drug delivery
NUS researchers Chua Qi Shan, Associate Professor Chan Sui Yung and Dr Tan Poh Leng show samples of the oral films that they have developed for painless, efficient and discreet drug delivery.
Pharmacists develop a cheeky solution for drug delivery
Conventional ways of administering medication — by swallowing tablets, consuming bitter syrups, injection or rectal insertion — can be distressing and unpleasant for some patients, especially young children or the elderly. Seeking to combat this, researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed easy-to-use oral films that enable painless, efficient and discreet drug administration.
This method of medication administration
drug delivery methods, the researchers say —
reduces the risk of choking, aspiration and rejection.
particularly those that require costly, single-use
Moreover, the manufacturing method of the films
applicators and devices such as syringes, needles,
eliminates dosing errors commonly associated with
inhalers and auto-injectors.
multi-dose bottles of liquid medicine.
“Our films are compounded on-demand
“Our oral film marks a significant milestone
to ensure that they contain the precise dosage
in patient-centric and personalised medicine,
and strength for each patient, and then sealed in
offering a safer and eco-friendly alternative to
minimal packaging,” said Dr Tan Poh Leng, a
traditional drug delivery methods,” said research
student of Chan’s whose PhD work focused on oral
leader Associate Professor Chan Sui Yung. “The
films. “This streamlined approach to drug delivery
film is very easy to use, so patients are empowered
not only saves time and money, but also reduces
with dignity and independence in managing their
the environmental impact.”
treatment from the comfort of their homes.”
Having already filed a provisional patent for their
Each oral film is small, thin and round — no
innovative approach, the researchers are currently
larger than a coin in size — making it convenient
developing and evaluating their film products for
to be carried around, distributed or stored in larger
different medications, such as for antidotes, general
quantities at healthcare institutions. Additionally, the
medication and medication for pets, to prepare for
T
films have a low water content, so they have a longer
regulatory filing in Singapore and the USA. Their
shelf life compared to compounded liquid medicines.
first product will focus on medications for patients
The oral films are also easy to produce. Each
suffering from end-of-life delirium and anxiety,
film comprises a customised premix of ingredients
where comfort should be the top priority when
formulated for a specific medication. These
delivering treatment. The film may also benefit
he novel oral film releases drugs into
ingredients are added to the drug solution and
epileptic patients, with more studies underway.
the bloodstream via the mucosal membrane — the
an accurate volume of the required drug dosage
Through NUS startup PharLyfe+, which was
moist, inner lining of the mouth. Each oral film can
is pipetted onto a mould. The resulting mixture
founded by Chan and her students, the researchers
be easily placed onto the inner cheek of the patient’s
is dried using a light-duty oven. This method of
aim to work with investors, regulatory experts,
mouth and medication will be released into the
production uses fewer ingredients and smaller
contract manufacturers and pharmaceutical
bloodstream over a predetermined period of time.
quantities of materials compared to traditional
marketers to commercialise their technology.
10 | LAB+LIFE SCIENTIST - Aug/Sep 2023
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