Nutriband Clarifies Executive Order Impact, Advances Abuse-Deterrent Fentanyl Patch Development

Nutriband Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRB) has responded to the recent Executive Order designating illicit fentanyl and its core precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction, clarifying that this designation should not be conflated with FDA-approved prescription fentanyl therapies. The company emphasized that transdermal fentanyl patches are produced under rigorous regulatory oversight and remain medically necessary for certain severe chronic pain patients. This distinction is crucial as it separates legitimate medical use from the illicit drug crisis, ensuring continued access for patients who rely on these therapies for pain management.

The company acknowledged ongoing public health concerns surrounding transdermal fentanyl patch abuse and accidental pediatric exposure. In response to these challenges, Nutriband is partnering with Kindeva to develop AVERSA™ FENTANYL, which combines Nutriband's proprietary AVERSA™ abuse-deterrent technology with Kindeva's FDA-approved fentanyl patch. This collaboration aims to create a product that deters abuse and reduces accidental exposure while maintaining therapeutic access for legitimate patients. The development represents a significant step toward addressing the dual challenges of opioid abuse and patient access to necessary medications.

According to company projections, AVERSA™ FENTANYL could become the first abuse-deterrent opioid patch on the market, with potential peak annual U.S. sales ranging from $80 million to $200 million. The company's initial focus is on the U.S. market, with stated goals for broader availability in major global medical markets. This market potential underscores both the commercial opportunity and the significant public health need that the product aims to address. The development aligns with broader efforts to create safer opioid delivery systems while maintaining therapeutic efficacy for patients with legitimate medical needs.

The company's technology platform, detailed on their website at https://www.nutriband.com, represents a broader approach to pharmaceutical safety. AVERSA™ technology can be incorporated into any transdermal patch to prevent abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential. This technological innovation comes at a critical time when regulatory bodies and healthcare providers are seeking solutions to balance pain management needs with abuse prevention measures. The development of such technologies reflects the pharmaceutical industry's response to the ongoing opioid crisis and regulatory pressures for safer drug delivery systems.

Investors and stakeholders can find additional information about Nutriband's developments through the company's newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NTRB. The broader context of this development includes increasing regulatory scrutiny of opioid medications and growing demand for abuse-deterrent formulations across the pharmaceutical industry. As the company advances its AVERSA™ FENTANYL development, it positions itself at the intersection of medical necessity and public health responsibility, addressing one of the most challenging aspects of contemporary pain management and drug safety.