OTC market sees another oral strip entrant
health subsidiary InnoZen has launched another over-the-counter
(OTC) pharmaceutical in oral film strip format, a delivery vehicle
that is being pursued by a number of pharmaceutical companies.
InnoZen, which claims to be the first company ever to deliver an active ingredient in an oral strip, has launched the Suppress Cough product in the US. The film technology underpinning the product was first used in the company's Chloraseptic Relief Strips, launched in August 2003 and delivering the local anaesthetic benzocaine for treating sore throat.
The company plans to extend its offering in the coming months by also launching strips containing an antacid strip, a drug for allergy and an appetite suppressant product.
The Suppress Cough strips deliver two compounds that have been used for many years as cough suppressants. They contain either the active ingredient dextromethorphan or menthol, and are indicated to treat coughs originating from any cause, including those associatyed with colds and flu.
"Unlike cough syrups or cough drops, Suppress Cough strips are compact, easy-to-carry and provide 32 strips for quick relief," said InnoZen.
"This year, as we approach the cold and flu season, just two of the conditions that can induce coughs, consumers will be relieved to have Suppress Cough strips that work to quickly control coughs and are convenient to carry and administer," said Matt Lipton, vice-president of sales at InnoZen.
Oral film strips have hit the mainstream in the last few years as a new way of freshening the breath. The gel-like wafers are slipped into the mouth and dissolve quickly to release the minty flavour. But drug companies have been interested in this technology as it provides fast, accurate dosing that is expected to increase compliance, particularly among children. There is no need for water or measuring, and upon melting, the dose of medicine is swallowed.
Last month, Novartis entered the oral film strip market with Triaminic and Theraflu Thin Strips, also aimed at the cough/cold sector, at the time claiming that this was the first systemic treatment to be delivered in this format.
The OTC pharmaceutical sector tends to be driven by innovations in products format, given the relatively slow appearance of new active compounds for OTC use. In the US, the cough and cold segment enjoyed a 17.6 percent growth in sales in the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 cough/cold seasons, most of which was attributable to new product launches.
The Suppress Cough oral strips are structured as a proprietary bi-layer system. This system eliminates the use of irritating solvents and reduces damage due to heat and moisture, maintaining the integrity and efficacy of the active ingredients.
The range comes in mint and honey-lemon flavors and are already available in retail markets and drug stores in the US. The strips are sold in individual 32-count packs at a suggested retail price of $2.59.
