New Delhi | 15 December 2025: Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India’s largest Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has announced the introduction of its enhanced Gabapentin Extended‑Release (ER) formulation for the management of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)—a chronic neuropathic pain condition that affects nearly 10–20% of individuals following a shingles outbreak.
PHN is known for its persistent and often debilitating symptoms, including burning or throbbing pain, sudden shooting sensations, and allodynia. These symptoms can significantly impair mobility, sleep quality, and emotional wellbeing, particularly among elderly patients who are most vulnerable to long‑term neuropathic complications.
RetenEx™ Technology Enables Sustained, Targeted Drug Release
While Gabapentin is a well‑established therapy for neuropathic pain, conventional formulations often require multiple daily doses and may exhibit variable absorption. Akums’ new ER variant integrates the company’s proprietary RetenEx™ Technology, engineered to deliver:
- Gradual, sustained release of Gabapentin along targeted regions of the gastrointestinal tract
- Optimized absorption for improved therapeutic consistency
- Reduced peak‑related side effects
- Once‑daily dosing, improving convenience and adherence
This patient‑centric design is especially beneficial for elderly individuals who often struggle with complex medication schedules.
DCGI‑Approved, Patient‑Friendly Formulation
Akums’ Gabapentin ER 300 mg and 600 mg tablets are DCGI approved and developed to support long‑term PHN management without compromising safety or efficacy. The extended‑release profile helps maintain more stable plasma concentrations, reducing fluctuations that may contribute to breakthrough pain.
Leadership Commentary:
Mr. Sandeep Jain, Managing Director & Founder, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., said: “In chronic pain conditions like PHN, even small improvements in convenience and daily functioning can transform a patient’s quality of life. Our enhanced Gabapentin ER formulation is designed to offer effective, sustained pain control with once‑daily dosing—an important advantage for elderly patients managing multiple therapies. With RetenEx™ Technology, we aim to bridge real‑world challenges in treatment adherence. This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced, patient‑friendly therapies across India.”
✅ Clinical Relevance
A study published on PubMed evaluating extended‑release Gabapentin demonstrated that the formulation was well tolerated and showed encouraging improvements across several secondary outcomes, underscoring its potential value in long‑term PHN management.
✅ Strengthening Akums’ Advanced Formulation Portfolio
The launch of Gabapentin ER further expands Akums’ portfolio of advanced drug‑delivery technologies aimed at improving therapeutic outcomes in high‑burden disease areas. By prioritizing innovation in neuropathic pain management, Akums continues to advance its mission of delivering high‑quality, accessible healthcare solutions across India.
