US approves China-invented painkiller that could reduce fentanyl overdoses

Qamzova is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that provides 24-hour pain relief in a single shot, reducing post-surgery opioid reliance

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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

Published: 7:00pm, 23 May 2025

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.