King Pharmaceuticals launches two new dosage strengths of pain drug

The new dosing strengths, 45mg and 75mg, complement the currently available 30mg, 60mg, 90mg and 120mg dosages. Avinza is a long-acting opioid for patients with moderate to severe chronic pain who require around-the-clock pain relief for an extended period of time, the company said.

Avinza is an extended-release form of morphine allowing for once-daily dosing. Avinza is covered by a formulation patent that extends through November 2017.

Eric Carter, chief science officer of King, said: “These new capsule strengths provide physicians with additional options that may enable more customized approaches to treating people with chronic pain.”