Indivior Acquires Opiant for $145 Million

Indiviaor, a pharmaceutical company focused on treatments for addiction and serious mental illnesses, announced its acquisition of Opiant Pharmaceuticals, a company developing treatments for addiction and drug overdose, for approximately $145 million on Nov. 12, 2022. This acquisition grants Indivior the rights to OPNT003, an investigational opioid overdose reversal agent, as well as other treatments in their pipeline.

According to a company press release, OPNT003 is an intranasal nalmefene formulation that utilizes an absorption-enhancing technology (Intravail) to enhance its pharmacodynamic profile, allowing it to act more quickly and relative to certain naloxone-based rescue agents such as NARCAN Nasal Spray. OPNT003 received fast track designation from FDA in November 2021 and Opiant is expected to complete its new drug application submission in the fourth quarter of 2022. Should it receive FDA approval, anticipated approval for a fast-track application is third quarter 2023, with launch in the United States expected in the ensuing months.

"Our work in combating addiction has never been more critical, with overdose deaths in the US occurring at near record numbers,” said Mark Crossley, CEO, Indivior, in the release. “Opiant’s portfolio of product candidates is an excellent strategic fit that diversifies and strengthens our offerings, while Indivior’s strong commercial capabilities are expected to propel a combined product pipeline with the potential to help patients along a continuum from substance use disorder and rescue to recovery.”

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement that reflects the great potential Opiant has created with OPNT003 and our pipeline of medicines,” said Roger Crystal, president and CEO, Opiant, in the release. “This transaction combines Opiant with an organization that shares our patient-focused mindset, and we believe creates immediate value for patients, our employees, and our stockholders. It will enable us to leverage Indivior’s global scale, commercial strength, and scientific expertise to accelerate our mission to create best-in-class medicines for the treatment of substance use disorders and drug overdose.”

In addition to OPNT003, two other key treatments are in Opiant’s pipeline, PONT002 and OPNt004. OPNT002, or nasal naltrexone, is currently in a Phase II trial to assess its potential as a treatment for alcohol drinking and cravings. OPNT004 is a cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist in preclinical development as a potential injectable treatment for acute cannabinoid overdose.

Source: Indivior