Depomed has attained Zipsor (diclofenac potassium) Liquid Filled Capsule rights from Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals for $25.9m of cash.

Depomed acquired the product in return for potential milestone payments based on the sales of Zipsor and assumption of certain liabilities.

Depomed president and CEO Jim Schoeneck said that Zipsor is an non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is differentiated in the pain space, allowing rapid absorption of the lowest available oral dose of diclofenac.

"We believe we will have the runway to achieve significant returns for our shareholders from this acquisition, with the Orange Book listed patents for Zipsor expiring in 2019 and 2029," Schoeneck added.

"We plan to utilize our sales force to promote Zipsor to pain specialists, neurologists, and high prescribing PCPs, including those we currently detail for Gralise in addition to current prescribers of Zipsor."

The NSAID leverages proprietary ProSorb delivery technology to deliver a finely dispersed, swiftly absorbed formulation of diclofenac.

Zipsor, which is indicated for relief of mild to moderate acute pain in adults, was introduced by Xanodyne in 2009.