Sandoz partners with DURECT for development of non-opioid analgesic

Sandoz will pay DURECT $20 million towards the development of the medication.
Sandoz will pay DURECT $20 million towards the development of the medication. | File photo

Sandoz AG, part of Novatis, has made an agreement with DURECT Corp. for the marketing of POSIMIR, an analgesic being developed by DURECT.

The purpose of DURECT's new non-opiod analgesic is to provide the prescribed individual with up to three days of pain relief following a surgery.

Though DURECT is charged with the FDA approval process and the continuation of trial testing, Sandoz will pay DURECT $20 million towards the development of the medication in addition to a number of fees and royalties based on product sales taking place in the U.S.

"Sandoz has a strong record of commercializing innovative and value-added products that serve unmet needs," Sandoz President Peter Goldschmidt said.

The Phase 3 clinical testing of the item is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of this year.