Despite the number of advantages associated with transmucosal drug delivery, the number of medicines delivered as buccal or sublingual formulations remains relatively low. We believe in the potential for improving medicines through transmucosal delivery and work to make the possibilities real.1
Our deep understanding of the oral mucosa has paved the way for Aquestive to develop novel permeation enhancers, stabilizers, and polymer blends that can boost the ability of active ingredients to penetrate the mucosa.
The proprietary compositional profiles of oral films delivered with PharmFilm® can be tailored to the buccal or sublingual microenvironment in order to achieve a desired rate of absorption. Aquestive’s formulation team uses the technology’s adaptable polymer matrix, along with FDA-approved permeation enhancers and novel solvent systems to help improve the bioavailability of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and the speed at which it is released to the mucosa.
This makes film a viable delivery platform for a wide range of molecules, including those with low solubility (BCS Class II) or low bioavailability (BCS Class IV) as well as molecules that are highly soluble.
Our Research and Development team follows a strategic and robust development plan to test feasibility and determine the best route of administration for using PharmFilm® technology. Each product is carefully designed to provide meaningful advances for patients and caregivers. In our case study “Overcoming Solubility and Permeability Challenges,” the buccal mucosa was targeted as the ideal site of administration because of the large, highly permeable surface area and because the lower salivary flow provided the stable and controlled microenvironment needed to optimize adhesion, absorption, and onset of action, while also being the safest site of application for caregivers during breakthrough seizures.
Aquestive works hand-in-hand with our partners to address their toughest clinical and business challenges. Learn about the development services our team provides — drawing on decades of scientific and regulatory expertise, best-in-class formulation efficiency, and integrated clinical development capabilities to advance assets from early stage to commercial success.
1. Sattar M, Sayed OM, Lane ME. Oral transmucosal drug delivery—current status and future prospects. Int J Pharmaceutics. 2014;471(1-2):498-506.