Technology opportunity novel abuse resistant controlled drug delivery

Scientists at the University of Bradford have invented a novel polymer matrix system that can be used to prepare novel abus resistant drug delivery systems.

The problem

Prescription opioid analgesics are an important component of modern pain management. Abuse and misuse of these products, however, have created a serious and growing public health problem, particularly in the USA. The FDA has worked to address this problem while ensuring that patients in pain have appropriate access to opioid analgesics. One potentially important step towards the goal of creating safer opioid analgesics has been the development of opioids that are formulated to deter abuse. FDA considers the development of these products a high public health priority.

The solution

Scientists at the Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science (CPES) at the UoB have invented a novel polymer matrix system comprising of biocompatible, biodegradable, GRAS status, pharmaceutically acceptable, readily available and inexpensive materials that can be used to prepare novel drug delivery systems using readily scalable and efficient hot melt extrusion or micro moulding processing techniques. When the matrix is prepared with drug substance, the resultant drug product will have the desired quality attributes required by the

FDA for Abuse Resistant Systems (Tier 1) and have been shown to comply with the FDA’s required product characteristics in terms of ability to crush and ease of extraction (see preliminary data below). The prototype formulations also release the full drug loading over a 12hr period and the rate of release can be modified by changing the blend of matrix components. In addition, the novel polymer matrix can be formed into microneedles for controlled transdermal drug delivery using micro injection moulding processing techniques.

As recommended by the FDA Guidance for Industry-Abuse Deterrent Opioids- Evaluation and Labelling, CPES ARS formulations were evaluated using different test conditions for in-vitro drug release studies, preliminary data summarised in table below.