The innovation behind Flexeon

Following the launch of FLEXEON we caught up with Regina Graf, a scientist to find out more about our latest gamechanger offer.

What innovations enable improved drug delivery in our new FLEXEON topical patch system?

Through intensive research on the adhesive matrix, we have developed a composition of three main components that complement each other so that a fast and constant drug release is possible for a wide range of NSAIDs without the addition of permeation enhancers.

How flexible is the FLEXEON topical patch in terms of integrating different active ingredients?

The FLEXEON patch has been tested in numerous feasibility studies featuring various active ingredients, including well-known actives for local pain therapies such as NSAIDs, or essential oils. High permeation rates were detected in in-vitro studies on human skin demonstrating the permeation-enhancing effect of our innovative 3-component adhesive matrix.

What advantages does our FLEXEON topical patch offer in terms of bioavailability compared to oral dosage forms?

Compared to our technology, oral dosage forms require much higher doses of the active ingredient to be ingested primarily because oral dosage forms are often pre-metabolized in the body before they can take effect.

After oral administration, the active ingredient dissolves in the stomach, moves on to the intestines and can be absorbed in the small intestine. Once it has entered the bloodstream, it is transported via the portal vein and the liver to part of the body where the effect is required. But before that, the so-called first-pass effect (FPE) in the liver takes place and part of the active ingredient is metabolized by enzymes.

All this means that what remains of the active ingredient is often less 50% of the ingested dose. In contrast to oral dosage forms, application via the FLEXEON topical patch completely bypasses the FPE, and 100% of the permeated active ingredient reaches 100% of the site of action.

How do we ensure a consistent release of the active ingredient over the entire period of application?

Our confidence comes from having undertaken numerous in-vitro permeation studies on human skin and on a wide range of NSAIDs. We are certain we can ensure the continuous release of the active ingredient over the entire period of application. The selected concentration gradient of the active ingredient and the thickness of the adhesive determine the duration of the release which can be anything between 8 and 24 hours.

Can you explain the technology behind the controlled release of active ingredients in more detail?

The continuous release of active ingredients is based on the utilization of a concentration gradient of the active ingredient in the patch. Our skin is a natural barrier to keep unwanted substances out of the body, only allowing molecules of a certain size and specific physico-chemical properties to pass through.

After applying the patch, the active ingredient diffuses from the area of highest concentration – the adhesive matrix of the patch – to the area of lowest concentration, which is the skin with the underlying blood vessels. The bloodstream picks up the active ingredient and transports it to target area/organ. That means that the local concentration in the skin is kept at a consistent level. This allows for a continuous diffusion from the patch into the skin until the patch is ‘empty’.

To what extent have we optimized FLEXEON for home use?

Patient groups that depend on high-dosage medications often need to take their medication orally up to three times a day to maintain the therapeutic effect. Topical systems, usually only require one application per 7 days. Our FLEXEON topical patches are designed for a dosing interval of 8-24 h. In addition, the innovative adhesive matrix makes it easy to apply the patch with the bi-elastic backing, even on joints. If the patch sticks together accidentally, the adhesive matrix can be easily separated again and re-applied to the intended area. Our FLEXEON patches are also suitable for patient groups with limited motor skills.

How does the adhesive strength of our new topical patch differ from that of transdermal patches?

Conventional transdermal patches are designed for use for up to seven days. This requires a high adhesive strength so that the patch adheres to the skin without peeling off or fraying at the edges over time. The innovative adhesive properties of our FLEXEON topical patch are designed for an application time of 8-24 h, adhering almost like a second skin. Removal is possible even before the minimum recommended adhesion time without any painful skin stripping. Even if the patch is positioned in the wrong area, this is no problem since the adhesive matrix can be easily peeled off and be repositioned.

What measures have we taken to minimize possible skin irritation?

Through the targeted selection of safe raw materials and the reduction of ingredients to only the essential, our FLEXEON topical patches are very gentle on the skin.

To what extent can our FLEXEON topical patch system improve patient compliance?

There is a very famous quote “Drugs don’t work in patients who don’t take them.” Adherence to treatment always benefits from simple and uncomplicated application.

Hydrogel patches, for example, leave an unpleasant cold and wet feeling on the skin. This reduces the likelihood of the patch being used again, while other patch products leave unwanted adhesive residue on the skin, as is the case with the application of classic plasters used for wound treatment.

Our FLEXEON topical patch can be applied, removed and reapplied without having to replace it.