BioProgress uses films in drug delivery
and caffeine products based on its edible film drug delivery
technology, offering an effective alternative to conventional
formulations.
The products, which will be initially available in France, make use of BioProgress' new SOLULEAVES technology that allows active ingredients, colours and flavours to be incorporated into a non-genetically modified, non-animal derived film which dissolves in the mouth, releasing the active ingredients.
The snoring product is already available in France as a nasal spray called Ronflux, one of the brands that was acquired by BioProgress with the acquisition of French firm Dexo last January.
The Ronflux strips will tap into the market for medical devices for the treatment of snoring in France and will be launched in other European markets later this year, possibly under different local brands, the Cambridge-based company said.
The caffeine strips, on the other hand, are the first in a new range of products, designed to improve alertness and vitality.
"The ability to incorporate pharmaceutical ingredients into films is a complex task, but a challenge that BioProgress's own scientists have developed a specific competence in," Steve Martin, director of pharmaceuticals for Bioprogress, told In-PharmaTechnologist.com.
"The company is working with a number of partners and is interested in developing new partners to extend the global reach of its exciting technology."
Martin pointed out Bioprogress's pharmaceutical dosage form offers many advantages, such as delivery of drug without water, convenient dosage form to carry around, suitability for paediatrics and geriatrics and compliance in conditions where swallowing is a problem, including nausea.
Moreover, SOLULEAVES can deliver both instant and delayed release films, providing effective dosages not just for over-the-counter (OTC) drugs but also for prescription medicines.
"There are only a few manufacturers of edible films in the world, the majority are geared to the breath freshener market," Martin said.
"The production of the film itself is very cost competitive to other dosage forms, and it allows for innovative new packaging for healthcare products helping patient compliance."
All of the film strips are currently made in BioProgress's own current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) facility in Tampa, Florida.
Film strips have started to enter the market in the US within the OTC arena over the last two or three years with molecules such as dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine used in the cough and cold arena.
But BioProgress is also focusing on the development of film strips for a number of potent prescription pharmaceuticals, in particular in the areas of palliative care and oncology support.
The British company said it is currently developing a number of other reformulated products using a variety of its platform technologies, including TABWRAP, SWOLLO and WAFERTAB, containing existing branded and generic formulations.
