market for available buprenorphine products is anticipated to expand with greater competition and availability to enter the market.
Articles & Resources
FDA Response Letter to Citizen Petition
What We Read Last Week
Several articles were published last week pertaining to the opioid epidemic, covering a variety of different components of the issue. Links to relevant articles are provided below.
Articles & Resources
New York Times – Judge Shield OxyContin-Maker Purdue from Litigation Until April
Associated Press – New York Judge Sets Opioid Crisis Trial for January
Law360 – Sparks Fly in Opioid MDL As Judge, Attorneys Debate Next Trial
Inside Health Policy – CMS Approves D.C. Waiver for Substance Use, Mental Illness Treatment
Bloomberg – China Touts Fentanyl Convictions, Tackling Key Trade Talks Issue
Associated Press – China Sentences 9 in Fentanyl Trafficking Case After US Tip
Inside Health Policy – CMS Finalizes E/M Changes, New Coverage of Opioid Treatment Programs
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services – CMS Announces Approval of Groundbreaking Demonstration to Expand Access to Behavioral Health Treatment
Department of Health and Human Services Newsroom – Substance Misuse, Infectious Disease, and the Powerful Potential of Syringe Service Programs
Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA Issues Warning Over Counterfeit Prescription Pills from Mexico
Drug Enforcement Administration – DEA and Partners Collect Thousands of Pounds of Unwanted Medications and Vaping Products During the 18th National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
National Institutes of Health – Notice of Intent to Publish Funding Opportunity Announcement to Improve the Management of Opioids and Opioid Use Disorder in Older Adults
U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts – Former VA Hospice Nurse Indicted for Allegedly Diverting and Tampering with Morphine Meant for Dying Veterans
U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia – Monongalia County Physician Sentenced for Drug Charge
This Week’s Calendar – No Opioid Events Noticed
The House and Senate will be in town on regular business following Monday off for the Veteran’s Day Holiday. At this time, however, there are no relevant hearings or events related to opioids on the calendar. Should there be any additions to House or Senate schedules or updates with respect to additional events, this information will be made available.
Boston Children’s Hospital Virtual Briefing
Developing a Precision Vaccine to Protect Against Heroin and Fentanyl
Tuesday, November 12th; 2:00pm – 3:00pm; Zoom Webinar
Questions about the above content can be directed to [email protected].