Akums Introduces Enhanced Gabapentin ER Formulation Powered by RetenEx Technology for PHN Management
Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India’s Largest Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has announced the rollout of its enhanced Gabapentin Extended-Release (ER) formulation for the management of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN). PHN, a chronic neuropathic pain condition that can persist for months after a shingles outbreak, affects nearly 10–20% of patients and becomes increasingly debilitating with age. Many individuals experience constant burning or throbbing discomfort, sudden shooting pain, or allodynia—symptoms that severely impact mobility, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Gabapentin remains a well-established therapy for neuropathic pain, but conventional formulations often require multiple daily doses and may be associated with variable absorption. Akums’ new ER variant incorporates the company’s proprietary RetenEx Technology, engineered to provide a gradual, sustained release of the drug along the targeted region of the gastrointestinal tract. This approach optimizes absorption, minimises peak-related side effects, and supports once-daily dosing—a significant advantage for elderly patients who typically struggle with complex medication schedules.
Positioned as an advanced, patient-centric formulation, Akums’ Gabapentin ER 300 mg and 600 mg tablets are DCGI approved and designed to enhance treatment adherence without compromising safety or efficacy. The ER profile may also help maintain more consistent plasma levels, reducing the fluctuations that often contribute to breakthrough pain.
“In chronic pain conditions like PHN, even small improvements in convenience and daily functioning can transform a patient’s quality of life. Our focus with this enhanced Gabapentin ER formulation is to offer a solution that is not only effective but also easier to maintain for long durations, especially for elderly individuals who often manage multiple therapies. With the integration of our RetenEx Technology, we aim to support more stable pain control through sustained drug release and once-daily dosing. At Akums, we remain committed to developing formulations that bridge real-world challenges in treatment adherence. This launch is another step in our mission to make advanced, patient-friendly therapies accessible across India,” said Mr Sandeep Jain, Managing Director and Founder, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
PHN remains one of the most challenging neuropathic conditions to treat due to its chronic nature and the ageing demographics most affected. A study published on PubMed evaluating extended-release gabapentin showed that the formulation was well tolerated and demonstrated encouraging improvements on several secondary outcomes, highlighting its potential relevance in long-term PHN management.
The introduction of Gabapentin ER further strengthens Akums’ growing portfolio of advanced technologies aimed at improving drug delivery and real-world therapeutic outcomes. By prioritising innovation in high-burden disease areas like neuropathic pain, the company continues to advance its mission of delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare solutions across India.
