Zengen claims a first with drug-laden oral strip

Zengen of the USA has said that its technology has been used in a melt-in-the-mouth oral strip product, the first time that such a product has been used to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Oral strips have already become popular as a formulation for breath freshener products. The new product, called Chloraseptic Relief Strips, contains the active ingredients benzocaine, a local anaesthetic, and menthol.

The product will be launched next month by Prestige Brands International and is claimed to be the only medicated oral strip for the treatment of sore throat. The strip is structured as a proprietary bilayer system and eliminates the use of irritating solvents and reduces damage due to heat and moisture, maintaining the integrity and efficacy of the APIs.

Certain auxiliary compounds used with the bilayer system can assist with rate of dissolution, water solubility, mucous adhesion and coating on the exterior film layer. For instance, depending on the auxiliary compounds used, Zengen​'s oral strips can be manufactured to dissolve quickly or over an extended period of time, regulating the release of active material.

Previous technologies have proven too harsh, exposing the medical compound to extreme heat, moisture, compromising solvents and other irritants.

Steven Davidson, CEO of Zengen, said that oral strips are "effective and convenient for consumers and may be more cost efficient for manufacturers."

The strip technology could be used to administer drugs to patients who are unable to swallow or who have difficulties absorbing medicines, and could also be used to give drugs to animals, according to Zengen.

Prestige​, a Florida-based consumer products company, acquired the Chloraseptic brand of lozenges and spray from Procter & Gamble in 2000.