Our Technology
AcuFormT delivery technology is Depomed's unique, patented, polymer-based
technology designed to optimize drug delivery.
AcuForm allows for targeted, controlled delivery of pharmaceutical
ingredients to the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the preferential
absorption site for many oral drugs. Unlike immediate release and some
extended release formulations that pass through the upper GI tract within
approximately three hours following ingestion, AcuForm's unique swelling
polymers allow the tablet to be retained in the stomach ('gastric retention')
for approximately eight to nine hours. During this time, the tablet's active
ingredient is steadily delivered to the upper GI tract at the desired rate
and time, without the potentially irritating 'burst' of drug that often
occurs with other formulations. This gradual, extended release allows for
more of the drug to be absorbed in the upper GI tract and minimizes the
amount of drug that passes through to the lower GI tract. As a result,
AcuForm could hold the potential to provide patients with meaningful
benefits, including greater treatment efficacy, increased treatment
tolerability and the convenience of once- or twice-daily dosing.
Proven Technology. Broad Application.
AcuForm is used in the formulation of Depomed's two FDA-approved drugs,
Glumetza® (metformin HCl extended release tablets) and Proquin® XR
(ciprofloxacin hydrochloride). It is also currently being evaluated
internally and with partner companies for numerous other compounds.
AcuForm tablets can be tailored to deliver new drug combinations of varying
properties, either simultaneously or sequentially, for a wide array of
product possibilities. In particular, AcuForm may prove to be an effective
delivery solution for compounds that are -
Administered two or more times a day
Absorbed in the upper GI region
Insoluble in water
Bioavailable through active transport mechanisms
Irritating to the mucosa of the small intestines
Imbalancing, irritating, or unsafe in the lower GI region
More effective when plasma levels are more constant
AcuForm technology incorporates standard, inexpensive pharmaceutical
excipients that are included on the FDA's inactive ingredients list. The
manufacturing process is straight-forward and utilizes standard high-speed
tableting equipment. Importantly, the improvements made possible with
AcuForm delivery technology, including reduced dosing requirements, improved
efficacy, decreased toxicity, hold the potential to provide patented
NCE-like differentiation to already approved therapeutics. These factors
make AcuForm a potentially attractive option for companies interested in
developing improved formulations of off-patent drugs.
Rayilyn Brown
Director AZNPF
Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation
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