Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., India's largest Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has rolled out an improved version of its Gabapentin Extended-Release (ER) formulation, specifically designed to treat Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN).

PHN is a type of chronic neuropathic pain that can last for months after a shingles outbreak, affecting 10–20% of patients and often becoming more severe with age.

The condition causes a range of debilitating symptoms, including constant burning or throbbing pain, sudden sharp pains, and allodynia (pain from normally non-painful stimuli), which significantly interfere with a person's mobility, sleep patterns, and overall emotional health.

Gabapentin is a standard treatment for neuropathic pain, but its traditional forms must be taken several times a day and aren't always absorbed consistently. Akums' new extended-release (ER) version changes this with their unique RetenEx Technology, which gradually releases the medicine along the digestive tract. This method leads to better absorption, fewer side effects from high drug levels, and allows for just one dose per day. The once-daily schedule is especially helpful for older adults who often find complex medication routines challenging.

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 Sandeep Jain, Managing Director and Founder, Akums Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.