Catalent Pharma Solutions has entered into an exclusive agreement with US WorldMeds, LLC for the commercial manufacture of lofexidine, an investigational drug under development to mitigate symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal and facilitate completion of opioid discontinuation treatment.

US WorldMeds has the rights to commercialize lofexidine in the U.S., which is currently approved as Britlofex in the UK. Catalent and US WorldMeds have worked together to successfully tech transfer the manufacturing from a facility overseas to Catalent’s Winchester, KY, facility, where they have produced registration batches to support US WorldMeds’ New Drug Application to the U.S. FDA and the anticipated commercial launch.

Lofexidine received Fast Track designation by the FDA, a process designed to expedite the review of drugs that treat serious conditions and address an unmet medical need. If approved, lofexidine would be the first non-narcotic and non-addictive medication in the U.S. for treatment of symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal.

“Symptoms of opioid withdrawal can be a significant barrier in seeking help and breaking the cycle of dependence and addiction,” said Jonathan Arnold, ‎vice president and general manager, drug delivery solutions, Catalent. “We are excited to join forces with US WorldMeds to bring a potential new treatment option to a major health issue spanning the nation.”

Catalent’s Winchester facility has more than 20 years’ experience in product development, technology transfer and commercial manufacturing. The site has produced over three billion tablets and capsules annually and launched more than 100 new products into the market since its inception.