Vertex Pharma scientist talks about the long road to developing non
WASHINGTON (AP) — For decades, patients seeking medication for pain have had two choices: over-the-counter drugs like aspirin or powerful prescription opioids like oxycodone.
Opioid prescriptions have plummeted over the last decade as doctors have become more attuned to the risks of addiction and misuse during the country’s ongoing drug epidemic.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals recently reported positive results for a non-opioid painkiller, one of several medications the Boston-based drugmaker has been developing for various forms of pain. Patients taking the drug after surgery experienced more pain relief than those getting a placebo, although the drug didn’t meet a secondary goal of outperforming treatment with an opioid.
The Associated Press spoke with Vertex’s chief scientist Dr. David Altshuler about the company’s research and development plans. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Related articles
- DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets couldn’t quiet an epic second-half comeback by Minnesota or the noi2024-05-21
New finds in China's Guizhou indicate prehistoric human activity over 55,000 years ago
(Xinhua) 13:16, January 26, 2024An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 24, 2024 shows a view of Chuando2024-05-21Program targets lunar resources
By Zhao Lei (China Daily) 09:39, March 12, 2024China has made remarkable achievements in lunar explo2024-05-21China launches construction of biomedical platform for disease research
(Xinhua) 09:10, February 08, 2024This photo taken on Feb. 7, 2024 shows the launching ceremony of th2024-05-21Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
LONDON (AP) — British authorities and the country’s public health service knowingly exposed tens of2024-05-21Tibetan incense brings wealth to town of SW China's Xizang
(People's Daily Online) 13:39, August 31, 2023Photo shows a family workshop of Tibetan incense-makin2024-05-21
atest comment