Nutriband Inc. announced on October 8, 2025, that it has filed a provisional patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to strengthen intellectual property protection for its AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent transdermal technology. The Orlando-based pharmaceutical company is developing this technology specifically for patches containing opioids and stimulants with abuse potential.
Enhanced Formulation Technology
The provisional patent application covers improved aversive formulations and coating application methods designed to enhance the abuse-deterrent properties of Nutriband's AVERSA™ technology and make it more difficult to defeat. If converted to a non-provisional patent application and subsequently granted, the new patent could significantly extend protection for products utilizing the AVERSA™ technology, as U.S. patents carry a statutory term of 20 years from the non-provisional filing date.
The AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology consists of a proprietary aversive agent coating that employs taste aversion to deter oral abuse and reduce accidental exposure. The technology incorporates aversive agents into transdermal patches to prevent abuse, diversion, misuse, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential, including opioids and stimulants.
Global Patent Portfolio
The AVERSA™ technology is already protected by a broad international intellectual property portfolio with patents issued in 46 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. This extensive patent protection provides Nutriband with significant market exclusivity across major pharmaceutical markets worldwide.
Clinical Applications and Safety Profile
According to the company, the AVERSA™ technology has the potential to improve the safety profile of transdermal drugs susceptible to abuse, such as opioids, while ensuring these medications remain accessible to patients who legitimately need them. The technology can be incorporated into any transdermal patch to prevent abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential.
Nutriband's lead product under development is an abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch incorporating the AVERSA™ technology. The company is primarily engaged in developing a portfolio of transdermal pharmaceutical products focused on addressing the critical need for abuse-deterrent formulations in pain management.
Development Challenges and Regulatory Path
The company acknowledges several development risks in its forward-looking statements, including the ability to develop its proposed abuse-deterrent fentanyl transdermal system, obtain necessary patent protection, secure financing for clinical testing, and obtain FDA approval for marketing in the United States. Additional regulatory approvals will be required for international markets, including European countries.
