Novel films for pain-free drug delivery

National University of Singapore (NUS) pharmacists have developed a painless and effective way to administer medications through the oral route. This research finding has been translated towards commercialisation through the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP).

Associate Professor CHAN Sui Yung from the Department of Pharmacy, NUS together with her PhD and final-year undergraduate students, Ms TAN Poh Leng and Ms CHUA Qi Shan participated in the NUS GRIP to translate their research into commercialisation through a start-up company focusing on drug delivery, Phar-Lyfe+. Swallowing big tablets or receiving painful injections can be distressing for some patients. Being scientists in the pharmaceutical space, the research team had first-hand knowledge about the challenges related to the administration of medicines and they set out to make friendly medications by developing easy-to-use oral films which can be self-administered at home.

Through Phar-Lyfe+, the team has developed a small thin film that is able to adhere on the inner cheek inside the mouth and release medications directly into the bloodstream. This method of drug administration is both painless and effective. The dosage can be calibrated accurately for safe administration of the medication. Their first film product for commercial use will focus on administering medications for epileptic patients and those who are suffering from end-of-life agitation and delirium. The team has filed a provisional patent application for this delivery method.

Prof Chan said, “The oral film medication is environmentally friendly without the need to stock and handle injection syringes and needles, medicine spoons/cups and devices such as sprays or applicators, and to dispose them after use. Its production requires small quantities of a few ingredients using light-duty equipment.”

The team plans to supply the oral film premix to healthcare institutions for pharmacists to prepare oral film medications when doctors prescribe them for patients.  They are also conducting development and evaluation of film products for different medications to prepare for regulatory filing in Singapore and in the United States of America.

Ms Tan said, “Our goal is to empower patients by promoting their dignity and independence with film medicines that will be quick to give and easy to take.”

Figure (left) showing the company logo of the startup company, Phar-Lyfe+ (pronounced as “Far-Life-Plus”) started by the research team. (Right) Ms Tan Poh Leng holding a sample of the oral film developed by them.