Ibuprofen painkiller patch: world's first device to deliver 12 hours of pain relief directly through skin

A patch with an easy-to-remove film can slowly release ibuprofen through the skin and it can last up to 12 hours, according to University of Warwick researchers.

The ibuprofen patch which is considered to be the world's first is able to neatly deliver doses of the drug. The patch can hold a high amount of the drug which is 5 to 10 times more than topical ibuprofen gels and other medical patches via the technology developed by the university. This would come in handy for people who can take the drug orally or those who need regular doses of it for pain relief.

"Many commercial patches surprisingly don't contain any pain relief agents at all, they simply soothe the body by a warming effect," said Professor David Haddleton, University of Warwick research chemist, in a statement. "Our technology now means that we can for the first time produce patches that contain effective doses of active ingredients such as ibuprofen for which no patches currently exist.

Also, we can improve the drug loading and stickiness of patches containing other active ingredients to improve patient comfort and outcome."

The patch is specially made with polymers to make it look transparent and "cosmetically pleasing" with strong adhesion but can be removed with ease.

"There are only a limited number of existing polymers that have the right characteristics to be used for this type of transdermal patches - that will stick to the skin and not leave residues when being easily removed," Haddleton explained. "Furthermore, there are also only a limited number of drugs that will dissolve into these existing polymers. Medherant's technology now opens up the field of transdermal drug delivery to previously non-compatible drugs."

The technology could possibly be applied to other drugs as well. Further testing will be needed in order for it to be brought to the market. Haddleton states that they are testing the patch methyl salicylate, a substance typically found in muscle ache creams, liniments and more.

According to CNET, the new drug delivery technology could especially be useful for arthritis or patients with muscle aches or arthritis. UPI reports that it might be out in two years and commercialize it via Medherant, Haddleton's company with the university.

Nigel Davis, the CEO of Medherant said that through the patches, drug dispensing safety can be enhanced while increasing its effectiveness and better patient outcomes, all of which he believes will yield positive benefits for the healthcare system.