Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its first transdermal drug delivery system (TDS) to administer scopolamine in 1979, the pharmaceutical industry has worked steadily to field the technology, introducing some 35 products to consumers. Advances to both the medications and TDS technologies continue and recent research and development activities are producing innovations that support delivering new vaccine and other biopharmaceutical therapies accurately and effectively.
With its expertise in material and manufacturing processes, 3M has been diligently working to create TDS and other innovative delivery system solutions for the Pharma industry. Recently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted approval for ProStrakan Group plc to market SANCUSO® (Granisetron Transdermal System) in the European Union (EU), via 3M Drug Delivery Systems technology.
Introduced in the U.S. in 2008, SANCUSO is the first and only treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting that does not require pills or intravenous (IV) administration. As per general convention, the transdermal patch is applied to the upper arm and can be worn for seven days, providing continuous transdermal delivery to control nausea and vomiting. This simple-to-administer treatment says ProStraken, has been proven effective in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
“SANCUSO is a great illustration of the patient-friendly benefits of transdermal treatment,” said Jim Ingebrand, president and general manager, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. According to the company, it is applying more than 30 years of transdermal experience and regulatory expertise to its manufacturing responsibilities for SANCUSO. The company’s cGMP compliant manufacturing, says 3M, and its global supply chain management strength ensure a stabile, reliable manufacturing supply chain relationship.
While ProStrakan has previously relied on a different manufacturer for the U.S. supply of SANCUSO, FDA approval is currently pending for the 3M Drug Delivery Systems manufactured product. ProStrakan Group plc, a subsidiary of Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. Ltd., is engaged in the development and commercialization of prescription medicines for the treatment of unmet therapeutic needs in major markets. 3M Drug Delivery Systems partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop and manufacture pharmaceutical products using 3M's inhalation, transdermal or microneedle drug delivery technology. 3M offers a full range of feasibility, development and manufacturing capabilities to help bring products to market.