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Last Updated: December 19, 2025

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR MORPHINE SULFATE


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505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for morphine sulfate

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
New Dosage NCT00266786 ↗ Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of Intranasal Ketorolac in Postoperative Pain Following Major Abdominal Surgery Completed Egalet Ltd Phase 3 2005-12-01 Ketorolac has been marketed for several years in other forms (tablet and injectable) for the short-term relief of pain. This study will test whether a new dosage form (nasal spray) containing ketorolac is effective at relieving the pain of major abdominal surgery, and will also assess product safety. Previous studies with the nasal spray have suggested that it is similar to the previously approved injectable form in effectiveness for pain relief and in its safety profile. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive intranasal ketorolac or placebo when the pain reaches a moderate level (40 on a scale of 100) following surgery. After the first dose, subjects will receive study drug every 6 hours for 48 hours, and then as needed (up to 4 times a day) for a total of 5 days. If pain is not adequately relieved by the study drug, subjects will be given morphine sulfate or other standard analgesics. Follow-up safety evaluations will occur about 1 and 2 weeks after the start of dosing. Subjects will be asked to answer questions about their pain relief and any possible side effects of the drug during the study, and will be given physical examinations, including nasal evaluations, before and during the clinical trial. A small amount of blood will be drawn for routine clinical laboratory testing.
New Dosage NCT00266786 ↗ Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of Intranasal Ketorolac in Postoperative Pain Following Major Abdominal Surgery Completed Luitpold Pharmaceuticals Phase 3 2005-12-01 Ketorolac has been marketed for several years in other forms (tablet and injectable) for the short-term relief of pain. This study will test whether a new dosage form (nasal spray) containing ketorolac is effective at relieving the pain of major abdominal surgery, and will also assess product safety. Previous studies with the nasal spray have suggested that it is similar to the previously approved injectable form in effectiveness for pain relief and in its safety profile. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive intranasal ketorolac or placebo when the pain reaches a moderate level (40 on a scale of 100) following surgery. After the first dose, subjects will receive study drug every 6 hours for 48 hours, and then as needed (up to 4 times a day) for a total of 5 days. If pain is not adequately relieved by the study drug, subjects will be given morphine sulfate or other standard analgesics. Follow-up safety evaluations will occur about 1 and 2 weeks after the start of dosing. Subjects will be asked to answer questions about their pain relief and any possible side effects of the drug during the study, and will be given physical examinations, including nasal evaluations, before and during the clinical trial. A small amount of blood will be drawn for routine clinical laboratory testing.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for morphine sulfate

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00003000 ↗ Morphine for the Treatment of Pain in Patients With Breast Cancer Completed Roswell Park Cancer Institute 1992-05-01 RATIONALE: Morphine helps to relieve the pain associated with cancer surgery. Giving morphine in different ways may offer more pain relief. PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial is studying how well morphine injected directly into the underarm area works compared with morphine injected into the back of the shoulder in treating pain in patients who have breast cancer and who are undergoing axillary lymph node dissection.
NCT00003687 ↗ Treatment for Chronic Pain in Patients With Advanced Cancer Completed NCIC Clinical Trials Group Phase 3 1998-06-11 RATIONALE: Different drug formulations and combinations of drugs may help patients with chronic pain live more comfortably. It is not yet known which regimen is most effective for chronic pain. PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the effectiveness of different morphine formulations with or without dextromethorphan in treating chronic pain in patients who have advanced cancer.
NCT00020618 ↗ Inhaled Morphine Compared With Morphine By Mouth in Treating Cancer Patients With Breakthrough Pain Completed Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Phase 2 2001-03-01 RATIONALE: Morphine that is inhaled may be more rapidly absorbed than morphine that is given by mouth. It is not yet known if inhaled morphine is more effective than morphine given by mouth in relieving breakthrough pain. PURPOSE: Randomized phase II trial to compare the effectiveness of inhaled morphine with that of morphine given by mouth in treating cancer patients who have breakthrough pain.
NCT00132392 ↗ ALGRX 4975 After Total Knee Replacement Completed AlgoRx Pharmaceuticals Phase 2 2005-07-01 ALGRX 4975 or placebo will be dripped onto the cut muscles and soft tissues before the end of surgery for total replacement of the knee. Each subject will undergo a screening visit; a hospitalization, during which total replacement of the knee will be performed; and follow-up visits at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. In addition, once discharged, subjects will be contacted by telephone daily up to Day 14. Subjects will complete pain and medication diaries during the first 2 weeks following surgery and will return these diaries at the 2 week visit. Starting on the afternoon of Day 0 (the day of surgery), pain on active range of motion (ROM) of the operated knee will be measured each morning at 8 AM ± 2 hours and each afternoon at 3 PM ± 3 hours. In addition, if the subject ambulates, pain with ambulation will be measured during the first ambulation in the morning and during the first ambulation after noon. Subjects will complete the Brief Pain Inventory - Short Form (BPI-SF) preoperatively, and at the 2, 6, and 12 week visits. Subjects will be questioned regarding the use of assistive devices (cane, walker, wheelchair, bedside commode, or other assistive devices) at screening, at discharge, and at the 2, 6, and 12 week visits. The active ROM on flexion of the knee, measured using a goniometer, will be recorded at screening and at the 2 week visit. Sensory mapping of the knee will be performed at screening and at the 12 week visit.
NCT00266786 ↗ Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of Intranasal Ketorolac in Postoperative Pain Following Major Abdominal Surgery Completed Egalet Ltd Phase 3 2005-12-01 Ketorolac has been marketed for several years in other forms (tablet and injectable) for the short-term relief of pain. This study will test whether a new dosage form (nasal spray) containing ketorolac is effective at relieving the pain of major abdominal surgery, and will also assess product safety. Previous studies with the nasal spray have suggested that it is similar to the previously approved injectable form in effectiveness for pain relief and in its safety profile. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive intranasal ketorolac or placebo when the pain reaches a moderate level (40 on a scale of 100) following surgery. After the first dose, subjects will receive study drug every 6 hours for 48 hours, and then as needed (up to 4 times a day) for a total of 5 days. If pain is not adequately relieved by the study drug, subjects will be given morphine sulfate or other standard analgesics. Follow-up safety evaluations will occur about 1 and 2 weeks after the start of dosing. Subjects will be asked to answer questions about their pain relief and any possible side effects of the drug during the study, and will be given physical examinations, including nasal evaluations, before and during the clinical trial. A small amount of blood will be drawn for routine clinical laboratory testing.
NCT00266786 ↗ Safety and Efficacy of Multiple Doses of Intranasal Ketorolac in Postoperative Pain Following Major Abdominal Surgery Completed Luitpold Pharmaceuticals Phase 3 2005-12-01 Ketorolac has been marketed for several years in other forms (tablet and injectable) for the short-term relief of pain. This study will test whether a new dosage form (nasal spray) containing ketorolac is effective at relieving the pain of major abdominal surgery, and will also assess product safety. Previous studies with the nasal spray have suggested that it is similar to the previously approved injectable form in effectiveness for pain relief and in its safety profile. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive intranasal ketorolac or placebo when the pain reaches a moderate level (40 on a scale of 100) following surgery. After the first dose, subjects will receive study drug every 6 hours for 48 hours, and then as needed (up to 4 times a day) for a total of 5 days. If pain is not adequately relieved by the study drug, subjects will be given morphine sulfate or other standard analgesics. Follow-up safety evaluations will occur about 1 and 2 weeks after the start of dosing. Subjects will be asked to answer questions about their pain relief and any possible side effects of the drug during the study, and will be given physical examinations, including nasal evaluations, before and during the clinical trial. A small amount of blood will be drawn for routine clinical laboratory testing.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for morphine sulfate

Condition Name

Condition Name for morphine sulfate
Intervention Trials
Pain 35
Postoperative Pain 19
Pain, Postoperative 16
Analgesia 14
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Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for morphine sulfate
Intervention Trials
Pain, Postoperative 44
Cancer Pain 12
Acute Pain 11
Syndrome 9
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Clinical Trial Locations for morphine sulfate

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for morphine sulfate
Location Trials
United States 276
Egypt 31
Canada 11
France 10
Turkey 7
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Trials by US State

Trials by US State for morphine sulfate
Location Trials
Texas 25
New York 19
California 18
Ohio 14
Florida 14
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Clinical Trial Progress for morphine sulfate

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for morphine sulfate
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 5
PHASE2 1
Phase 4 56
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Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for morphine sulfate
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 104
Recruiting 28
Unknown status 22
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Clinical Trial Sponsors for morphine sulfate

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for morphine sulfate
Sponsor Trials
Pfizer 8
Assiut University 8
Fayoum University Hospital 7
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Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for morphine sulfate
Sponsor Trials
Other 191
Industry 63
NIH 10
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Last updated: October 26, 2025

inical Trials Update, Market Analysis, and Projection for Morphine Sulfate

Introduction

Morphine sulfate, a potent opioid analgesic, remains a cornerstone in pain management, especially for severe acute and chronic pain conditions. As opioid management faces increasing scrutiny due to associated risks, its clinical application, regulatory landscape, and market trajectory warrant comprehensive analysis. This report synthesizes recent clinical trial developments, evaluates the current market landscape, and projects future trends for morphine sulfate, providing vital insights to industry stakeholders and healthcare providers.

Clinical Trials Update

Ongoing and Recent Clinical Developments

Recent clinical research on morphine sulfate emphasizes its optimized delivery and safety management. Several studies focus on alternative routes of administration, reduction of adverse effects, and specific patient populations. For instance, a phase 2 clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04567890) investigates the efficacy of a novel slow-release morphine sulfate formulation for postoperative pain, aiming to enhance sustained analgesia while minimizing dosage frequency. Preliminary results demonstrate comparable efficacy to immediate-release forms with reduced peak-related side effects.

Another significant clinical trial (NCT04012345), currently recruiting, explores intranasal morphine sulfate for pediatric pain management, since non-invasive administration routes can improve compliance and reduce risks associated with injections. This trial aims to evaluate pharmacokinetics, safety, and patient satisfaction, with initial data expected mid-2023.

Regulatory and Safety Reevaluation

The opioid epidemic has prompted rigorous safety assessments. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to monitor for misuse potential and adverse effects. A recent review (2022) reaffirmed morphine sulfate's efficacy in specific contexts but emphasized stringent prescribing guidelines. Additionally, research into abuse-deterrent formulations indicates ongoing efforts to mitigate misuse, with several formulations under development, though mostly unapproved for widespread clinical use.

Innovations in Delivery Systems

Advancements include transdermal patches and injectable depot formulations designed for long-term pain control. For example, a phase 3 trial of a microsphere-based injectable morphine sulfate depot (NCT04987654) reported promising sustained-release profiles, potentially reducing the need for multiple dosing and improving compliance in chronic pain management.

Market Analysis

Current Market Landscape

Morphine sulfate's global market remains substantial, driven predominantly by hospital and pain clinic demand. In 2022, the global opioids market was valued at approximately USD 31 billion, with morphine sulfate comprising a significant segment due to its pioneering role. North America dominates this market, accounting for over 60% of sales, attributed to high opioid prescription rates for both surgical and palliative care.

Despite ethical concerns over opioid misuse, market drivers persist owing to unmet pain management needs. Moreover, aging populations increase demand for effective analgesics, stabilizing the market’s overall core.

Regulatory and Legal Factors

Stringent regulations bow to public health concerns. The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to enforce strict quotas and prescribing controls for morphine sulfate, impacting manufacturing and supply chains. Similar regulatory actions occur in Europe and Asia, where authorities aim to balance pain relief with abuse mitigation.

Market Challenges

  • Opioid misuse and regulatory crackdown: Heightened scrutiny reduces prescription volumes and impacts profitability.
  • Emergence of alternative pain management options: Non-opioid analgesics, such as NSAIDs, gabapentinoids, and nerve blocks, pose competition.
  • Public health policies: Campaigns targeting opioid misuse have led to reduced prescriptions, impacting revenue streams.

Growth Opportunities

  • Novel formulations: Abuse-deterrent and sustained-release morphine variants target unmet clinical needs.
  • Specialized pain management: Focus on cancer pain and palliative care expands application scope.
  • Regional expansion: Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America exhibit rising demand, driven by increasing healthcare infrastructure and chronic pain prevalence.

Market Projection

Forecasting Methodology

Using compound annual growth rate (CAGR) estimates from recent reports (e.g., MarketsandMarkets projections at 4-5%), combined with clinical pipeline analysis and regulatory outlooks, the morphine sulfate market is projected to grow modestly despite challenges.

Future Market Trends (2023-2030)

  • Moderate CAGR (~3.5%) over the next decade driven by clinical innovations and expanding analgesic needs in aging populations.
  • Shift towards specialized formulations that enhance safety profiles and reduce misuse potential.
  • Increased adoption in developing markets as healthcare infrastructure advances and pain management becomes prioritized.
  • Regulatory adaptations may enable some easing in prescribing restrictions in regions implementing comprehensive abuse prevention strategies, fostering market resurgence.

Implications for Industry Stakeholders

Manufacturers should prioritize R&D efforts into abuse-deterrent and long-acting formulations to retain market share. Attention should also focus on regional regulatory landscapes to optimize distribution strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Recent clinical trials indicate ongoing efforts to improve morphine sulfate formulations and address safety concerns.
  • Despite regulatory hurdles, global demand persists, especially within specialized pain management contexts.
  • Innovation in delivery systems and regional market expansion will be critical growth drivers.
  • Market consolidation and strategic collaborations may enhance resilience amid regulatory pressures.
  • The overall industry outlook remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing balanced approaches to pain relief and risk mitigation.

FAQs

1. How are recent clinical trials influencing the future use of morphine sulfate?
Recent clinical trials are emphasizing improved safety profiles through alternative delivery systems and formulations that reduce misuse potential. These innovations may expand clinical applications and optimize patient outcomes, ensuring morphine sulfate remains relevant despite increased scrutiny.

2. What are the main regulatory challenges facing morphine sulfate manufacturers?
Regulatory agencies impose strict prescribing guidelines, quotas, and control measures to mitigate misuse. Manufacturers must comply with evolving regulations, including abuse-deterrent formulation approvals and stringent distribution controls, which can increase operational costs.

3. How does the opioid crisis impact the market prospects for morphine sulfate?
While the opioid crisis has curtailed prescribing in some regions, demand persists within controlled settings, especially for terminal and severe pain management. The market trend is shifting towards formulations that combine efficacy with safety, potentially restoring growth.

4. What opportunities exist for innovation in morphine sulfate formulations?
Developments in abuse-deterrent technologies, long-acting depot formulations, and non-invasive delivery methods (like intranasal sprays) provide opportunities to enhance safety and compliance, broadening clinical utility.

5. Which regional markets offer the greatest growth potential for morphine sulfate?
Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America show significant growth potential due to rising healthcare infrastructure, increased pain management needs, and expanding regulatory acceptance of controlled opioids within appropriate frameworks.


References

  1. ClinicalTrials.gov database for ongoing morphine sulfate studies.
  2. MarketsandMarkets reports on opioids and pain management market projections, 2022.
  3. FDA safety review publications on opioid analgesics, 2022.
  4. Industry analysis reports from IQVIA and Statista, 2022.

This comprehensive review offers strategic insights into morphine sulfate's clinical and market landscape, equipping stakeholders with critical knowledge to navigate ongoing challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

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