NEWS & EVENTS

Iontophoresis Systems Hold Promise for Drug Developers

New Survey by Greystone Associates Examines Technology Advances and Market Potential

(Amherst, NH) - Growth of transdermal delivery has been restricted by the need to limit candidate drugs to molecules small enough to passively migrate through the stratum corneum, a limitation that excludes passive transdermal patches as a viable option for the growing number of protein and peptide therapeutic compounds that will represent an increasing share of future NCEs. To expand the limits of transdermal drug delivery, developers are employing electrical current – a technique called iontophoresis - to affect active transport through the skin. This technique can increase the upper molecular size limit dramatically, opening up a host of opportunities for transdermal delivery.

Iontophoresis products are positioned to make a significant impact in selected therapeutic areas. New wearable designs that are user-friendly and conform to the user’s physique are improving outcomes in pain management. Prefilled disposable devices are user-friendly and improve compliance. A number of researchers are investigating iontophoresis for gene delivery. Other important near-term applications include neurology, women’s health and dermatology.

These findings are contained in a new and comprehensive report: Iontophoresis: Devices, Drugs and Delivery Strategies. The survey concludes that iontophoretic drug delivery systems will gain traction at the expense of injection and passive transdermal patches, particularly among emerging biologics.

More information is available at www.greystoneassociates.org .

More information is available at www.greystoneassociates.org .