AntiOp partners with Reckitt Benckiser to develop nasally administered treatment for opioid overdose

AntiOp founder Dr. Daniel Wermeling said that this partnership leverages the company’s combined resources and strengths.

"AntiOp has the technical expertise and R&D experience to deliver a specifically-designed nasal formulation of the drug, while Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has resources and experience in developing therapies and working with payers and policy makers to make the life-saving drug available to patients worldwide," Dr Wermeling added.

Naloxone injection is an inventory staple for thousands of emergency rooms, ambulances and post-surgery recovery rooms, and is produced and marketed by other pharmaceutical companies. Naloxone currently is injected intravenously, into muscle tissue, or under the skin. Emergency responders have used atomizers to crudely convert the injectable form of naloxone into a nasal spray.

Wermeling’s innovative approach improves on this idea, enabling rescue treatment when the patient is unconscious. The nasal spray will be administered using a ready-to-use, single-use, delivery device which is inserted into the nose of an overdose victim, delivering a consistent dose absorbed across the nasal membranes even if the patient is not breathing. The product eliminates any use of needles for injection and is disposable.

Under the terms of the agreement, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and AntiOp will co-develop the nasal naloxone spray through the time of regulatory approval. Wermeling is confident that they will meet eligibility requirements for FDA priority review after the new drug application is filed.

Development funds have been provided by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation.

The product is entering its final clinical trial in June 2014.