Pharmaceutical Business review

Covidien morphine sulfate oral solution gets FDA nod

The solution, which will be launched as a generic in 100 milligrams per 5ml (20 milligrams per 1 ml), is intended to relieve moderate to severe acute and chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients.

Covidien Pharmaceuticals interim president and chief financial officer Matthew Harbaugh said FDA approval of this drug represents a key component in palliative care treatment.

"It is important that we are able to respond to the concerns of the hospice and palliative care community," Harbaugh said.