Painful injections and bitter pills could soon become a thing of the past, replaced by thin medicated films that people can tuck discreetly into their cheeks.

This innovative solution was developed by Associate Professor Chan Sui Yung from the Department of Pharmacy at the National University of Singapore (NUS) with her PhD and final year undergraduate students, Ms Tan Poh Leng and Ms Chua Qi Shan respectively, who witnessed first-hand the many barriers people encounter when taking their medications.  

 
The trio participated in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP)—a comprehensive guidance programme that enables NUS researchers and students to transform their research findings or ideas into deep technology start-ups. With the programme’s support, the team created their own start-up company called PharLyfe+ to further develop and commercialise their medicated films.

(L-R): Associate Professor Chan Sui Yung, Ms Tan Poh Leng and Ms Chua Qi Shan.
 

Once the adhesive films are placed inside the mouth on the inner lining of the cheek, they release medication directly into the bloodstream, and allow for seamless dose delivery so that patients receive just the right amount of medication. This patient-friendly drug delivery method promises to alleviate distress, especially for patients requiring frequent injections or who have difficulty swallowing pills and tablets.

The PharLyfe+ team has filed for a provisional patent in November 2022 and are now expanding and testing the range of medications that can be delivered via the technology, having initially focused on epileptic and end-of-life medications. Once ready, they will submit the application dossiers to regulatory authorities in Singapore and the United States of America for approval.

“Our goal is to empower patients by promoting their dignity and independence with film medications that will be quick to give and easy to take,” stressed Tan.

Against the backdrop of an ever-growing pile of medical waste produced in routine patient care, these medicated films stand out as sustainable alternatives.  

“The oral film medication is environmentally friendly without the need to stock and handle injection syringes and needles, medicine spoons/cups and devices such as sprays or applicators, and to dispose them after use. It will also reduce the likelihood of nurses getting needle-stick injuries,” explained Chan. “The production of such film medicines requires small quantities of a few ingredients using light-duty equipment which will also contribute towards a healthier planet.”

Adapted by Sruthi Jagannathan from Novel films for pain-free drug delivery