Transdermal Patch Growth Relying on Improved Designs, Enhanced Manufacturing Methods - Future Demand Linked to Patient Acceptance

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Also Included In: Dermatology
Article Date: 06 Sep 2007 - 1:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   opinions  

As competition among prescription drugs escalates, driven in part by direct-to-consumer advertising, the role of combination products in meeting market expectations and extending patent life is increasing. Drug products for which alternative delivery methods exist are highly susceptible to patient and caregiver perceptions. Since a significant interest in transdermal drug delivery patches is based on the perception that patches are more convenient, ease-of-use in accessing and applying drug patches is a critical demand factor.

Shire's recent partial withdrawal of some Daytrana ADHD patches because of feedback from patients and caregivers who have experienced difficulty removing the release liner from patches underscores the need for players in this segment to not only measure and analyze user issues during the patch product clinical trial process, but to continue to monitor patient acceptance after market launch. In response to the Daytrana feedback, the company is using an enhanced process to offer patients and caregivers improved ease of use when peeling the release liner off the patches.

The market leaders in patch design and manufacturing, a select group that includes 3M and Noven, are addressing patient concerns by developing patches that are smaller and more esthetic. Extending patch technology to new drug classes and therapeutic targets will require further enhancements to address dosing issues and patient-to-patient variability.

More information is available at http://www.greystoneassociates.org/Skin_Patches.htm.

About Greystone

Greystone Associates is a medical and healthcare technology consulting firm providing services in strategic planning, venture development, product commercialization, and technology and market assessment.

http://www.greystoneassociates.org

• Additional
• References
• Citations