Clinical trials of a strong painkiller have shown promise for researchers looking to create a medication that is not as addictive as traditional hydrocodone, a Stamford, CT. pharmaceutical company announced Wednesday.
The apparent success of Perdue Pharma’s tablet, hydrocodone bitartrate, could affect the prospects of Zogenix Inc., a San Diego company (ZGNX-NASDAQ), which, according to Bloomberg.com, has produced a competitor that has been challenged by those concerned by the addictive qualities of certain painkillers.
Perdue’s medication includes “abuse-deterrent properties,” the company reported, but Zogenix’s Zohydro ER is viewed by critics as easy to dissolve or crush, making it more appealing to addicts, Bloomberg reported. Regulators have threatened to pull it from the market if a better alternative is developed.
Zogenix stock fell by nearly 23 percent Wednesday following Perdue’s announcement.
Perdue Pharma officials said the extended-release version of their medication had been tested on subjects with lower back pain. It is in phase three of the company’s trial of nearly 600 patients.
