Rapid Dose Therapeutics: Nicotine Business Update & Extended International Partnership

10/20/2025 – 08:48 AM

Rapid Dose Therapeutics Corp. (OTC:RDTCF) is extending its exclusive pre-commercialization and development agreement with an undisclosed international nicotine partner. The seven-month extension, retroactive to June 19, 2025, is valued at up to approximately $1.8 million CAD and aims to further evaluate NicStrip™, RDT’s innovative oral thin film nicotine delivery system.

The agreement, initially announced earlier this year, continues to pave the way for potential commercialization of NicStrip™, which leverages RDT’s proprietary QuickStrip™ technology. The partner’s anonymity is maintained pending the completion of a formal commercial agreement.

According to Mark Upsdell, CEO of Rapid Dose Therapeutics, “This extension represents a significant step forward in advancing discussions with our international nicotine partner regarding the potential commercialization of NicStrip™. The collaboration has been fruitful, and we anticipate even more progress as we continue our evaluations.”

Jason Lewis, Senior Vice President of Rapid Dose Therapeutics, adds, “Our continued collaboration enables both parties to assess NicStrip™ within the broader context of the shifting landscape toward smoke-free alternatives. The financial commitment associated with this extension highlights the seriousness with which both companies are approaching the exploration of a viable market pathway within the rapidly evolving sector of nicotine alternatives.”

Key progress points in RDT’s nicotine portfolio include:

• Health Canada Submission: Filed on August 4, 2025, for NicStrip™ nicotine products in 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg dosages. This submission is a crucial step toward securing market authorization in Canada. Experts note that regulatory hurdles remain significant, and the time to full approval is difficult to predict.
• Clinical Evaluation: A Good Clinical Practice (GCP) pharmacokinetic (PK) study, initiated in June 2025, is underway. The goal is to compare and contrast the nicotine absorption profile of NicStrip™ against that of traditional combustible cigarettes. Data from this study will be key in shaping regulatory positioning and supporting future product claims.
• Patent Protection: Two Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent applications were filed in May 2025. These applications cover both dissolvable and non-dissolvable nicotine oral strip formats, expanding RDT’s intellectual property portfolio. Securing broad patent coverage is critical for long-term market exclusivity and maintaining a competitive advantage.
• Product Profile: NicStrip™ delivers nicotine via a fast-dissolving oral thin film. Targeted at adult consumers exploring options beyond traditional cigarettes, vaping products, mints, and pouches, NicStrip™ aims to replicate the nicotine absorption curve of cigarettes without the harmful by-products of combustion:
  • Customizable nicotine strengths (1-12 mg), flavor profiles, and dissolution rates. This adaptability allows for targeted product development to address specific consumer needs.
  • Discreet, hygienic packaging minimizes waste, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.
  • Positive user feedback underscores the potential for widespread adoption, citing favorable flavor, efficient nicotine delivery, and pleasant mouthfeel.
  • Flexible packaging formats and scalable manufacturing processes ensure cost-effective and efficient production.

Market Opportunity & Global Trends

The global move toward non-combustible nicotine options continues to gain traction. Market reports highlight several key trends:

• The Canadian nicotine pouches market was valued at USD 112.2 million in 2024, with projected annual growth of 4.7% through 2030. This growth is credited to rising acceptance of discreet, smoke-free options and increasing public health focusing on harm reduction.
• The global nicotine pouches market was valued at ~$5.39 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach ~$25.40 billion by 2030 (CAGR ~29.6 %).
• The broader category of modern oral nicotine products (beyond pouches) was estimated at USD 6.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 75.7 billion by 2034 (CAGR ~27.7 %).
• In North America, the nicotine pouches market, valued at US$ 2.42 billion in 2022, is projected to hit US$ 4.06 billion by 2030 (CAGR ~6.7 %).
• Sweden’s smoking prevalence is among the lowest in Europe (approximately 5.8% daily smokers in 2022), coinciding with the high use of smokeless nicotine alternatives like snus, which surpassed smoking among men decades ago. This provides a strong example of the potential of nicotine harm reduction strategies.
• Studies in Sweden indicate that snus use is correlated with higher rates of smoking cessation compared to populations without snus use, suggesting that smokeless alternatives can potentially assist switching or quitting. This data could prove vital in advocating for regulatory acceptance of harm-reduction alternatives.

These trends suggest a significant market opportunity that extends beyond current smoke-free alternatives. This is particularly significant as NicStrip™ aims to carve out a niche in global markets where alternative nicotine formats are gaining regulatory and consumer acceptance.

Analyst Perspective: The extension provides RDT with additional runway to refine its product and solidify its partnership. However, investors should remain cautious. Regulatory approvals for novel nicotine products are often lengthy and unpredictable. Furthermore, the undisclosed nature of the partner introduces an element of uncertainty. Success hinges on the clinical trial data and the attractiveness of NicStrip™ to the partner upon completion of the evaluation phase.

Rapid Dose Therapeutics’ commitment to innovation is apparent in the NicStrip™ product. The company aims to provide a fast-acting, discreet, and consumer-preferred alternative to meet the increasing global demand for smoke-free nicotine solutions. With supportive consumer testing results and a planned commercialization strategy, NicStrip™ is positioning itself to capture a significant market share in the rapidly growing nicotine alternatives category.

About Rapid Dose Therapeutics

Rapid Dose Therapeutics Corp. is a Canadian biotechnology company focused on developing drug delivery technologies. The company’s QuickStrip™ technology is a thin, orally dissolvable film that can be infused with a range of active ingredients, including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, for efficient and rapid delivery. For more information about the Company, visit www.rapid-dose.com.

Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements include those regarding the extension of the Agreement and its potential value, RDT’s prospects for entering a commercial agreement with its international nicotine partner, regulatory submissions and approvals, the development and commercialization of NicStrip™ nicotine products, consumer adoption, and growth in the nicotine alternatives market.

Forward-looking information is subject to risks and uncertainties, including that collaboration efforts may not succeed, a commercial agreement may not be reached, regulatory approvals may be delayed or not obtained, and consumer behavior may differ from expectations. Forward-looking statements are based on RDT’s assumptions at the date hereof, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. RDT does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements except as required by law.