Delivery Systems
Apart from delivering the substance itself, a drug delivery system plays a pivotal role in patients’ therapeutic treatment. We have made significant capital investments in the field of drug delivery technologies, with a primary focus on the development of patches. These self-adhesive systems are affixed on the body and function through three distinct mechanism:
- Drug delivery, facilitating the transdermal passage of drugs into the systemic circulation.
- Local drug delivery, targeting the treatment of skin diseases.
- Delivery of volatile substances to the environment, serving various purposes.
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS)
TDDSs rank among the most widely favored drug delivery systems. These patches are affixed to specific areas of the body, enabling the penetration of certain drugs through layers of the skin, reaching the bloodstream or the desired location within the human organism.
In comparison to alternative dosage forms, this controlled delivery offers numerous advantages, including:
- Improved patient convenience and compliance
- Avoidance of hepatic metabolism, known as “first-pass-effect” by the liver
- Improved safety.
The therapeutic categories that currently benefit from these transdermal technologies encompass a wide range of medical conditions, such as pain management, hypertension, angina pectoris, Parkinson’s disease, asthma, female or male hormone replacement therapy, contraception, nausea, incontinence and more.
Patch Systems with local action
These systems share a comparable manufacturing technology with transdermal systems; however, they have predominantly been designed to deliver active ingredient onto the skin, for localized action, targeting the treatment of skin-related issues. An example is the patch developed for addressing skin problems associated with acne, which has been successfully launched in Greece and over 40 other countries worldwide.
Other forms of Patches
There are also patch systems not only designed for the human organism but also for the controlled release of volatile substances into the environment, with the purpose of enhancing body scent, for instance. These systems find application in therapeutic contexts, such as aromatherapy, as well as for insect repellency purposes.
Epidermal Systems
The epidermal systems technology also referred to thin film technology, is an innovation developed by our in-house Research & Development unit. This pioneering technology involves the creation of thin films containing active ingredients, which, with the aid of a specific solvent (water or serum, depending on the case) undergo simultaneous spreading to form a gel that efficiently delivers the active substances to the skin in a safe and effective manner. Our epidermal systems technologies encompass Solid Gel and Liquid Patch.
A remarkable advantage of the Solid Gel and Liquid Patch technologies lies in their user-friendly approach, facilitating the delivery of active ingredients to the human skin. These technologies enable the skin to breathe freely, without causing any side-effects or adverse reactions; rather, they provide protective benefits against external factors. Additionally, their versatile application extends to both Cosmetology, catering to maintenance and intensive skin care needs, and Pharmaceuticals.
Intra Oral Delivery Systems
In our Research & Development, a pioneer technology is specifically developed for the delivery of active substances through thin films within the oral cavity. This technology is known as Ιntra Oral Delivery Systems (IODS). The competitive edge of these products, rooted in the IODS technology, lies in their ability to provide precise dosing and controlled release of the drug.
Consequently, patients facing challenges in swallowing, including but not limited to children, the elderly, individuals with mental health conditions, epilepsy patients, cancer patients, those suffering from gastrointestinal disorders, oral or throat infections, as well as individuals with AIDS-HIV, can safely and effectively receive the accurate dosage of their prescribed medication.
Osmotic Therapeutic Systems
The Osmotic Therapeutic System is an oral delivery system as well. It consists of a central core containing the drug, coated with a semi-permeable membrane. The membrane’s composition is such that controls drug release. Osmotic systems can be developed for many pharmaceutical therapies. With this drug delivery form, the direct contact of high drug concentration with the sensitive gastro-intestinal tract is avoided.