Ensysce Biosciences Secures U.S. Patent for Innovative Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

25 April 2025
Ensysce Biosciences, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical firm based in San Diego, has made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). The company recently received a Notice of Allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a new patent covering their innovative drug, PF9001. This novel medication is a methadone prodrug designed to improve the safety and tolerability of OUD treatment by utilizing Ensysce's proprietary TAAPTM and MPAR® technologies, aimed at deterring abuse and preventing overdoses.

Methadone has traditionally been a key component in managing OUD, but its use has been fraught with concerns over severe side effects, such as cardiac issues and respiratory depression, alongside the risk of overdose. Ensysce has responded to these challenges by developing PF9001, a medication that represents a significant stride forward in OUD therapy. Data from studies show that PF9001 reduces the likelihood of cardiotoxicity and validates the overdose prevention capabilities of MPAR®. Furthermore, it offers the promise of a sustained and predictable therapeutic effect with just a single daily dose.

Dr. Richard Dart, an expert in emergency medicine and toxicology, emphasized the necessity for innovative OUD treatments, noting that the application of MPAR technology to methadone derivatives could be life-saving by mitigating overdose risks. Dr. Lynn Kirkpatrick, CEO of Ensysce, highlighted that PF9001 is the culmination of years of dedicated research focused on creating safer treatment options for OUD. This approach aims to diminish the risks linked with current therapies. The development of PF9001 has been supported by funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reflecting its potential to enhance treatment adherence and patient outcomes.

Ensysce Biosciences is committed to transforming the landscape of pain management by developing a new category of opioids for severe pain treatment. Their innovative approach leverages the Trypsin-Activated Abuse Protection (TAAPTM) and Multi-Pill Abuse Resistance (MPAR®) platforms to create unique, tamper-resistant therapies. These products are designed to provide safer treatment options for patients with severe pain while also working to prevent fatalities resulting from drug abuse.

This groundbreaking patent not only reinforces Ensysce's position at the forefront of OUD treatment innovation but also underscores their dedication to addressing the critical issues of drug abuse and overdose. The company's ongoing research and development efforts represent a significant advancement in providing safer, more effective treatment alternatives for individuals struggling with opioid dependency. With PF9001, Ensysce hopes to deliver a much-needed solution that can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burdens associated with OUD.

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