Say good-bye to greasy and sticky topical medicines: Solutions and inspirations for sensorial topical formulation

It is widely recognised that patient adherence to topical drugs is low because of the complexity or inconvenience of the treatment regimen1 (difficult self- application, number of applications, time consumption, etc.). This leads to poor treatment efficacy in relation to cost. Adherence has also been shown to be related to the properties of the formulation and can be increased by modifying the texture of a topical medicine and improving the sensorial experience of the patient.

Numerous surveys point to the same conclusions: the ideal topical product should be applied rapidly, with a minimum of applications per day, for a short period of time. It should be odor-free, non-sticky, invisible, comfortable, non-stinging and without adverse effects. Many of these factors can be addressed in formulation design and the use of excipients designed to deliver both high stability and gold standard texture.

In this presentation we will share know-how with the Making Pharmaceutical audience on the use of functional excipients to improve patient experience by optimize dosage form sensorial properties including texture, rub-in, absorption and after–feel and by reducing greasiness, stickiness and undesirable residues. Practical case studies will be given for formulating patient-friendly dosage forms including luxurious creams, refreshing emulgels and light foams with model drugs.