Latest Analysis from Clarity Science OPERA Pain Study Confirms 45% Reduction of Opioid Usage by Using Transdermal Medication

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Clarity, a global international scientific research company, based in Austin, Texas, announces the latest results of its IRB-approved OPERA study. OPERA (Optimizing Patient Experience and Response to Topical Analgesics) evaluates patient perceptions of pain treatment with the use of FDA-approved topical/transdermal formulations alone or in combination with neuropathic supplements via a patient-reported survey. 

Latest analysis indicates participants continue to see a reduction of 45% of opioid usage and a significant reduction of non-opioid drugs to treat chronic pain. There were also minimal reported side effects.

Launched in October 2014, this is the fourth interim analysis of the OPERA study. It now includes 100 clinician investigators and over 1000 patients, both men and women, ranging in age from 18 to 64. The purpose of the fourth interim analysis is to:

• Validate findings from previous interim analyses (n= 417 and n= 631), but with topical use extended to 5 months
• Evaluate the efficacy of the topical analgesic in reducing pain in patients experiencing either neuropathic or musculoskeletal pain, using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) Short Form
• Assess changes in use of opioids and other oral pain medications
• Assess patient satisfaction with the topical analgesic
• Identify any adverse effects

"We were inspired to undertake this study because clinically we have recognized a pain-relieving and opioid-sparing effect to topically applied analgesics and were pleased that this latest analysis is consistent with earlier interim results," states Dr. Jeffrey Gudin, Lead Investigator of the Study. "We hypothesized that these logical alternative treatments to oral medications may reduce adverse events, reduce pain severity scores and improve quality of life for patients with chronic pain. In addition, these therapies are certainly not associated with the stigma of traditional oral opioids."

"According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2014 almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids and every day over 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing those same drugs," notes Dr. Dennis Harris, Chief Medical Officer at Clarity Science. "That's why these results are gaining national and international attention from physicians who are seeking viable alternative approaches for their pain patients."

Among other findings to be presented at the AAPM, specific patient observations from the latest analysis include:

• 91 percent of patients found the topical analgesics convenient to use
• 96 percent reported them easy to apply
• 85 percent preferred them over an oral medication
• 99 percent were either very or somewhat satisfied with the topical analgesic

OPERA Assessment Tools

The OPERA (Optimizing Patient Experience and Response to Topical Analgesics) study evaluates patient pain scores using the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center's Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). The BPI is a validated tool for assessing the severity of pain and the impact of pain on daily functions of patients with cancer pain and pain due to other chronic disease. MD Anderson Cancer Center granted Clarity express authorization to use the BPI for the OPERA study. 

Principal Investigators of the study are Jeffrey Gudin, MD, Director, Pain and Palliative Care, Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, New York, NY; and Michael J. Brennan, MD, CMO of the Pain Center of Fairfield, CT. 

American Academy of Pain Medicine Meeting 2017

Clarity has been invited to present data from the fourth interim IRB-approved OPERA study at the American Academy of Pain Medicine's 33rd Annual Meeting, March 15 – 19, 2017 in Orlando, FL. The meeting is organized to present recent advancements in research, clinical best practices, patient management, practice management and the diagnosis and treatment of patients in pain-to-pain medicine clinicians.

For more information on the OPERA and other studies, please visit https://clarityscience.com/studies-outcomes/#current-studies.

To learn more about becoming an investigator, please visit: https://clarityscience.com/become-an-investigator/

About Clarity Science
Clarity Science is a global scientific research company whose goal is to advance science and improve patient health. Led by a team of experienced healthcare professionals and guided by leading board-certified healthcare attorneys, Clarity specializes in conducting research in the areas of allergy, pain, scar/wound healing, genomics, women's health, cardio metabolic disorders, and oncology.
For more information, please call Peter Hurwitz, President, Clarity Science at 1-800-641-4857 or visit www.clarityscience.com

SOURCE Clarity Science

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