Singapore: Melbourne-based drug delivery technology company, Phosphagenics, is going to launch phase I study of a transdermal patch incorporating the powerful opioid oxymorphone during early February.
The patch is designed according to the company's proprietary TPM platform delivery technology to enable superior delivery of the potent compound, which is used to manage chronic pain. The study will be conducted at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and the results are expected to be announced in March.

Oxymorphone is an opioid analgesic used for the relief of moderate-to-severe chronic pain. In an extended-release formulation it is used for patients requiring around-the-clock pain relief. The compound is ideally suited for use in a 72-hour patch.

Oxymorphone is following a similar commercial path to oxycodone. Since the FDA approved oxymorphone in an extended release (twice a day) oral formulation in 2006, it has experienced meteoric sales growth in the US, generating revenues of over $600 million in 2012. Prior to 2006, sales of the compound were negligible.

Phosphagenics' CEO, Dr Esra Ogru, said that the transdermal delivery of oxymorphone provided greater flexibility in terms of patch size and efficacy. Furthermore, transdermal delivery addresses the substantial food effect and low bioavailability associated with oral delivery of this compound.

Dr Ogru said that, "We believe oxymorphone would be a suitable companion product to oxycodone in any transdermal pain management portfolio. Together, these products would be appropriate for tackling all levels of chronic pain indications from opioid naïve to opioid experienced patients. We will build on the momentum generated by our development team in getting oxymorphone to the clinic so quickly and will aggressively pursue the clinical development program and the possibility of an early licensing deal."