Geriatric Health Systems

Geriatric Health Systems (GHS) was a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development of transdermal delivery systems for medications used in the treatment of geriatric conditions, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The company's primary focus was the development of GHS-88, a transdermal patch formulation of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil. By utilizing transdermal technology, GHS aimed to improve patient compliance and reduce the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with oral Alzheimer's treatments. The company entered into a significant development agreement with Noven Pharmaceuticals to advance its lead candidate. GHS was founded by Dr. Robert Becker, who previously played a key role in the development of the first FDA-approved Alzheimer's drug, tacrine. Although the company is no longer active, its early work laid the foundation for subsequent transdermal Alzheimer's therapies.