DURECT Corporation announced that it and its collaborator Orient PHARMA Co. Ltd. have selected a lead formulation for the lead program in DURECT's ORADUR-ADHD program, ORADUR-Methylphenidate. This lead formulation was chosen based on its potential for rapid onset of action, long duration with once-a-day dosing and target pharmacokinetic profile as demonstrated in a recent Phase 1 trial.

In addition, this product candidate will utilize a small capsule size relative to the leading existing long acting products on the market and incorporates DURECT's ORADUR anti-tampering technology. Orient PHARMA is planning to meet with the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) later this year to discuss the Phase 3 program in that market and is developing its plans for further development in the defined Asian and South Pacific countries to which it has rights from DURECT. DURECT retains rights to all other markets in the world, notably including the U.S., Europe and Japan, and is initiating licensing discussions with other companies now that the lead formulation has been selected.