US approves China-invented painkiller that could reduce fentanyl overdoses

SCMP | May 23, 2025, 7 a.m. | Original

A single injection of the meloxicam-based medication Qamzova, developed by Chinese biotech firm Delova, provides 24 hours of post-surgery pain relief. Photo: Sina

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first China-invented painkiller designed as a non-opioid alternative, giving it the potential to curb fentanyl-related overdose deaths.

Qamzova, developed by Nanjing-based biotech firm Delova, is the world’s first long-acting injectable analgesic – offering 24-hour pain relief through a single daily injection and marking a milestone for China’s growing pharmaceutical industry.

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication belongs to the same group of painkillers as aspirin and ibuprofen. It contains a high concentration of meloxicam, a compound commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation.

According to Sino Biopharmaceutical , the Chinese conglomerate that owns the commercial rights to Qamzova, clinical trials showed it was effective in reducing post-surgical reliance on opioids.

By providing a safer, long-acting treatment for moderate-to-severe pain, Qamzova directly addresses the US overdose epidemic fuelled by addictive opioids, including fentanyl – a synthetic drug linked to tens of thousands of deaths annually.

Qamzova’s arrival underscores China’s rising role in innovative medicines development while offering healthcare professionals a critical tool to mitigate opioid dependency risks and improve patient recovery.

Australia’s record floods on east coast leave 4 dead, 1 missing Chinese robot makers led by Unitree dazzle at Macau’s Beyond Expo amid AI boom