Local company creates abuse-resistant painkillers

WAYNE, Pa. (WPVI) -- A local drug maker hopes to make a dent in the opioid abuse epidemic with its new abuse-resistant painkillers.

Egalet corporation in Wayne has one medication on the market, and another waiting in the wings.

Oxaydo is made with an embedded irritant.

It won't bother someone who takes the drug properly, but -

"If one were to crush that pill, and then snort it, it would create a burning sensation in the nose and the back of the throat, thus that you wouldn't want to try it again," says Egalet President and CEO Bob radie.

Radie says a second drug is awaiting FDA approval. An advisory panel is scheduled to meet August 4th, and final approval vote is tentatively scheduled for October.

It's made with Egalet's exclusive Guardian technology which makes it virtually indestructible.

It dissolves in the stomach, but if someone tries to crush it in a mortar and pestle, they'd break the bowl first.

That drug will be for those needing long-term pain relief.

Radie says solving the nation's painkiller addiction problem will take a multi-pronged approach, including educating physicians, patient awareness, and innovative new ways to relieve pain, without risking abuse.

For more information on Egalet's products, click here.