Acura says drug deters formation of stuimulant

Palatine-based Acura Pharmaceuticals said its experimental pill to treat nasal congestion disrupted the formation of an illegal stimulant, sending the specialty pharmaceutical company's shares up as much as 11 percent Friday.

In October, the company delayed commercialization of the drug Nexafed after a test showed that it resulted in the production of methamphetamine — an addictive stimulant that is toxic to the central nervous system.

Nexafed uses Acura's abuse-deterrent technology, Impede, and contains pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamine.

Acura expects to make Nexafed available to pharmacies later this year.

The company is codeveloping two other abuse-resistant painkillers — Acuracet and Vycavert — with Pfizer Inc.

The company's shares were up 9 percent at $3.48 in early trade on Friday on the Nasdaq.