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PecFent and Epistatus
PecFent is a fentanyl nasal spray that delivers rapid opioid analgesia through intranasal absorption, while Epistatus is a midazolam buccal liquid that provides rapid seizure termination through GABA-A receptor agonism.
PecFent is a fentanyl nasal spray that delivers rapid opioid analgesia through intranasal absorption, while Epistatus is a midazolam buccal liquid that provides rapid seizure termination through GABA-A receptor agonism. Used for Breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients (PecFent), Acute seizure termination and cluster seizures (Epistatus).
At a glance
| Generic name | PecFent and Epistatus |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Fentanyl and Midazolam |
| Sponsor | Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust |
| Drug class | Opioid analgesic (PecFent); Benzodiazepine anticonvulsant (Epistatus) |
| Target | Mu-opioid receptor (PecFent); GABA-A receptor (Epistatus) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Pain management (PecFent); Neurology/Seizure disorders (Epistatus) |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
PecFent (fentanyl pectin nasal spray) is a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist formulated for rapid transmucosal absorption via the nasal cavity, providing fast-acting pain relief. Epistatus (midazolam oromucosal solution) is a benzodiazepine that enhances GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system, rapidly terminating acute seizures. Both are designed for rapid onset of action via non-intravenous routes.
Approved indications
- Breakthrough cancer pain in opioid-tolerant patients (PecFent)
- Acute seizure termination and cluster seizures (Epistatus)
Common side effects
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Somnolence
- Nasal irritation (PecFent)
- Respiratory depression
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- PecFent and Epistatus CI brief — competitive landscape report
- PecFent and Epistatus updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust portfolio CI