Naloxone Hydrogel Breakthrough: Polyrizon's Novel Adhesion Technology Outperforms Existing Nasal Spray Formulations

Polyrizon Ltd. (PLRZ), a biotech innovator specializing in intranasal drug delivery systems, has unveiled compelling preclinical evidence demonstrating that its proprietary Trap and Target naloxone hydrogel maintains superior mucosal contact compared to currently available intranasal naloxone spray alternatives. The company’s stock surged approximately 155% to $18 in premarket trading, reflecting investor enthusiasm around the research findings.

Why Mucosal Adhesion Matters for Overdose Treatment

Naloxone functions as an opioid antagonist, designed to counteract opioid overdose effects and restore normal respiratory function. Existing approved intranasal naloxone products—including Emergent BioSolutions’ Narcan Nasal Spray, Hikma Pharma’s Kloxxado Nasal Spray, and Harm Reduction Therapeutics’ RiVive Nasal Spray—have established efficacy in emergency response settings. However, the duration and consistency of nasal tissue contact remains a critical variable influencing therapeutic effectiveness and speed of action.

The Research Protocol and Key Findings

Polyrizon’s research team conducted ex-vivo testing using rabbit nasal mucosa tissue to directly compare their hydrogel formulation against a conventional naloxone spray product. The experimental design involved applying each formulation to the mucosal tissue surface and subjecting it to sequential washing with Simulated Nasal Electrolyte Solution over a 30-minute period—mimicking natural nasal clearance mechanisms.

The results showed that Polyrizon’s hydrogel maintained markedly elevated fluorescence marker levels throughout the duration of testing, substantially outperforming the commercial spray product. This differential fluorescence retention directly indicates prolonged mucosal adhesion and stronger tissue contact persistence.

Clinical Implications of Extended Residence Time

Enhanced mucoadhesion provides several therapeutic advantages for emergency naloxone delivery. Extended residence time at the nasal deposition site supports more consistent drug absorption through the nasal epithelium, potentially enabling faster onset of action—a critical parameter in overdose scenarios where rapid intervention can be lifesaving. The hydrogel platform’s ability to maintain prolonged contact may also contribute to improved bioavailability, ensuring more efficient drug delivery to systemic circulation.

Tomer Izraeli, Polyrizon’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: “These research outcomes substantiate the competitive positioning of our T&T hydrogel platform and underscore its distinct advantages within the intranasal pharmaceutical delivery landscape.”

The company’s previous session trading closed Wednesday at $7.09, representing a 3.27% decline. This rebound reflects shifting market sentiment around the clinical validation of the company’s hydrogel technology platform.

Disclaimer: The perspectives and conclusions presented herein represent the author’s analysis and do not necessarily align with those of Nasdaq, Inc.