Nutriband Founder Returns as CEO to Lead Final Development Phase of AVERSA Fentanyl Abuse-Deterrent Patch

Nutriband Inc. announced that company founder Gareth Sheridan has returned to his position as chief executive officer, effective immediately. The leadership change comes as the company prepares for the final development phase of its flagship AVERSA Fentanyl abuse-deterrent opioid patch. Sheridan previously served as CEO before temporarily stepping aside, during which time Co-Founder and Chairman Serguei Melnik assumed the role.

The timing of Sheridan's return is strategically aligned with the company's 2025 development framework, which aims to culminate in a New Drug Application filing expected in 2026. AVERSA Fentanyl represents a significant advancement in opioid safety technology, designed specifically to deter misuse and prevent accidental exposure to the potent pain medication. This development comes at a critical time when opioid abuse remains a major public health concern across the United States and globally.

The commercial potential for AVERSA Fentanyl is substantial, with peak annual sales projections in the United States estimated between $80 million and $200 million. These projections reflect the growing demand for safer opioid formulations amid increasing regulatory pressure and healthcare provider awareness about abuse prevention. The AVERSA technology platform is protected by patents in 46 countries, including major pharmaceutical markets such as the United States, Europe, and Japan, providing significant intellectual property protection for the company's innovations.

Nutriband's primary focus remains on developing transdermal pharmaceutical products, with AVERSA Fentanyl as its lead candidate. The AVERSA technology represents a versatile platform that can be incorporated into any transdermal patch to prevent abuse, misuse, diversion, and accidental exposure of drugs with abuse potential. This technology addresses a critical gap in pain management by providing healthcare providers with additional tools to balance effective pain relief with safety considerations.

Investors and stakeholders can access additional company information through the corporate newsroom available at https://ibn.fm/NTRB. The company maintains its official corporate website at https://www.nutriband.com where interested parties can find comprehensive information about the company's development pipeline and technology platform. The leadership transition and accelerated development timeline for AVERSA Fentanyl signal the company's commitment to bringing this important abuse-deterrent technology to market as the opioid crisis continues to demand innovative solutions from the pharmaceutical industry.