Wilson, North Carolina Patent of the Year – 2024/2025

Rhodes Technologies Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for a groundbreaking innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12060361, titled ‘Process for preparing oxycodone hydrochloride having less than 25 ppm 14-hydroxycodeinone’, introduces a novel method to produce a key opioid medication with significantly reduced impurities.

This new process addresses a longstanding challenge in the production of oxycodone hydrochloride: minimizing the presence of 14-hydroxycodeinone, a byproduct that can affect the drug’s safety and efficacy. By achieving levels below 25 parts per million, the method enhances the purity of the final product, potentially leading to safer medications for patients.

The implications of this advancement extend beyond pharmaceutical manufacturing. With stricter regulations and growing concerns over opioid safety, this innovation offers a pathway to producing higher-quality medications that meet regulatory standards and public health expectations. It represents a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to improve the safety profile of opioid-based treatments.

Rhodes Technologies Inc.’s achievement underscores the importance of continuous innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, aiming to balance effective pain management with patient safety. This patent not only highlights their technical expertise but also their commitment to addressing critical issues in drug manufacturing.