August 15, 2009 - 9:29am
Transdur, is a transdermal sufentanil patch under development, which is expected to pass Phase III clinical trials.
As opposed to the more common Duragesic(R) patches with fentanyl, which last from 2 to 3 days, Transdur purportedly lasts a whole seven days. They also will be available in very small, skin colored patches that are up to 1/4 as small as Duragesic(R) patches.
Sufentanil, a potent, synthetic opioid analgesic, is 5 to 10 times more potent than its analog, fentanyl.
www.durect.com/wt/durect/page_name/trans_sufentanil
If approved, they will likely be available in 4 strengths, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg/hr. These are the same strengths that Duragesic(R) patches are available, but keep in mind that sulfentanil is 5 to 10 times more potent than Fentanyl!
Would be great for some opioid tolerant pain suffers out there. We'll have to wait and see if it gets approval.
