Depomed: open label studies support development of Gabapentin GR in postherpetic neuralgia

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 26 - Depomed, Inc. said results from two open-label studies conducted in 33 healthy male volunteers support the dose proportionality of Gabapentin GR compared to immediate release gabapentin.

Gabapentin GR extended release tablets are in development for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia, a condition caused by nerve damage during a shingles (herpes zoster) viral infection.

"These are very important pharmacokinetic data given that immediate release gabapentin absorption declines at higher doses, causing patients to take more drug more often, to try to achieve pain relief," chief scientific officer Bret Berner said in a company news release.

"In contrast, Gabapentin GR achieves improved bioavailability at higher doses with a greater percentage of the administered dose reaching the blood stream where it can work to manage pain."

Depomed said the study used its AcuForm drug delivery technology to improve the absorption of gabapentin and supports the development of a once- or twice-daily product with potentially fewer side effects such as dizziness and somnolence.

The data were reported at the Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting taking place in Boston.

Depomed is a specialty pharmaceutical company based in Menlo Park, Calif.

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