Ibuprofen Patch Delivers Pain Relief Through Your Skin

Story: Researchers have invented a medicinal, adhesive patch that can be directly placed onto the skin to deliver controlled doses of ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which works to reduce hormones that cause inflammation and pain in the body. It is also commonly used to reduce fever and treat pain or inflammation caused by many conditions such as headache, toothache, back pain, arthritis, menstrual cramps and minor injuries. There are a number of different companies that produce the drug in pill form, including Advil, Midol, Motrin, and Caldolor.

A new variation of the drug may soon be available, however, as Scientists from the University of Warwick are currently working to patent the world’s first ibuprofen patch. The patch is designed to deliver the drug consistently to the affected area, straight through the individual's skin.

While there are currently medicinal patches and gels available, this is the first one invented that allows for the delivery of medicine to be controlled. The patch also provides a much easier application: the company claims that it is also designed for better adhesion versus existing products on the market.

“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,” stated Professor David Haddleton, University of Warwick research chemist, in a press release. 

This new technology will also pave the way for the development of long-acting and easily accessible, over the counter pain relief products than can address common concerns such as chronic back pain, arthritis, and neuralgia. Furthermore, it has the distinct advantage of allowing users to avoid the potentially harmful side-effects of taking doses orally.