Quivive Pharma CEO John Hsu, MD, is taking significant strides in addressing the opioid epidemic by introducing innovative oral medication and respiratory treatment. In an exclusive interview with Bio.News, Dr. Hsu shared his vision and the groundbreaking solutions that Quivive Pharma is developing to bring hope to those impacted by this crisis.
Dr. Hsu’s journey in combating the opioid epidemic began three decades ago when he witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of opioids as an anesthesiologist and pain management and addiction medicine physician. Over the years, opioids transformed from a problem to a full-blown crisis and, ultimately, an epidemic.
To enhance the safety and efficacy of current opioids while deterring abuse, Dr. Hsu incorporated an FDA-approved respiratory stimulant into the medication. This unique approach, supported by collaborations with the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, aims to revolutionize opioid treatment.
Recognizing the challenges of medication adherence and opioid security, Dr. Hsu developed the iPill dispenser—an innovative technology solution. iPill combines a pill dispenser with a mobile app, ensuring secure opioid storage, real-time remote medication adherence monitoring, bidirectional alerts for missed doses, biometric-controlled dispensing, and secure storage with automatic destruction of unused pills.
One of the key objectives of Quivive Pharma is to address the issues surrounding opioid use disorder (OUD). By balancing the safety of opioids with effective pain treatment, Quivive Pharma’s approach allows for the simultaneous relief of pain and respiratory stimulation. Unlike traditional methods that focus on addressing problems after they occur, Quivive Pharma’s medication starts preventative measures as soon as the opioid is taken.
Treating patients in acute pain represents the first step in combating the opioid crisis. Additionally, secure storage of opioids at home is not yet the norm, and medication adherence monitoring remains underutilized. Quivive Pharma recognizes the need for change within this complex landscape and is committed to finding a viable path forward.
Quivive Pharma’s Functional Antagonism model combines two drugs working on different receptors for respiratory control. Opioids target the mu receptor to relieve pain and suppress respiration. By including the respiratory stimulant Doxapram, pain relief is continued while respiration is stimulated. This approach offers a safer alternative as both opioids and Doxapram are FDA-approved drugs.
To deter abuse, Quivive Pharma incorporates a sub-therapeutic dose of Doxapram to the opioid, ensuring that it does not produce a clinical effect. However, in the event of an overdose, the accumulation of Doxapram reaches a clinically effective dose. This functional antagonism model supports respiration while deterring abuse through the fight-or-flight response triggered by high levels of the respiratory stimulant.
The future of Quivive Pharma is promising, thanks to its partnerships with NIDA and the Cleveland Clinic, which provide invaluable support for rapid development. Upon submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) and subsequent FDA approval expected in 2025, Quivive Pharma aims to offer cost-effective products that improve pain treatment, reduce overdoses and the number of OUD patients, and decrease healthcare costs in the United States.
To effectively address the issues of pain and pain-related addiction in the United States, all stakeholders must collaborate and reach a consensus. Dr. Hsu emphasizes the importance of treating pain while improving access to OUD treatment. A comprehensive approach that encompasses both psychosocial support and physical support through medication for OUD is crucial. This holistic treatment, readily accessible and demand-driven, offers the best chance of reducing cravings, withdrawal symptoms, relapse, and ultimately, overdose.
As Quivive Pharma pioneers innovative solutions to combat the opioid epidemic, its commitment to safety, efficacy, and abuse deterrence remains unwavering. With its groundbreaking medication and technology advancements, Quivive Pharma aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals affected by this crisis.
