Pain relief breakthrough: World's first Ibuprofen patch provides respite for TWELVE hours

Scientists have developed a 12-hour pain relief patch

TAKING pain relief capsules every four hours when you’re ill or hurt could be a thing of the past with a new breakthrough patch that steadily releases the dosage over a 12-hour period.

The University of Warwick researchers worked with developers from the bioadhesive company Medherant to produce and patent the transparent adhesive pain relief.

The patch - which incorporates significant amounts of the drug - ensures pain relief is steadily and SAFELY released over 12 hours, meaning no need to worry about remembering to take tablets.

The exciting discovery will be music to the ears of those who regularly have to take pain medication for conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis and neuralgia.

 



Tablets and gels could be a thing of the past



Although similar technology exists - such as Ibuprofen gels - this novel patch promises to be more convenient and outperform its counterparts, avoiding the need for messy or ineffective application.

The amount of pain relief loaded in to the patch made possible by this new technology can be five to ten times that than some found in current medical patches and gel.

Unlike traditional Ibuprofen tablets, which dissolve in the stomach and are used immediately, the patch provides consistent pain relief.

 



This could revolutionise pain relief for people who suffer with headaches, arthritis and back pain



University of Warwick research chemist Professor David Haddleton said: “Many commercial patches surprisingly don’t contain any pain relief agents at all, they simply soothe the body by a warming effect. Our technology now means that we can for the first time produce patches that contain effective doses of active ingredients such as ibuprofen for which no patches currently exist. Also, we can improve the drug loading and stickiness of patches containing other active ingredients to improve patient comfort and outcome.

“Our success in developing this breakthrough patch design isn’t limited to ibuprofen; we have also had great results testing the patch with methyl salicylate (used in liniments, gels and some leading commercial patches). We believe that many other over the counter and prescription drugs can exploit our technology and we are seeking opportunities to test a much wider range of drugs and treatments within our patch.”

 

The patch is still in the test phase, but could be available in just TWO years

The patch is still in the test phase, but CEO of Medherant expects it to be on the market over the next two years.