Study of Zalviso for Post-Op Pain published in Pain Practice-AcelRx

AcelRx Pharmaceuticals has announced the publication of the results of a study to evaluate patient satisfaction with Zalviso (sublingual sufentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) system) compared to the standard intravenous PCA for the management of acute Postoperative Pain. In the study, a total of 357 patients received study drug and 78.5% vs. 65.6% of patients achieved 48 hour Patient Global Assessment of method of pain control (PGA48) “success” for Zalviso vs. IV PCA MS, respectively, demonstrating non-inferiority as well as statistical superiority for treatment effect.

Patients using Zalviso reported more rapid onset of analgesia and patient and nurse ease of care and satisfaction scores were higher than IV PCA MS. Adverse events were similar between the 2 groups; however, Zalviso had fewer patients experiencing oxygen desaturations below 95% compared to IV PCA MS.