Federal health officials say a new twist on the popular prescription painkiller OxyContin will make it harder to abuse.

The plastic-like coating on the new version is designed to make the drug harder and more time-consuming to manipulate. Although the resistance is limited, Purdue Pharma says the new version should significantly discourage abuse.

OxyContin was originally designed as a time-release version of oxycodone and was hailed as a breakthrough treatment for severe chronic pain. However, the drug was quickly targeted and adapted by abusers. A federal survey in 2007 found that 5.2 million people in the U.S. reported using prescription painkillers inappropriately.

The FDA has made consistent public service announcements regarding the issue but has seen little response. It has recently started putting pressure on companies to revamp their pain medications and make them more resistant to abuse.

14 out of 19 members on a U.S. Food and Drug Administration panel voted in favor when asked whether the agency should approve the new OxyContin.