NKQ-01

NKQ-01 is an investigational oral mucosal (buccal) patch formulation of fentanyl being developed by Nippon Kayaku for the management of cancer-related breakthrough pain (BTP). Breakthrough pain refers to transient exacerbations of pain that occur in patients whose background chronic pain is otherwise stable and controlled by around-the-clock opioid therapy. NKQ-01 is designed to adhere to the buccal mucosa, allowing for the rapid systemic absorption of fentanyl directly into the bloodstream. This delivery method bypasses gastrointestinal degradation and hepatic first-pass metabolism, facilitating a fast onset of analgesia required for rescue medication. The drug is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical evaluation in Japan.

Other names

fentanyl buccal patch