King Pharmaceuticals Inc and Acura Pharmaceuticals Inc presented the results from an oral abuse liability study of Acurox (oxycodone HCl/niacin) Tablets, AP-ADF-111 (Study 111), at the American Society of Addiction Medicine's (ASAM) Medical-Scientific Conference. The results of study 111 demonstrate that Acurox Tablets are disliked among people with a history of opioid abuse compared to oxycodone HCl tablets alone, when excess doses are swallowed. Dr Donald R Jasinski, chief of the Centre for Chemical Dependence of Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, authored the study.

"The fact that people with a history of opioid abuse showed a disliking of the Acurox Tablets in excessive doses is an indication that the product is an important step in the development of medicines that are designed to deter common methods of abuse, such as over ingestion, while effectively managing pain," said Dr Jasinksi. "The ASAM meeting provides a premier forum for King and Acura to share insights with addiction specialists and hear feedback that can lead to further advances in pain medication treatments."

King and Acura are jointly developing Acurox Tablets whose New Drug Application has been granted a priority review classification by The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The companies expect a response from the FDA by June 30, 2009.

Acurox tablets contain a unique composition of oxycodone HCl, niacin, and essential functional inactive ingredients, and are intended to relieve moderate-to-severe pain while deterring common methods of prescription drug abuse including intentionally swallowing excess quantities of tablets, crushing and snorting tablets, and dissolving tablets for injection.

Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in research, development and manufacture of innovative Aversion® (abuse deterrent) Technology and related product candidates.