The device utilises a polymeric patch and film which releases the drug into the skin over a period of seven days.
Presenting ImQuest’s discovery today for the first time at AAPS annual conference in Washington D.C., lead researcher Anthony Ham said the technology can be produced at plants all over the world using standard machinery already in place.
But despite having the capability to be a viable replacement to the multitude of ARV medication patients take to treat HIV, Ham told in-PharmaTechnologist the patch will not completely irradiate tableting because some may still prefer to take the “highly effective cocktail of pills or injectables.”
Ham also said that the tablet could solve problems delivering the therapy in developing countries where the illness is rife, because there is no need for costly and time consuming cold chain supply.