Corium (Nasdaq:CORI) today announced the availability of Adlarity (donepezil transdermal system) for prescription use in the U.S.
Adlarity, a once-weekly patch, delivers consistent doses of donepezil through the skin. It treats patients with mild, moderate, or severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type. It holds FDA approval — the first and only — for 5 mg/day or 10 mg/day once-weekly formulations. Adlarity received that approval in March of this year.
The treatment enables a favorable gastrointestinal (GI) side effect profile. In a study announced last month, Adlarity demonstrated maintained equivalent daily exposure of donepezil when compared to oral formulations of donepezil.
Adlarity uses Corium’s proprietary Corplex technology. Corplex delivers continuous, controlled, and sustained release of a drug over a defined time.
“We are thrilled to be launching Adlarity and feel fortunate for the opportunity to provide patients living with Alzheimer’s dementia, their families, and their caregivers a new, innovative way to deliver donepezil in a consistent and well-tolerated option,” said Perry Sternberg, president and CEO of Corium. “The launch of Adlarity demonstrates the value of Corium’s innovative Corplex technology and our commitment to providing treatment options that address unmet needs for CNS conditions. I want to thank our people, whose tireless commitment made the possibility of helping millions of people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s disease a reality.”
Full Adlarity launch to come
Adlarity became available through wholesalers on Sept. 19, 2022. It received first-line formulary coverage for patients with some commercial insurances. Corium expects more to come as the year progresses.
The company is working with the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to improve patient accessiblity. Its plan targets government-sponsored programs, including Medicare Part D, with expectations of beginning coverage in 2023.
Corium’s Adlarity launch is ongoing through a phased approach. It penciled in 2023 for the full nationwide launch.
“I can see this weekly patch helping patients and caregivers by providing the ease of a once-weekly treatment with continuous donepezil delivery through the skin,” said Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer’s Speaks, a patient advocacy organization, and caregiver of a family member with Alzheimer’s.
