17 August 2016 - The ICER will develop a report assessing the comparative clinical effectiveness and value of abuse-deterrent opioids for pain management.

The report will form the basis of a March 2017 meeting of the New England Comparative Effectiveness Public Advisory Council (New England CEPAC).

Deaths related to opioid use disorder continue to be a primary public health concern. In an effort to help curb the epidemic, drug manufacturers are developing abuse-deterrent opioids for patients in need of opioid pain medication. To date, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a number of abuse-deterrent opioids and is expected to make approval decisions on several new formulations this fall. ICER's report will review several of these new and emerging medications with the goal of providing clarity on how effectively these drugs work to reduce misuse of opioids and its many consequences, including overdose and opioid-related death.

A three-week "Open Input" period begins today, and comments on the topic will be accepted from any and all interested stakeholders. The Open Input period is intended to allow stakeholders to share key information relevant to the development of ICER's scope and evidence report. During this time, ICER will also contact key patient groups and clinical experts to gain further insights.

Read ICER press release