Approval of oliceridine (TRV130) for intravenous use in moderate to severe pain in adults

Opioids used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain in an appropriate setting with appropriate management (stewardship) have good efficacy. However, when these are used long term their efficacy is questionable. Tolerance develops leading to escalating doses and a vicious circle of side-effects. These side-effects include respiratory depression and immune suppression; both are relevant in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Design and evaluation of analgesics with reduced side-effect profiles is an important goal; where these side-effects include addiction, this approach can also address the opioid crisis.