One of the promising alternative drug delivery technologies is a transdermal delivery platform called targeted pentration matrix (TPM). Australia-based Phosphagenics has been working to develop this technology.

Dr Esra Ogru, CEO of Phosphagenics, says a validated transdermal delivery platform called the targeted pentration matrix is the company's core technology. "This platform technology can be used to deliver an extensive range of different products from high level pharmaceutical products to cosmetics," he says. "Our lead pharmaceutical agenda is to commercialize the delivery of the powerful opioid oxycodone via a patch that would adhere to the skin. We have been collaborating with the global patch-manufacturing company 3M to optimize the Phosphagenics oxycodone patch prototype and we regard this optimized patch as an outstanding commercial opportunity."

The patch has already passed extensive tests, proving that it can be optimally used as a twice-weekly product to manage pain.

According to Dr Ogru, it is a first-in-class product that promises to revolutionize pain management globally. "It is also a significant market opportunity. Oral forms of oxycodone currently command $3.5 billion per annum. As oxycodone is the gold standard for pain relief, we believe a patch would command a substantial percentage of this market," he says.

Oral forms of the drug may be problematic in terms of duration of effect, side effects and abuse potential. Transdermal delivery bypasses all of these problems.