ZARS Pharma is developing a Matrix Transdermal Fentanyl/CHADD (Controlled Heat-Assisted Drug Delivery) Drug Delivery System to be used for the treatment of chronic and breakthrough pain. The Matrix Transdermal Fentanyl/CHADD Drug Delivery System has been designed to provide long-term delivery of fentanyl for the treatment of chronic pain as well as intermittent increases in fentanyl concentrations for the treatment of breakthrough pain. Breakthrough pain is defined as a transitory exacerbation of pain that occurs on a background of otherwise stable pain in a patient receiving chronic opioid therapy.
Matrix Transdermal Fentanyl/CHADD Drug Delivery System has 2 components: a matrix transdermal fentanyl patch (the ZR-02-01 patch in doses of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg/hr) with corresponding thin film dressing (ie, overlay) and the CHADD (Controlled Heat-Assisted Drug Delivery).
The matrix transdermal fentanyl patch provides a continuous delivery of fentanyl over 72 hours, in a manner similar to Duragesic®. During a breakthrough pain episode, a CHADD unit is placed over (adhered to) the matrix transdermal fentanyl patch. The CHADD is a thin patch-like chemical heating device that generates a controlled level of heat for approximately 15-20 minutes. The application of heat delivers increased amounts of fentanyl when applied over the ZR-02-01 matrix transdermal fentanyl patch.
