The company plans to use this technology to develop an oral liquid product of its chronic pain drug Kadian.
Alpharma said this planned addition to the Kadian product line is targeted to address the significant unmet need for liquid dose sustained release opioids, especially in the long-term and institutional care markets.
In addition, Alpharma is collaborating with Tris to leverage its technology enhance the Kadian product line. Both companies will collaborate on the development of these pain management products, and upon approval, Tris will be responsible for manufacturing, and Alpharma will commercialize the products.
Under the terms of the agreement, Alpharma expects approximately $15 million in expenses related to milestone payments. If the products meet certain pre-determined clinical targets, regulatory submissions could be filed in 2008.