AcelRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies for use in healthcare institutions, announces an agreement with Newport Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Associates for an investigator-initiated study analyzing data from the historical use of DSUVIA (sufentanil sublingual tablet 30 mcg) for various same-day plastic surgery procedures. 

The principal investigator, Dr. Hisham Seify, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and the past-president of the Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons. The study will focus on the efficacy and safety of DSUVIA for use in general anesthesia plastic surgery cases, and “awake” cosmetic procedures performed at Newport Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s center.

Data from a total of 70 patients will be evaluated for endpoints which will include the utilization of DSUVIA (number of doses, timing of doses), overall amount of opioid utilized, use of other concomitant medications, vital signs, adverse events, length of surgery and time in recovery.  

“We are very interested in analyzing data from patients that were administered DSUVIA across all types of plastic surgery procedures. We have used DSUVIA for over a year in a wide variety of cases and there are no currently published studies focusing on plastic surgery with this sublingual analgesic, which has been a major evolution for our practice.

“Evaluating the safety, efficacy, and timing of dosing of DSUVIA for short cases in awake patients, such as liposuction, as well as for more extensive surgeries under general anesthesia, will allow other plastic surgeons to benefit from our experience.”

— Dr. Hisham Seify

“Plastic surgery has been one of the fastest growing specialties where DSUVIA is being used. Dr. Seify is a key thought-leader in this specialty and he quickly understood the potential benefits of DSUVIA for use for plastic surgical procedures. We look forward to the analysis and publication of his clinical data with DSUVIA as plastic surgeons are eager for alternatives to IV opioids when treating moderate-to-severe acute pain.”

— Dr. Pamela Palmer, co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of AcelRx

[Source(s): AcelRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, PR Newswire]