Exalgo

Exalgo (hydromorphone hydrochloride) is an extended-release, once-daily systemic analgesic developed by Mallinckrodt. It utilizes the OROS (Osmotic Release Oral System) push-pull technology to deliver hydromorphone, a potent semi-synthetic opioid, at a controlled rate over 24 hours. Exalgo is indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain in opioid-tolerant patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioid treatment for an extended period. Specifically, it has been investigated in Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee. As a mu-opioid receptor agonist, hydromorphone exerts its primary therapeutic effect by binding to and activating mu-receptors in the central nervous system, thereby inhibiting ascending pain pathways and altering the emotional response to pain.

Brand names

Exalgo

Other names

hydromorphone hydrochlorideOROS hydromorphonehydromorphone extended-release