NRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:NRXP) Announces Filing of a Citizen Petition with the US Food and Drug Administration Seeking Removal of Benzethonium Chloride from Ketamine Products

Core Viewpoint - NRx Pharmaceuticals has filed a Citizen Petition with the FDA to remove Benzethonium Chloride from all forms of ketamine sold in the U.S. due to its known toxicity and lack of safety recognition by the FDA [1][2][6] Company Developments - NRx Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for central nervous system disorders, including suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain, and PTSD [3] - The company has filed an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for a preservative-free ketamine and initiated a New Drug Application (NDA) for NRX-100 (IV ketamine) under the FDA's National Priority Voucher Program for treating suicidal depression [4] - NRx has demonstrated long-term stability and sterility for its preservative-free ketamine, which is crucial for its approval process [6] Industry Context - Benzethonium Chloride is a preservative that has been prohibited in hand cleansers and topical antiseptics by the FDA due to its toxicity [6] - The European Medicines Agency has also warned against the use of Benzethonium Chloride, indicating a growing concern over its safety in pharmaceutical products [2]