An ibuprofen patch developed by University of Warwick researchers in England can deliver the pain relief medicine directly through the skin at a steady rate for up to
12 hours, according to a statement released Tuesday.
The transparent adhesive patch uses polymer technology developed by international adhesive company Bostik to incorporate the drug onto the patch. Researchers said in the university's statement that it could be used to deliver painkilling doses directly to problem areas connected with back pain, neuralgia, and arthritis without pills.
"Many commercial patches surprisingly don't contain any pain relief agents at all, they simply soothe the body by a warming effect," University of Warwick researcher David Haddleton said.
"Our technology now means that we can for the first time produce patches that contain effective doses of active ingredients such as ibuprofen for which no patches currently exist. Also, we can improve the drug loading and stickiness of patches containing other active ingredients to improve patient comfort and outcome," he continued.
The patch was developed in conjunction with the company
Medherant, a spinoff company founded by Haddleton and the University of Warwick to commercialize their knowledge of bio-adhesives and polymer chemistry.
"It sounds like the new patch technology could be especially helpful for localized pain, like pulled muscles or arthritis, or for people who are sensitive to taking the oral
version of ibuprofen," CNET.com's Amanda Kooser wrote. "[Medherant chief executive Nigel] Davis said Medherant expects to bring the delivery system to the market in about two years in the form of over-the-counter pain-relief patches."
Researchers said that the drug load on the new patches can be five to 10 times what is currently found on medical patches and gels, according to the university statement. They also added that the patch can be comfortably removed when needed.
"Our transdermal patch technology expands the range of drugs that can be delivered via skin patches and can significantly increase drug loading capabilities, whilst retaining adhesion and being thin and flexible," Davis said.
"Thus our patches provide a better experience for patients, enhance safety and deliver increased efficacy, which will lead to economic benefits to the healthcare system," he added.
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