The Pediatric Cancer Community Applauds New FDA Opioid Policy

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pediatric cancer families and advocates all over America are pleased to learn that the United States Food and Drug Administration will embark on a comprehensive plan to reduce the impact of opioid abuse in the United States. The FDA will now hold expert advisory committees before approving any new drug application for an opioid that does not have abuse-deterrent properties, including a Pediatric Advisory Committee for pediatric opioid labeling.

"I applaud the FDA and Dr. Robert Califf for taking a giant step toward addressing the opioid epidemic that is affecting our country's youth," said Nancy Goodman, of Kids v Cancer.

"I am grateful for the FDA action plan, which will reduce the incidence of abuse while protecting availability for children who have cancer and need appropriate and safe use of opioids to alleviate severe pain," said Donna Ludwinski of Welch, TX.

"Today's announcement will put in place the policies we need to protect Americans and their families from opioid addiction, while also protecting children with cancer who may be in severe pain," said Tisa Hughes, of Milton, MA.

"I lost my son, AJ, to childhood cancer and can assure you that struggles with pain management are very real.  I'm encouraged by the FDA taking this step to help children with cancer with pain management while still addressing the opioid epidemic," said Robert Piniewski of People Against Childhood Cancer. 

"I applaud FDA's Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Robert Califf, and FDA leaders for addressing opioid misuse and abuse while at the same time ensuring childhood cancer patients have access to effective pain relief," said Beth Anne Baber of  The Nicholas Conor Institute.

"I am grateful for the bold steps the FDA has taken to address heroin addiction in the United States the FDA's concern for children with cancer and their need for management of severe pain," said Vickie Buenger, of Coalition Against Childhood Cancer, Bryan, TX.

Contact:
Nancy Goodman  [email protected], Washington, DC
Donna Ludwinski [email protected], Welch, WV
Vicki Buenger, [email protected], Bryan, TX
Joe Baber, [email protected], Virginia Beach, VA
Tisa Hughes, [email protected], Milton, MA
Robert Piniewski,  [email protected], Carolina Beach, NC
Beth Anne Baber  [email protected], San Diego, CA
Alex Weingart, [email protected], Burlington, VT

SOURCE Kids v Cancer