EMPLIPHARM
Safer treatments
Emplicure has developed a safer and more precise way to deliver drugs. Our controlled-release technology targets large unmet medical needs, especially in opioid-based pain-relief where our formulations improve therapy and reduce the risk of opioid abuse. This helps meet regulatory requests for products that deter societal abuse.
Lower risk
Our technologies can be applied to numerous therapeutic areas that demand precise drug release. Development times and the path to market are shorter, and associated risks are lower, because we use existing pharmaceutical substances rather than new molecules.
Empli03
Empli03 is a buccal tablet, formulated with the opioid buprenorphine and under development for the treatment of chronic pain. The release of the tablet is designed to make it suitable for individualized patient-controlled treatment of chronic pain. It also has properties that make abuse difficult.
- Has up to 5 hours release.
- Puts patients and caregivers in control.
- Tamper-resistant formulation.
- ER with high compliance.
- Less Buprenorphine needed compared with patches.
Global health issue
- North America is in the midst of an opioid epidemic caused by over-prescription.
- Over 2.4 million people in the U.S. have severe opioid use disorder.
- More than 932,000 people have died in the U.S. since 1999 from a drug overdose, according to the CDC.
Pain is a major health issue globally. In the U.S., as many as 20% of the population are estimated to suffer from chronic pain and to need long-term pain relief.
High costs
Widespread moderate to severe pain is a problem that is associated with high costs for society and individual patients. Opioids will continue to be an important part of pain treatment.
The market for opioid drugs for chronic pain is estimated to grow to USD 5.5 billion by 2025, in the G7 countries alone. We have the opportunity to offer patients both a new drug profile and safer use.
Buprenorphine
Buprenorphine is approved to treat opioid use disorder and pain in major markets, including the U.S. and EU. It is a partial agonist at the mu receptor, which results in a lower risk of respiratory depression compared with full agonists, such as oxycodone and fentanyl.
Safer treatment
The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends buprenorphine over full agonists for patients who suffer from pain and need treatment with opioids. The safety profile of buprenorphine, together with properties that limit abuse, are important features that can contribute to safer medical treatment of pain.