Fort Lee, N.J., May 3, 2007 -- Alpharma Inc.(NYSE: ALO), a leading global specialty pharmaceutical company through its Pharmaceuticals Division, this week presented positive results of a pharmacokinetic study of its investigational abuse-deterrent, extended-release opioid at the 26th annual scientific meeting of the American Pain Society in Washington, D.C. The data demonstrated the release characteristics of this extended-release morphine sulfate plus sequestered naltrexone product were similar to that found in previous studies of Alpharmas currently marketed KADIAN (morphine sulfate extended-release) Capsules.
"There is a clear need for new medications that provide pain relief while deterring abuse and we believe our technology may offer a significant abuse-deterrent option for physicians treating patients suffering from moderate-to-severe chronic pain," says Joseph Stauffer, DO, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Clinical Research & Medical Affairs, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC. "We are committed to offering physicians the tools needed to treat patients with moderate-to-severe chronic pain."
Alpharmas proprietary technology combines an extended-release opioid with a sequestered core of the antagonist, naltrexone. If the product is taken as directed, it is intended that the naltrexone will remain sequestered and the patient will achieve pain relief similar to KADIAN (morphine sulfate extended-release) Capsules. If the capsule is tampered with by crushing, chewing or dissolving, it is designed so that the naltrexone will be released and euphoria will be abated.
Study Design and Results
In the single-dose, open-label, two-period crossover study (fasted and fed) in eight healthy subjects, 21 to 45 years of age, after an overnight fast, subjects either received the study drug (containing 60 mg morphine sulfate) or consumed a standard high-calorie, high-fat breakfast and took the study drug 30 minutes later. B
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HealthStar PR
3-May-2007