Abstract

ORAL FILMS: EXPANDING THE ORAL DELIVERY TECHNIQUE, BASICS, CHALLENGES AND CURRENT TRENDS

Effiong D. Ekpa*, Mfonobong Favour Alozie, Timma O. Uwah and Ekaete I. Akpabio

ABSTRACT

Much interest has been indicated in non-invasive drug delivery strategies that achieve fast onset of drug action, prevent its rapid degradation but enhance targeted release. In recent times, the oral film technology has received much attention in line with this because of its versatility, availability for incorporation of numerous drugs as well as its usefulness to deliver therapeutic agents in paediatrics, geriatrics, dysphagic patients, and the bedridden, giving it an edge over similar oral solid dosage forms. Where interest in technology is great, constant research and development will be on, with resultant avalanche of insight on the subject. Since early 2000s, several research works have been published in scientific journals on design and formulation of possible drugs as oral films, usable polymers for films formation, drug-polymer compatibility, and evaluation techniques for them. These positive developments present numerous possibilities, while not without the challenges amidst. This has prompted the need for an up-to-date literature on information available on oral films technology. This review describes the fundamentals of oral films, covering their classification, current methods of manufacture, and oral films available in the market. It spirals into conclusion highlighting the untapped possibilities associated with this delivery system as well as the recent applications of nanosized drug carriers and proteinous drugs in oral films while not ignoring inherent challenges amidst the positives.

Keywords: Oral films, proteinous products, nanoparticles.