Drug Delivery
Assertio therapeutics (formerly known as Depomed) develops extended and controlled release small molecule therapeutics by using a gastroretentive polymer formulation. This formulation allows for decreased dosing, lower toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy over traditional formulation.
Approach
Acuform technology-A gastroretentive polymer that works by selectively expanding in the upper GI tract. Once the polymer expands, a proprietary technology allows for the controlled release of the therapeutic compound at a predetermined rate and time. Acuform technology allows for release of therapeutics at up to an 8-10 hour timeframe, whereas traditional drugs release over 3 hours. This allows for decreased dosing, more tolerable toxicity, and improved therapeutic efficacy. Assertio incorporates acuform technology into its own portfolio of neurology, orphan and specialty drugs, as well as partner drugs.
Publications
Reviews and Case Studies:
Gastroretentive Dosage Forms: A Review
Hou, SY; Cowles, VE; Berner, B. Critical Reviews in Theoretical Drug Carrier Systems. 2003; 20(6): 459-97.
Case Studies in Swelling Polymeric Gastric Retentive Tablets
Berner, B; Cowles, VE. Expert Opinion in Drug Delivery. 2006 Jul; 3(4): 541-8.
Innovative Technologies for Gastro-Retentive Drug Delivery Systems
Chudiwal, VS; Sadhana, S; Swapnil, C; Dheeraj, A. Global Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018 Feb; 4(5).
Original Science:
Original Science Publications for Specific Disease Indications
Patents
Assertio Therapeutics, Inc is currently the assignee on 43 patents related to its polymeric drug delivery system.
All patents assigned to Assertio Therapeutics
Select Patents:
Sustained-Release Oral Drug Dosage Form
Alkyl-Substituted Cellulose-Based Sustained-Release Oral Drug Dosage Forms
Development Stage
(Marketed/Clinical)
Acuform technology is in use with both external partner drugs and internal Assertio drugs.
Marketed Assertio Drugs: Postherpetic neuralgia, Migraine attacks, Mild/moderate acute pain
Marketed Partner Drugs: Moderate/severe chronic pain (Collegium), Moderate/severe acute pain (Collegium), Acute severe pain (Malinckrodt).
Phase III Assertio Drugs: Cosyntropin
Phase III Partner Drugs: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (Ironwood)
Innovation Opportunity
- Oral drug delivery
- Small molecule
- Orphan diseases
- Reformulation of generic drugs
Partnering Opportunities
Assertio is interested in expanding its internal drug portfolio to include drugs for orphan diseases and primary care through industry or academic partnerships. Assertio is also interested in industry partnerships to reformulate drugs with Accuform technology.