Review of oral, nasal and intravenous abuse-deterrence claims for Teva's long-acting hydrocodone Vantrela ER highlights the lack of head-to-head studies against approved abuse-deterrent formulations and spurs debate on relevant comparators.

Human abuse liking study, in vitro data paint different pictures of potential for hydrocodone extended-release product to deter oral abuse, FDA says ahead of advisory committee review; agency finds support for abuse-deterrent claims for intranasal, intravenous use.

The Dealmaking column is a survey of recent transactions, including strategic alliances, mergers & acquisitions, and financings, in the life sciences industries. Deals are listed by the following industry sectors: in vitro diagnostics, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and research/analytical instrumentation and reagents. All transactions are excerpted from Elsevier's Strategic Transactions database, providing comprehensive transaction coverage from 1991 to the present.

Cephalon's 2005 dealmaking flurry illustrates the growing influence of in-house R&D on a firm whose success to date has come from in-licensing. Its challenge will be selling investors pipeline potential, as well as earnings growth.