ESTERO, FL — March 3, 2026 — Leads & Copy — Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASBP) has partnered with Microsize, a North American contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), to develop a sublingual powder formulation of alprazolam, the active ingredient in Xanax®.
The collaboration aims to create a faster-acting anxiety medication by bypassing the digestive system. Aspire’s formulation delivers the medication directly into the bloodstream for quicker relief of anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
Aspire has engaged Microsize to accelerate development of the novel formulation. Microsize specializes in particle size reduction, micronization, and solubility enhancement for drugs.
Kraig Higginson, Interim CEO of Aspire Biopharma, said the collaboration with Microsize is a critical milestone. He said Microsize’s expertise in particle engineering, along with support from Pace®, will optimize the sublingual powder and accelerate progress toward a Phase 1 clinical trial planned for mid-2026.
Aspire aims to be the first alprazolam sublingual product on the market. Traditional oral alprazolam tablets can take 25 minutes or more to take effect. The company’s technology offers the potential to improve effectiveness and reduce side effects by delivering drugs directly to the bloodstream.
Aspire has also engaged Pace®, a science and technology company with a network of laboratories, to manage drug-excipient compatibility, formulation development, batch manufacturing, and stability studies.
Alprazolam was the 37th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States in 2023, with over 15.8 million prescriptions. The global alprazolam powder market is projected to reach $55.84 billion by 2032, according to Research and Markets. This growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of anxiety, a growing geriatric population, and the demand for enhanced drug delivery systems.
Aspire Biopharma has developed a patent-pending sublingual delivery technology applicable to small molecule therapeutics, nutraceuticals and supplements.
Microsize operates from 100,000 square feet in US-based, FDA inspected GMP facilities.
Microsize is recognized for its speed, responsiveness, and high customer-touch business model.
Safe Harbor Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future operations, risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ. See full release for details.
Source: Aspire Biopharma Holdings, Inc.
