Novel silicone-based adhesive technology for transdermal therapy systems

Cannabinoid Formulations and Delivery Systems: Current and Future Options to Treat Pain

The field of Cannabis sativa L. research for medical purposes has been rapidly advancing in recent decades and a growing body of evidence suggests that phytocannabinoids are beneficial for a range of conditions. At the same time impressing development has been observed for formulations and delivery systems expanding the potential use of cannabinoids as an effective medical therapy. The objective of this review is to present the most recent results from pharmaceutical companies and research groups investigating methods to improve cannabinoid bioavailability and to clearly establish its therapeutic efficacy, dose ranges, safety and also improve the patient compliance. Particular focus is the application of cannabinoids in pain treatment, describing the principal cannabinoids employed, the most promising delivery systems for each administration routes and updating the clinical evaluations. To offer the reader a wider view, this review discusses the formulation starting from galenic preparation up to nanotechnology approaches, showing advantages, limits, requirements needed. Furthermore, the most recent clinical data and meta-analysis for cannabinoids used in different pain management are summarized, evaluating their real effectiveness, in order also to spare opioids and improve patients' quality of life. Promising evidence for pain treatments and for other important pathologies are also reviewed as likely future directions for cannabinoids formulations.

Effect of Different Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives on Performance Parameters of Matrix-Type Transdermal Delivery Systems

Matrix-type transdermal delivery systems (TDS) are comprised of the drug dissolved or dispersed in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) matrix and are designed to provide a controlled delivery through the skin and into systemic circulation. PSAs can directly affect the permeation, release, and performance characteristics of the system. In this study we aimed to design and characterize transdermal delivery systems formulated with lidocaine-as the model drug-loaded in different PSAs, including silicone, polyisobutylene (PIB), and acrylate. TDS containing lidocaine at its saturation points were prepared by the solvent casting method. In vitro permeation studies across dermatomed porcine ear skin were performed using Franz diffusion cells. In vitro release studies were carried out using USP apparatus 5 (paddle over disk). The cumulative amount permeated from the acrylate was significantly higher than silicone and PIB. The acrylate TDS contained a ten times higher drug amount than silicone TDS, but the permeation flux was only two folds higher. Results also showed the release of drug does not linearly correlate to saturation, as the silicone TDS comprising of the lowest amount of drug loading, showed the highest percentage release indicating the choice of PSA affected the drug release and permeation profile.