EquiTech’s lead products stem directly from Dr. Jamali’s groundbreaking discoveries regarding the slower absorption of standard ibuprofen in patients in pain. All of the lead products are initially tested using EquiTech’s proprietary pain-mimicking animal model.
EquiTech has developed three formulations of ibuprofen using the enhanced absorption technology. The lead formulation has been named ZAG-1701. All three formulations deliver a greater amount of ibuprofen with at least twice the speed of delivery compared to standard ibuprofen products already on the market. All formulations demonstrate statistically faster absorption in the pain-mimicking animal model (see graph below).
Examples of the types of pain that could potentially be treated with a faster acting ibuprofen include:
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- Post-operative incision pain
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- Migraine and non-migraine headaches
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- Aches and pains from the flu and colds
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Over-the-counter pain remedies represent a $3.2 billion (U.S.) market in the United States alone (2000). This is a market segment that has recorded consistent growth for a number of years, with an average increase of 3.5% annually seen for orally administered analgesics from 1984 to 2000. The over the counter pain remedies market is comprised of a few key brands sold by a handful of large companies and a number of generic products that are offered through various manufacturers and distribution channels. Ibuprofen is a strong player in the pain remedy marketplace, with over a quarter of the market share and healthy market share growth recorded last year.
A number of different encapsulation and formulation methods are being offered in the over-the-counter analgesic market, and the robust market share growth of products positioned as fast-acting pain relief products further reinforces the significant demand for faster acting versions of proven pain remedies.
Ibuprofen plasma concentration in the pain-mimicking animal mode - standard ibuprofen vs. EquiTech formulation (ZAG). Note the rapid absorption rate and higher peak concentration of the EquiTech formulation, despite pain conditions.
| Advantage EquiTech – EquiTech’s lead compound, ZAG-1701, is a fast-acting ibuprofen product that has enhanced bioavailability under pain conditions. ZAG-1701 has already demonstrated efficacy in EquiTech’s pain-mimicking animal model. There appears to be significant demand in the marketplace for faster acting versions of proven pain remedies such as ibuprofen. EquiTech’s lead ibuprofen product aims to address this market need. |
