Seven advantages to using oral dissolving strips.
The beginnings of Oral Dissolving Film Strips (ODFs)
Who could have known that when oral dissolving film strips (ODFs) were first put to use in the 1970s that they would develop into a preferred delivery method for both drugs and non-pharmaceutical products. The intention behind their design was to help people who had trouble swallowing traditional tablets (pills) and capsules. The condition, called dysphagia, most often occurs in very young, pediatric, and geriatric patients. ODFs proved to be a solution, at least for the administration of some drugs at the time. Soon after their introduction, ODFs found their way into non-pharmaceutical consumer applications, namely for sore throats and as breath fresheners.
However, despite their obvious benefits, the early oral film strips were limited in their stability and the dosage amounts they could deliver. Innovations in the formulation of both drugs and non-drug products, as well as advances in ODF manufacturing technology have changed that. Combined with the need and demand for more quick, convenient and effective ways to administer substances systemically to the body, has driven the development of ODFs for a wide range of drug, supplement and personal care products. Riize is a proven leader in this development trend, with its latest products designed to enhance and improve personal care. Starting with telemedicine prescription ODFs for erectile dysfunction (ED), Riize has developed some of the most advanced oral strip compounds for non-prescription supplements.
Advantages of ODFs
Oral dissolving thin films have been described and established as an alternative approach to conventional dosage forms. They are a versatile platform that can provide fast effects locally as well as systemically in the body. Oral dissolving strips or films use water-soluble polymers for delivery, allowing it to quickly mix with saliva, disintegrate rapidly in the mucosa, and deliver drugs through the mucous membrane when placed in the mouth. The film can incorporate substances that are soluble, insoluble, or have their taste masked.
Here are seven advantages that Oral Dissolving Film strips can provide over other forms of drug and supplement administration:
1. Rapid onset of action
ODFs disintegrate within seconds upon contact with saliva. This allows the active ingredients to be released and absorbed by the system almost immediately. Whether it is an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), or active supplemental ingredient (ASI) in the case of supplements, penetrating the mucous membrane directly, prompts faster systemic absorption compared to swallowing tablets, liquids, lozenges, or chews. An intravenous application is the only form of delivery that would provide a more direct effect.
2. Precise dosing
Because of the way ODFs are made, dosing can be tailored by adjusting the size of the strip itself as well as adjusting the formulas for individual products and treatments. The manufacturing process of the strips also ensures accuracy and consistency in the dosage. Riize has perfected the application of compound formulas to provide the optimal benefits for all of its ODF strip products.
3. Convenience
Unlike tablets, liquids, powders or other forms of products that require water, mixing or measuring, ODFs can be administered anywhere and anytime, with little effort. This is one of their most appealing features. Thin, lightweight, and individually packaged, ODFs are highly portable and convenient for on-the-go dosing. The convenience factor also helps make them a more lifestyle-oriented option, especially for self-care and lifestyle enhancement supplements.
4. Longer, more stable shelf life
With modern manufacturing technologies, production of ODFs has not only become more efficient, but has also led to improved product durability and stability. ODFs generally have a longer shelf life than tablets, capsules or liquids, especially for supplements. Being a solid-state form, they are less prone to microbial contamination and degradation, and require no refrigeration.
5. More appealing to taste, more natural ingredients
ODFs can easily be formulated for different and appealing flavors. They also have the ability to incorporate more natural ingredients into the formulas, as is the case with Riize strips. Most other forms of oral drugs, namely pills and capsules, can contain as much as 60% excipients, which is basically non-therapeutic "junk" that has been added for stability or bulk. With ODFs, there is neither the room nor the need for additives beyond the active ingredients. Other oral formats, such as gummies or lozenges, can also contain excipients, but are more likely to contain sugar.
6. Reduced potential for gastrointestinal side-effects
In bypassing the stomach, ODFs can reduce the direct gastrointestinal irritation and systemic side effect commonly associated with oral tablets.
7. Maximum bioavailability
The most significant advantage of ODFs is their bioavailability. Being absorbed directly in the mouth limits exposure to the gastrointestinal tract and the effects of what's known as first-pass metabolism. This is when the drug is first metabolized through the digestive tract, which degrades it and results in a reduced concentration of the active ingredients being delivered. The first-pass effect is often associated with the drug being metabolized in the liver, but it can also happen in other body tissues, such as in the lungs and vascular system. Studies have shown that ODFs increase the percentage of active ingredients reaching systemic circulation. In the case of Riize strips, they have been shown to deliver up to 90% more of the active ingredients.
More about bioavailability
When you take supplements or medications in other oral forms, like pills, capsules or chews, you may feel as though you are getting the full product dosage. This is true even when ingredients are in liquid form. The reality is that only a fraction of what you consume is actually absorbed into your bloodstream and made available for use. Whatever that amount is, is what's "bioavailable". For both pharmacology and nutrition that directly affects how effective a drug or nutrient really is. Therefore, bioavailability refers to the extent and rate at which the active ingredient of a drug or supplement is absorbed and becomes available, typically in the bloodstream. It is one of the most important factors in determining the efficacy of any drug or supplement.
The ODF absorption process
ODFs are made with water-soluble polymers that dissolve within seconds when coming in contact with the saliva in the mouth or on the tongue, and begin releasing the ingredients. The tongue and mouth membrane (oral mucosa) has a high degree of permeability, and is a very effective and selective route of systemic delivery because of the large surface area and ease of application for absorption. It is interesting to note that oral mucosa permeability is anywhere from 4-4000 times more permeable than skin, depending on the substance being absorbed.
A very dense presence of thin-walled capillaries inside the mouth diffuses blood directly to the veins and arteries.. The thin walls of the capillaries diffuse blood directly to veins and arteries. With Riize ODF strips, the process of the film dissolving, and absorption of the ingredients is typically under 30 seconds, resulting in quick bioavailability and thus, the superior delivery of ODFs.
Riize products are leading the way
The fast onset of the active ingredient effect, along with overall increased bioavailability, is making ODF strips a growing, preferred choice for the administration of not only traditional drugs and biologics, but also for supplements and even nutraceuticals. With non-prescription ODF strip products for Energy, Sleep, Sexual Enhancement, Hangovers, NAD+, Digestion, Motion Sickness and GLP-1 Weight Management either available or coming soon, Riize continues to be on the leading edge of the superior delivery system that ODF products represent.
SOURCES
1. https://www.verywellfit.com/optimal-supplement-forms-7546496
2. https://us.wellbeingnutrition.com/collections/melts-oral-thin-strips
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757902/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1773224718310773
6. https://www.contractpharma.com/issues/2020-06-01/view_features/not-your-fathers-oral-thin-film/
7. https://drug-dev.com/oral-thin-films-the-quest-for-a-magic-pill-may-not-be-a-pill-at-all/
8. https://coopercomplete.com/blog/supplement-forms-is-one-form-better
10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1818087616300368
