FDA Approves AvertD: How This New Tool Can Help Prevent Opioid Addiction
This DNA test might be the key to a safer future for pain relief.
The opioid crisis has affected the United States for over two decades, resulting in over half a million lives lost to overdose deaths.
In a step towards prevention, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved AvertD — the first genetic test to assess an individual’s risk of developing opioid use disorder.
What is Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)?
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a serious medical condition where someone can’t control their urge to use opioid drugs, even if it harms their health and relationships.
Opioids are powerful painkillers like morphine or oxycodone, often prescribed after surgery or for severe pain.
People with OUD struggle to stop using opioids despite negative consequences like overdose and addiction. Opioid dependence is devastating for both the individual and their loved ones.
About half of the risk for developing OUD is genetic. This explains why some people are more susceptible to the disorder. Identifying individuals at risk may help prevent its devastating effects.
What is AvertD?
AvertD is a genetic test designed by AutoGenomic, a division of SOLVD Health. The new test assesses an individual’s risk of developing opioid use disorder (OUD).
It’s intended for adults (18 and older) who have never used oral opioid medication and are considering short-term treatment (4–30 days) for acute pain, such as after surgery.
AvertD: Your DNA Determines Your Opioid Risks
AvertD uses your DNA to see if you might be more sensitive to opioid painkillers. Genetics accounts for about 50% of the risk of developing OUD.
Here’s the technology behind it:
- Looks at specific genes: AvertD checks for genes linked to addiction. If you have a combination of these genes, you may be more likely to become addicted to opioids.
- Designed for opioid use: The diagnostic tool is specialized to seek genes linked only to opioid addiction.
- Predicts risk for short-term use: AvertD is meant for people who need pain medication for a short time, like after surgery. It can’t predict addiction in long-term pain management or for people already addicted
How the AvertD Test Works:
- A healthcare professional collects a DNA sample by gently swabbing the patient’s cheek.
- The swab is mailed to a lab where DNA is analyzed for specific genetic variations associated with an increased risk of OUD.
- The test results are provided within a week, indicating the patient’s risk of developing OUD.
Why is the AvertD test important?
Opioids are powerful pain relievers, but they carry a high risk of addiction. Genetic factors increase the risk of OUD upon exposure to opioids. Identifying at-risk individuals allows healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans and potentially prevent OUD before it starts.
By identifying individuals with higher genetic risk, healthcare professionals can:
- Personalize treatment: Medication choices and pain management strategies customized to individual needs.
- Start conversations: Discuss potential risks and benefits of opioid use with patients before prescribing.
- Promote alternative options: Explore non-opioid pain management approaches for high-risk individuals.
Limitations of AvertD:
AvertD’s arrival in the fight against opioid addiction is exciting, but it’s important to remember it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are some limitations to consider:
- Incomplete picture: Genetics play a role in OUD risk, but it’s not the only factor. AvertD doesn’t capture everything, and other personal and environmental factors can influence addiction risk.
- False positives/negatives: The test isn’t 100% accurate. A positive result doesn’t guarantee addiction, and a negative one doesn’t eliminate risk.
- Limited scope: AvertD only focuses on short-term opioid use, not chronic pain management. People already struggling with addiction won’t benefit from this test.
- Cost and access: The test may be expensive and not readily available in all healthcare settings, limiting its potential impact.
- Ethical considerations: Genetic testing raises concerns about privacy and potential discrimination. Careful guidelines and ethical frameworks are needed to ensure responsible use.
The Future of Genetic Testing for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD)
Further research is vital to expand upon this technology, refine its accuracy, and explore its applications in pain management and addiction prevention.
The FDA approval of AvertD sets a precedent for advancements in personalized healthcare. In the future, individual susceptibility to OUD may be known before treatment. This paves the way for safer pain management for everyone.
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