Target Market: The market for µ opioids-based pain management dominates despite their side effects, such as the potential for misuse and accidental or unintentional overdosing. The global opioids market was USD 22.96 billion in 2016 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.8%. According to IMS data, Fentanyl transdermal patches recorded market sales of USD 560M at end of 2016 representing ~17% of US Transdermal Patch Market.  Duragesic (J&J) has dominated the transdermal market with peak sales of 2 billion USD in 2004.  However, due to leakage issue from the initial gel in the pouch patch, relatively safer format of matrix patches (drug in adhesive) were designed and have dominated the market (Activis, Watson’s, Teva).

Solution and Opportunity: There is a great need for a transdermal opioid delivery system that while being effective, is also efficient and avoids improper use, unintentional exposure or inappropriate disposal. Currently, no opioid patches in the market are low risk i.e.  impervious to abuse, illegal use or accidental overdosing.

Nanocomposite biodegradable patches will reduce the risks of misuse, accidental overdose and inappropriate disposal dramatically because of following features:

• Reduction of the initial drug dose by manyfold: Reduction in the risk of misuse and abuse.
• Release most of the drug during use (zero-waste): Minimal overdosing and improper disposal related risks.
• Self-destructing biodegradable patch: Dramatically reduce the issue of improper disposal.
• Encapsulation in silica would prevent crystallisation and leakage of the drug during storage and application: Reduce accidental overdosing and improve shelf life.
• Extension to other markets: This could be extended to other controlled drug patch markets e.g. Buprenorphine alone or in in combination with other analgesics for multimodal pain relief solutions. The fentanyl patches could be used for veterinary analgesia in companion animals providing a much safer and more efficient alternative to the current market options.