BioCorRx Inc., a developer of treatment programs for substance abuse and related disorders, announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,569,430 for its biodegradable naltrexone implant technology. The patent, titled "Biodegradable Implant Including Naltrexone," covers technology designed to provide controlled delivery of naltrexone and strengthens the company's intellectual property portfolio for implant-based naltrexone technologies.
The importance of this patent issuance lies in its potential to address significant public health challenges. Naltrexone is an opioid receptor antagonist approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating opioid use disorder and alcohol dependence. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 5.7 million people in the United States aged 12 or older were estimated to have an opioid use disorder in the past year. Methamphetamine use disorder affects approximately 1.6 million people, with 2.6 million reporting methamphetamine use in the past year.
BioCorRx's broader patent portfolio includes international patents covering additional technologies and potential therapeutic applications. One Israeli patent relates to using a naltrexone implant in weight management programs when combined with behavioral or nutritional counseling. This expansion into metabolic disorders addresses another growing global concern, as approximately 890 million adults worldwide were living with obesity in 2022, according to the World Health Organization.
The company continues to advance development through its majority-owned subsidiary, BioCorRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. A prior clinical study evaluating the implant technology was completed in 2023, and a new clinical study commenced in January 2026, with additional studies planned. The current clinical study is supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse under Award Number U01DA059994. More information about the company's pipeline can be found at https://www.BioCorRx.com.
Lourdes Felix, Chief Executive Officer of BioCorRx Inc., stated that the patent issuance represents an important milestone and supports the company's long-term strategy around implant-based therapeutic technologies. The company's investigational biodegradable naltrexone implant, designated BICX104, is designed to provide controlled delivery of naltrexone. BioCorRx also operates the UnCraveRx® Weight Loss Program, with more information available at https://www.uncraverx.com.
The implications of this patent extend beyond intellectual property protection. As substance use disorders and obesity continue to pose significant public health challenges, innovative treatment approaches like biodegradable implants could offer new options for patients. The controlled delivery mechanism may improve treatment adherence compared to daily medications, potentially leading to better outcomes for individuals struggling with addiction and related conditions. The technology's expansion into weight management applications demonstrates how pharmaceutical innovations can address multiple interconnected health issues through targeted therapeutic approaches.
