Consumables
MonoSol Rx Granted U.S. Article of Manufacture Patent
Tuesday 14. April 2009 - Patent Addresses Use of Thin Film to Deliver Drugs and Vitamins via Pacifier or Porous Nipple
MonoSol Rx, the developers of PharmFilm technology and a drug delivery company specializing in dissolving thin film pharmaceutical products, today announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent No. 7,500,984 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent relates to the delivery of an active ingredient, such as drugs and/or vitamins, contained in a thin film that is attached or placed inside of a pacifier or porous nipple member, such as the tip of a baby bottle.
A. Mark Schobel, President and Chief Executive Officer of MonoSol Rx, stated, “An infants natural propensity to suckle makes pacifiers and bottle nipples useful devices for administering medication and vitamins. Affixing a quick dissolving thin film into the porous nipple of a bottle or pacifier ensures that the active ingredient is immediately released into the oral cavity upon contact with saliva or liquid from the bottle. This particular use of thin film allows for a more rapid and uniform delivery of the active compound and increased compliance from caregivers who struggle with administering drugs and vitamins to their infants and small children. Having secured the patent, we are currently looking at potential business development opportunities for this novel thin film drug delivery approach.”
According to the provisions of the patent, the process entails securing a thin film to the inside rim of a pacifier or nipple. The liquid from the bottle or reservoir triggers the release of the active ingredient without requiring the patient to finish the entire bottle for a complete dose. Delivery of a complete and accurate dose is confirmed as the thin film dissolves and disappears from the inside surface of the pacifier or porous nipple. The technology is designed particularly for infants and patients such as the elderly, and those who have had surgery or other illnesses which prevent the ordinary dispensing of medication. The device may be used for veterinary applications as well.
Schobel continued, “Our newest U.S. patent further strengthens our leadership and intellectual property position in thin film drug delivery and development, particularly in difficult-to-treat patient populations. Our robust and growing IP portfolio enables MonoSol Rx to have leadership capabilities in the critical areas of drug taste-masking, film composition, manufacturing, packaging and novel therapeutic film applications.”