Epicur Pharma recently partnered with two passionate veterinary research professionals, Dr. Daniel D. Myers Jr., DVM, MPH, DACLAM, and Dr. Patrick A. Lester, DVM, MS, BCPS, DACLAM, to bring a groundbreaking analgesic solution to market for research animals: Buprenorphine Extended Release. We sat down with them to reflect on their path to partnering with us and their hopes for the future of veterinary medicine.
You both have fascinating careers – tell us a little about your backgrounds and what led you to this collaboration.
Patrick:
Daniel:
How does this Buprenorphine ER fill gaps in pain management for research animals?
Daniel:
Patrick:
At what point did you realize you needed a partner like Epicur to make this happen, and what made Epicur a good fit?
Patrick:
Initially, we explored making the drug ourselves, even talked to tech transfer about licensing. But manufacturing at cGMP level is no small feat. We contacted several facilities, but nothing materialized. Honestly, we almost gave up.
Then we met Branson Bruce at a Michigan veterinary conference. At the time, 503B outsourced manufacturing was new in animal health and Epicur was one of the only ones in the 503B space, and we thought, “This is it.” Epicur understood the need for pharmaceutical-grade solutions and had the infrastructure to make it happen. That partnership turned our idea into reality.
Why Choose 503B Medications?
- FDA Registered Facility
- Manufactured Drugs in Bulk Quantities for Hospitals
- cGMP Standards
- Proven Expiration Dates
- Random FDA Inspections to Maintain Quality
Learn more about the advantages of 503B manufacturing.
Daniel:
We were impressed when we toured Epicur’s facility – the quality, the rigor, the attention to detail. This wasn’t kitchen compounding; this was true cGMP manufacturing. That’s what sets Epicur apart and why we’re proud to work with them.
Why is this Buprenorphine Extended Release different from what’s currently available?
Patrick:
Our initial data is exciting. In mice, we’re seeing analgesia up to 120 hours from a single small dose, compared to 48–72 hours with other agents. That’s a game-changer for animal welfare and research compliance.
We also focused on practical details:
- Syringeability
- Small volumes
- Shelf life
The viscosity allows use of smaller gauge needles without losing product. Volumes are tiny for mice- about 0.03 mL and about 0.15 ml for rats – so you’ll need an insulin or smaller volume syringe. And the shelf life is much longer than what’s typical for non cGMP medications.
Daniel:
Veterinarians will appreciate how clean and easy it is to use. No more middle-of-the-night dosing, no more skipped pain relief. It’s reliable, and it meets the highest standards.
Any early reactions or feedback from initial users?
Patrick:
Early feedback has been positive, especially around ease of use. People love the small volumes and syringeability. We expect more data over the next six months as researchers start using it in projects.
Daniel:
We’re also thrilled that this product checks every box for pharmaceutical grade. That’s still a point of confusion in the field, so education is key. Epicur’s commitment to cGMP manufacturing really elevates the standard.
Looking back on the journey it took to get here, what are you most proud of?
Daniel:
Finding a partner like Epicur that has a history of doing these things right. We faced a lot of discouragement – people told us it couldn’t be done without patents or big funding. Epicur saw the value and worked with us to make it happen. This will benefit animals, researchers, and the biomedical community.
Patrick:
I’d add resilience. We stayed the course because we knew this mattered. Without Epicur’s willingness to take a risk and innovate on a product for a minor species with a smaller market, this product wouldn’t exist. Without this kind of partnership, animals like mice and rats would probably never get the therapies they need. It may seem like a small win now, but this is a big win for animal welfare and for advancing veterinary pharmacy long-term.
Does this feel like the start of something bigger in veterinary research? What other needs do you hope to tackle in the future?
Daniel:
Absolutely. There’s a big need for long-acting pain control in small companion animals – pocket pets, rabbits, even dogs and cats. Imagine giving one dose in-clinic after surgery and sending the pet home without controlled drugs. That’s safer for everyone.
Patrick:
We’re also looking at repurposing and new formulations for minor species. The model works – university partnerships, regulatory collaboration, and companies like Epicur willing to lead. There’s so much potential.
What’s life like outside the lab for you? Any furry friends at home?
Daniel:
I had all kinds of pets growing up – snakes, pigeons, rodents. Now we have one sixteen-year-old dog, and that’s plenty!
Patrick:
I keep collecting animals – cats, dogs, even Egyptian spiny mice. They’re fascinating to watch. My cats were obsessed at first, but now they just ignore them. Life’s never boring!
Buprenorphine ER Injection: Now Available!
Pain management isn’t just a research issue – it’s a clinical one. Long-acting, cGMP-manufactured analgesics improve compliance, reduce stress for staff, and most importantly, protect animal welfare.
Epicur’s new Buprenorphine ER, specifically developed for research rats and mice, is now available and ready to ship. Buprenorphine ER is a long-acting analgesic, providing 72+ hours of advanced pain relief for lab rodents.
Daniel & Patrick, thank you for your partnership, dedication, and expertise!
Epicur Pharma is proud to partner with innovators like Dr. Myers and Dr. Lester to bring these solutions to market. Check out our upcoming and on-demand webinars with them, and our Buprenorphine ER brochure.
More Resources to Explore
Brochure
Learn more about the benefits of our Buprenorphine ER and the advanced pain relief it provides for lab rodents.
Download a copy of our brochure for yourself or to share in your lab.
Upcoming Webinar
Smooth Delivery: A Novel Extended-Release Buprenorphine in Laboratory Animals
On-Demand Webinar
If you can’t make the upcoming webinar, watch the recording from the previous session with Daniel and Patrick!