Nutriband Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRB) has achieved a significant milestone in the development of its AVERSA Fentanyl abuse-deterrent transdermal patch, leading to a revised price target of $15 by Noble Capital Markets. This adjustment follows the successful completion of commercial manufacturing and scale-up processes, a critical step that paves the way for the production of clinical supplies and the submission of an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for a Phase 1 trial.
The AVERSA Fentanyl patch, developed in partnership with Kindeva, utilizes Nutriband's proprietary AVERSA technology to deter abuse, misuse, and accidental exposure of fentanyl, a potent opioid with high abuse potential. The program is progressing under the 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway, which requires only a single Phase 1 study to demonstrate the patch's reduced appeal to recreational drug users. Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President and Equity Research Analyst at Noble Capital Markets, views this phase as low risk, highlighting the project's adherence to its timeline and the avoidance of an anticipated equity raise in Q1 2025.
LeBoyer has also adjusted his financial forecasts for Nutriband, raising the FY2027 EPS estimate to $1.57. Sales are projected to commence in FY2027, with the New Drug Application (NDA) expected to be submitted between late 2025 and early 2026. This development is not only a testament to Nutriband's innovative approach to combating opioid abuse but also underscores the potential for significant financial growth and impact on public health.
The advancement of the AVERSA Fentanyl patch represents a critical step forward in the fight against the opioid crisis, offering a promising solution to reduce the abuse and misuse of fentanyl. With opioid abuse remaining a pressing public health issue, Nutriband's progress in developing an abuse-deterrent formulation could have far-reaching implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the broader pharmaceutical industry.
