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Aegis Announces Breakthrough in Non-Invasive, Rapid Onset, Acute Pain ControlSAN DIEGO, Oct. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aegis Therapeutics has developed a metered nasal spray formulation of hydromorphone having rapid onset of drug action (approximately 1 min. with a Tmax of 7.5 min.) and high systemic bioavailability (approaching 100%) based upon Aegis’ patented Intravail® technology. These formulations offer the best pharmacokinetic performance of any non-IV preparations, while still meeting the clinical parameters found in IV administration. Aegis is seeking licensees for its nasal hydromorphone. Achieving pain control in acute pain situations such as battlefield injury, EMS first responders, emergency department cases, and breakthrough cancer pain has proved challenging and inadequate in many circumstances. Orally delivered opioids such as morphine, fentanyl and hydromorphone are absorbed slowly and undergo a large hepatic first-pass effect delaying onset of relief, and are ineffective for emetic patients. Intramuscular injection is slightly faster, but has high variability in absorption and can result in tissue depot effects, leading to possible under or overdosing, and is less effective in shock situations when blood flow is limited in peripheral tissues. Intravenous adminitration is the preferred method of opioid delivery, but requires trained personnel to initiate, and proves challenging in situations where venous access is not available due to shock, hypovolemia, or venous injury from frequent IV medication use. There exists a need for a better delivery method for opiate pain medications in these situations. Various EMS, military, and other healthcare organizations have solicited ideas for improving pain control in acute pain scenarios. While opiate medications are undeniably the most effective pain control medications, their limitations exist within the route of administration. The ability to deliver these critical medications without venous access is a breakthrough in achieving rapid pain control. Hydromorphone is especially effective at pain control over fentanyl and morphine, with a very desirable side effect profile compared with other opiates. Hydromorphone is also non-dissociative, potentially allowing patients or soldiers to self-extract, or cooperate with first responders in extraction from the danger zone. About Aegis Therapeutics Contact: |