NZ research set to impact international opioid crisis

15/11/2018

Ground breaking research that looks at a novel technique for pain management is set to influence the global opioid addiction crisis.

Middlemore anaesthetist Dr Nicholas Lightfoot will receive the Medicines New Zealand 2018 Value of Medicines Award tonight for his study into pain management and recovery after knee replacement surgery.

“This research addresses a significant health need by minimising the use of opioid medicines. Not only that, but it has positive outcomes for patients when looking at the long-term recovery after having knee replacement surgery,” says Dr Lee Mathias, Chairman of Medicines New Zealand.

Professor Lightfoot’s research focused on the medicine ropivacaine and using a technique called local infiltrative anaesthesia.

“This research provides a positive outcome for the patients reducing their recovery time, which in turn helps to relieve pressure on overflowing hospitals,” says Dr Graeme Jarvis, General Manager of Medicines New Zealand.

Dr Nicholas Lightfoot will be presented with the 2018 Value of Medicines Award this evening. He will also receive a $20,000 grant from Medicines New Zealand to further his research.

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