The FDA has approved Lybalvi (Alkermes), a fixed-dose combination of the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine (Zyprexa, and generics) and samidorphan, a new opioid antagonist, for treatment of adults with schizophrenia or with manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. The addition of samidorphan is intended to mitigate the weight gain that occurs with olanzapine. This is the first FDA approval for samidorphan.

The FDA has approved Apretude (ViiV Healthcare), an IM extended-release (ER) formulation of the integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) cabotegravir, for use every 2 months to prevent sexually acquired HIV-1 infection in at-risk adolescents and adults. Apretude is the first ER formulation to be FDA-approved for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) of HIV-1 infection.

Nonopioid drugs can be used in the treatment of many nociceptive and neuropathic pain conditions. For severe pain, especially severe chronic cancer pain, use of opioids may be necessary. Noninvasive nonpharmacologic treatments, including physical and psychological therapies, have been shown to improve pain and function in patients with some common chronic pain conditions and are unlikely to cause serious harms. A multimodal approach to analgesic therapy can increase pain control while reducing opioid use and adverse effects.