Depomed, Inc. has signed an agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI) to develop a controlled release dosage form of an undisclosed pharmaceutical compound.

The collaboration entails Depomed applying its Gastric Retention (GR) technology to develop an extended, controlled release formulation of one of BIPI's pharmaceutical compounds. Under the agreement, BIPI will reimburse Depomed for costs and out of pocket expenses associated with the program. Based on the outcome of the formulation work and pharmacokinetic studies, BIPI may elect to advance the formulation and enter into a license agreement with Depomed, the release stated.

"We are very pleased to enter into this agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim and to evaluate another application of our GR technology to provide extended release, once-daily dosing of an important pharmaceutical," John W. Fara, president, chief executive officer and chairman of Depomed said adding, "Working with pharmaceutical companies to optimize their products is a key component of our strategy to improve pharmaceutical compounds through collaborative programs in addition to our own portfolio of proprietary products."

Depomed, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company utilizing its innovative Gastric Retention (GR) system to develop novel oral products and improved, extended release formulations of existing oral drugs.