Nutriband Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRB) is making significant progress toward commercializing what could become the world's first abuse-deterrent opioid patch, according to CEO Gareth Sheridan's recent shareholder report. The company's lead product, AVERSA Fentanyl, combines Nutriband's proprietary abuse-deterrent technology with an established fentanyl delivery system through a strategic partnership with Kindeva Drug Delivery.
Strategic Partnership Drives Development Forward
Nutriband has formalized a strong product-development partnership and long-term commitment with Kindeva Drug Delivery, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization focused on drug-device combination products. The collaboration centers on developing AVERSA Fentanyl, which incorporates Nutriband's abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva's FDA-approved fentanyl patch platform.
The partnership represents a deepened collaboration through an amended agreement that leverages both companies' expertise in transdermal drug delivery. Kindeva brings established regulatory approval and manufacturing capabilities, while Nutriband contributes its proprietary AVERSA technology designed to address critical safety concerns in opioid therapy.
Addressing Opioid Abuse Through Technology Innovation
AVERSA technology represents a potentially transformative approach to opioid safety, designed to prevent abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential. According to Nutriband, this technology can be incorporated into any transdermal patch, offering broad applicability across various controlled substances.
The abuse-deterrent properties of AVERSA technology address a critical unmet medical need in pain management, where the risk of opioid abuse and diversion remains a significant concern for healthcare providers and patients. By integrating these safety features directly into the patch delivery system, the technology aims to maintain therapeutic efficacy while reducing abuse potential.
Commercialization Timeline and Manufacturing Scale-Up
CEO Gareth Sheridan outlined key steps the company is taking to develop and scale-up manufacturing processes to bring Aversa technology closer toward commercialization. The company's positive outlook for 2025 centers on noteworthy progress made toward bringing AVERSA Fentanyl to market.
Nutriband is working systematically to advance through the development phases necessary for regulatory approval and commercial launch. The partnership with Kindeva provides access to established manufacturing capabilities and regulatory expertise essential for scaling production and meeting FDA requirements.
Expanding Market Presence
Beyond its core pharmaceutical development, Nutriband is expanding its market presence through strategic alliances. The company has entered into a collaboration with Charlotte FC to build brand visibility, particularly for its AI Tape and AVERSA technology platform.
These partnerships aim to diversify revenue streams and reinforce Nutriband's position as a leader in transdermal drug delivery solutions. The company is leveraging existing and new alliances with established brands in the health and wellness industry to strengthen its commercial footprint while advancing its core pharmaceutical development programs.
