The subject of the agreement is a technology developed at the Gallo Center and at the University of California San Francisco by Dr Jennifer Whistler and Dr Mark von Zastrow.
Preclinical work has suggested that doses of methadone administered with morphine at certain ratios could be used to increase analgesia and decrease the potential for opioid tolerance and dependence.
“Development of this technology is especially timely given the dearth of options available since the recent removal of several pain therapeutics from the market,” stated Dr Whistler.
Under the agreement, New River will pay a licensing fee, potential milestones and royalty payments in exchange for an exclusive license to pursue the commercial development of the technology for the treatment of pain.