Zevra Therapeutics, Inc., founded in 2006 and based in Celebration, Florida, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering and developing innovative treatments for rare diseases. The company employs its proprietary Ligand Activated Therapy (LAT) technology to create novel prodrug versions of existing FDA-approved medications or to enable new applications for other compounds, primarily addressing serious medical conditions within the United States. Zevra's development pipeline is strategically concentrated on high-unmet-need therapeutic areas, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulant use disorder, and various rare central nervous system (CNS) conditions, such as idiopathic hypersomnia (IH).
Their lead product candidate, KP1077, which is a prodrug of d-methylphenidate (known as serdexmethylphenidate), is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of both IH and narcolepsy. Another key prodrug candidate, KP879, is also advancing through Phase II studies for stimulant use disorder. In addition to its pipeline, Zevra has successfully secured FDA approval for two products: AZSTARYS, a once-daily treatment for ADHD in patients aged six years and older, and APADAZ, an immediate-release combination product containing benzhydrocodone (a prodrug of hydrocodone) and acetaminophen.
The company's product portfolio also includes arimoclomol, and it holds collaboration and licensing agreements with KVK-Tech, Inc. and Commave Therapeutics SA. Formerly known as KemPharm, Inc., the company officially rebranded to Zevra Therapeutics, Inc. in February 2023.
