Innovative delivery systems for paediatric medicines
Provided in this landscape analysis is an overview of new and emerging dosage forms and formulation technologies that may be beneficial if applied for use in paediatric patients. It covers various routes of administration including oral, rectal, parenteral, transdermal and others. There is also attention given to long-acting formulations that hold clear promise for use in children. Emphasis is placed upon those dosage forms and technologies which could be suitable for use for children in LMICs. There are key considerations when analysing potential application of these technologies to existing and emerging therapeutic needs for children. Some technologies are ready and available to use in an intervention today, while others will require further investigations. As a result, strategic interventions and investments in this area can be classified by opportunities in the short-term and in the long-term. There are near-term opportunities for the development of age-appropriate solid oral dosage forms including dispersible tablet formulations and oro-dispersible tablets. Also, suppositories and long-acting depot injectables offer potential alternatives and are gaining interest. Well established technologies for controlling and delaying release and for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs are all considered to provide near term opportunities. On the longer term, further evaluation of the safety and acceptability of some of the dosage forms and technologies in paediatric patients are required, as well as, the feasibility for cost-effective commercialisation. (i.e., oro-dispersible and buccal films, long acting implants, and needle-free injections).