Health & Medicine, Singapore (Commonwealth Union) – An economical adhesive film which can be placed on the inner cheek which can transfer medicine into the bloodstream by a team of researchers. This new finding could help avoid the delivery of drugs via uncomfortable routes such as bitter medication or injections.
A group of researchers, led by Associate Professor Chan Sui Yung, Honorary Fellow at the Department of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Science at the National University of Singapore (NUS), has recently invented user-friendly oral films that offer painless, efficient, and discreet drug delivery.
To bring this patient-friendly drug administration method to the market, an NUS start-up called PharLyfe+ has been established by Associate Professor Chan and her colleagues, Dr. Tan Poh Leng and Ms. Chua Qi Shan. Dr. Tan serves as the Business Lead, while Ms. Chua takes on the role of Clinical Lead at PharLyfe+. This venture is supported by the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP), which aims to encourage NUS researchers and postgraduate students to launch their own deep-tech companies.
The innovative oral film operates by releasing drugs through the mucosal membrane, the moist inner lining of the mouth. By placing the oral film on the inner cheek, patients can effortlessly administer medication, which will gradually enter the bloodstream over a predetermined period of time.
This method of drug delivery brings down the risks associated with choking, aspiration, and rejection. Additionally, the production method of these films takes away the common dosing errors that occur with multi-dose bottles of liquid medicine.
“Our oral film marks a significant milestone in patient-centric and personalised medicine, offering a safer and eco-friendly alternative to traditional drug delivery methods. The film is very easy to use, so patients are empowered with dignity and independence in managing their treatment from the comfort of their homes. We look forward to collaborating with healthcare providers to develop and apply the oral films to improve patient care and treatment outcomes,” explained Associate Professor Chan.
The oral films are designed to be extremely thin and circular, and they are available in two sizes, comparable to 10- and 20-cent coins. This feature makes them highly convenient for carrying, distributing, or storing in larger quantities within healthcare institutions. Moreover, these films possess a low water content, granting them a longer shelf life in comparison to compounded liquid medications. Consequently, they offer a reliable option for both patients and healthcare providers.
The initial focus of the team’s oral film product revolves around the administration of medications for patients experiencing end-of-life delirium and anxiety. The treatment of symptoms during this stage can often be distressing, as injections are commonly employed when prioritizing comfort care should be the primary concern. Ms. Chua expressed the team’s hope that their solution can contribute to enhancing the quality of care for these patients. Furthermore, ongoing studies suggest that the oral film may also hold potential benefits for individuals with epilepsy according to the researchers.
According to Dr. Tan, who conducted extensive research on oral films during his PhD, their films are specially formulated to be prepared on-demand. This ensures that each film contains the precise dosage and strength required for individual patients. Additionally, the films are packaged in minimal packaging, following a streamlined approach to drug delivery. This not only saves time and money but also has a positive impact on the environment. Associate Professor Lita Chew, President of the Singapore Pharmacy Council and a clinical faculty member at NUS Pharmacy, who is not affiliated with the start-up, praised the innovative approach of compounding prescribed drugs into oral films. She described it as a game-changer in medication delivery, particularly for segments of the population that face challenges in consuming traditional dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, syrups, or injections. Prof. Chew eagerly anticipates the day when oral film premix kits can be made available for home use, similar to the various self-test kits found on pharmacy shelves.
