FDA plans to leverage data analytics and updated policies to combat opioid abuse

The FDA plans to put in more efforts to address opioid abuse in 2019 by utilizing data analytics, enhancing research and innovation and implementing new policies to combat the ongoing public health crisis. Opioid addiction engagement solutions are also available to combat opioid addiction challenge.

FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, discussed steps taken by FDA to reduce opioid misuse in the past, as well as the agency’s strategies for the upcoming year.

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Gottlieb recognized significant steps taken in 2018 to combat the epidemic, including the agency’s efforts to achieve more appropriate prescribing and increased opioid education among both patients and providers. He acknowledged the progress made in recent years but also noted that there is still a lot of work to be done.

In 2019, the FDA plans to build on its efforts to create a large-scale data warehouse. Funded by a $20 million grant, the warehouse will help the agency to improve its data analytics capabilities and better evaluate social and clinical trends that may be contributing to the opioid crisis.

In addition to using data analytics, the agency will use new policies to reduce exposure to opioid analgesics, which will lead to lower rates of new addiction.

Reference: https://healthitanalytics.com/news/fda-data-analytics-new-policies-will-curb-opioid-abuse-in-2019