Nutriband Secures U.S. Patent Approval for Aversa™ Transdermal Abuse Deterrent Technology
Nutriband a pharmaceutical company specializing in the development of prescription transdermal products, recently announced that it has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for its patent application 18/369,241, titled “Abuse and Misuse Deterrent Transdermal Systems.” The notice, granted on February 3, 2025, indicates that the USPTO intends to issue a U.S. patent for this technology following administrative processing.
The approval marks a significant milestone for Nutriband, as it strengthens the company’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio in the United States for its proprietary Aversa™ abuse-deterrent technology. This technology is designed to be integrated into transdermal patches to mitigate the risks of abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure associated with drugs that have high abuse potential.
Aversa™: Transforming Abuse-Deterrent Drug Delivery
Aversa™ is an advanced abuse-deterrent transdermal system that incorporates aversive agents into the matrix of transdermal patches. The primary goal of this technology is to prevent oral abuse and accidental ingestion of opioid- and stimulant-based patches by creating an unpleasant taste experience if the patch is tampered with or consumed orally.
This approach represents a critical advancement in addressing the opioid crisis, where prescription opioid abuse and accidental exposure have led to severe public health concerns. By implementing Aversa™, Nutriband aims to introduce a layer of protection that discourages improper use without affecting the therapeutic efficacy of the medication.
Expanding Intellectual Property Protection
Nutriband’s Aversa™ technology is safeguarded by an extensive global patent portfolio. To date, patents have been granted in 46 countries, including major markets such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Canada, Mexico, and Australia. This widespread protection enhances the commercial potential of Nutriband’s products and reinforces the company’s position as a leader in abuse-deterrent pharmaceutical innovations.
The newly allowed U.S. patent further extends Nutriband’s ability to control and commercialize its proprietary technology in the lucrative transdermal pharmaceutical market. This ensures the company’s competitive edge in an industry that is actively seeking solutions to reduce the misuse of prescription medications.
Aversa™ Fentanyl: The First Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Patch
Nutriband’s lead product under development, Aversa™ Fentanyl, has the potential to be the world’s first abuse-deterrent opioid patch. Designed specifically to reduce the risks associated with fentanyl transdermal systems, Aversa™ Fentanyl incorporates the company’s patented aversive agent coating to deter oral abuse and accidental ingestion.
Fentanyl patches have been widely prescribed for severe chronic pain management. However, their high potency and accessibility have led to increasing cases of abuse and accidental overdoses. The introduction of an abuse-deterrent fentanyl patch could revolutionize pain management by providing a safer alternative while maintaining efficacy for patients in need.
Market research conducted by Health Advances in 2022 projects that Aversa™ Fentanyl has the potential to achieve peak annual sales in the U.S. ranging from $80 million to $200 million. These projections underscore the significant commercial opportunity for Nutriband and the broader impact this technology could have on public health.
Addressing the Growing Need for Abuse-Deterrent Opioid Solutions
The opioid crisis continues to be a major concern worldwide, with governments and healthcare organizations seeking effective ways to curb abuse while ensuring access to necessary pain management therapies. Transdermal drug delivery systems offer a controlled and sustained release of medication, reducing the likelihood of overdose compared to oral opioid formulations. However, the risk of tampering and misuse still exists.
Nutriband’s Aversa™ technology directly addresses this issue by making opioid patches less appealing for abuse, particularly through oral consumption. The technology also helps in reducing accidental exposure, particularly in households with young children who may unintentionally ingest a discarded patch.
The Future of Nutriband’s Pipeline and Commercialization Strategy
Beyond Aversa™ Fentanyl, Nutriband is exploring additional applications for its abuse-deterrent technology. The company is actively developing transdermal patches for other medications with abuse potential, including opioid and stimulant treatments.
The company’s commercialization strategy focuses on securing regulatory approvals, forming strategic partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, and expanding licensing agreements. With strong IP protection and growing interest in safer drug delivery systems, Nutriband is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
Nutriband’s CEO, Gareth Sheridan, has expressed confidence in the company’s ability to drive innovation in transdermal drug delivery. “The receipt of this Notice of Allowance from the USPTO is a major validation of our efforts to develop effective abuse-deterrent solutions. We believe Aversa™ can be a game-changer in opioid pain management and help address the urgent need for safer pharmaceutical options,” said Sheridan.
Regulatory Pathway and Market Implications
As Nutriband prepares for the commercialization of Aversa™ Fentanyl, the company must navigate regulatory pathways to gain FDA approval. The agency has emphasized the need for abuse-deterrent formulations as part of its broader efforts to combat the opioid crisis. This regulatory focus aligns with Nutriband’s objectives, potentially facilitating a smoother approval process.
If approved, Aversa™ Fentanyl could set a new standard in opioid pain management, paving the way for broader adoption of abuse-deterrent transdermal patches. The anticipated market adoption could also influence insurance reimbursement policies, encouraging wider use of these safer alternatives.
