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Our History

Explore a Timeline of Innovation

Our passion for and commitment to relieving the burdens of patients and their caregivers drives us to help transform treatments in the central nervous system (CNS) space. 

 

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1988

Founded With a Focus

Avanir starts out as Lidak Pharmaceuticals, developing research-based treatments to meet patients’ needs.

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1998

Becoming Avanir

Lidak Pharmaceuticals changes its name to Avanir Pharmaceuticals.

smiling older gentleman
2000

Abreva® is Approved 

Avanir obtains U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its first pharmaceutical product, Abreva, a treatment for cold sores.

*Abreva is no longer sold by Avanir Pharmaceuticals. 

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2010

NUEDEXTA® is FDA Approved

Avanir receives FDA approval for NUEDEXTA – the first and only FDA-approved treatment for pseudobulbar affect (PBA), which occurs secondary to unrelated neurologic conditions, and is characterized by sudden, frequent, uncontrollable crying and/or laughing. 

Important Safety Information 

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2011

Avanir launches NUEDEXTA in the
United States

NUEDEXTA becomes available in pharmacies nationwide. Learn more.

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2012

Research and Development Progress

Avanir Pharmaceuticals enters into a license agreement with Concert Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for Avanir Pharmaceuticals to develop and commercialize deuterium-modified dextromethorphan for the treatment of CNS conditions.

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2015

Joining Otsuka

Avanir, a company owned by Japan-based Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.,becomes a subsidiary of Otsuka America, Inc., a company owned by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This provides the support of a leading global pharmaceutical company. 

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2016 - 2019

ONZETRA® Xsail®

In 2016, Avanir receives FDA approval for ONZETRA Xsail for the acute treatment of migraine and launches it in the United States. In 2019, Avanir terminates the license agreement with Optinose for ONZETRA Xsail. 

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2019

Clinical Studies

Avanir announces that it will launch new phase 3 trials of AVP-786 for treatment of agitation in patients with Alzheimer’s Dementia.

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2020

Looking Forward

Avanir is committed to delivering innovative CNS solutions to improve the lives of patients and their care communities.

Avanir areas of focus in CNS include:

  • Agitation in Alzheimer's Dementia 
  • Intermittent Explosive Disorder
  • Negative Symptoms of Schizophrenia
  • Pseudobulbar Affect 
  • Traumatic Brain Injury - Neurobehavioral Disinhibition

For more information, view NUEDEXTA.com and our pipeline.

Who We Are
Every day, we bring a singular focus to the research and development of groundbreaking pharmaceutical treatments for people with central nervous system (CNS) conditions.
Working at Avanir
Become part of a diverse group of dedicated professionals at the forefront of developing treatments for CNS conditions in areas of unmet need, while honoring a high standard of integrity.
Our Pipeline
We’re always looking forward to the next step: Delivering hope through tangible solutions for patients suffering from central nervous system (CNS) conditions.

AVANIR, NUEDEXTA, and Avanir logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in the United States or other countries. All other marks, logos and trade names are the trademarks of their respective owners and appear by permission of those owners. You may not reproduce, download or otherwise use any such trademarks, service marks, logos or trade names without the prior written consent of Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or the appropriate owner thereof. The use of names, trademarks, and logos not owned by Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc. does not imply endorsement of products and services associated therewith.

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