Technological validation of a platform for intradermal drug delivery

• Grant number: 22/13741-8
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Agreement: SEBRAE-SP
• Principal Investigator: Maíra Peres Ferreira Duarte
• Grantee: Maíra Peres Ferreira Duarte
• Company: Souza P&D Farmacêutico Ltda
• CNAE: Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: Ribeirão Preto
• Associated research grant: 22/06580-8 - Development of polymeric microneedles for treatment of melasma, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/05542-8 - In vitro and ex vivo performance studies of intradermal products for technological validation, BP.TT

Abstract

This project consists of the technological validation of parts of a drug delivery platform for intradermal release of drugs aimed at pain management in companion animals. Brazil has the second-largest population of pets in the world, with approximately 54.2 million dogs and 23.9 million cats. Pain is reported to occur in approximately 80% of clinical situations and in 100% of surgeries. The combination of different classes of analgesic drugs allows the veterinarian to optimize pain management, being opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) the most prescribed. However, some such as the reduced number of products available, the difficulty in administering oral challenges, the need for repeated administration throughout the day, and the late onset of action of some drugs, are associated with the difficulty of analgesia in these animals. In this context, polymeric microneedles are a promising method of intradermal drug delivery for pain control in companion animals, as it facilitates administration and improves adherence and effectiveness of treatments, reducing the stress and discomfort caused to the animal. With this project, it will be possible to validate whether our drug delivery platform is suitable for animal application, validating its feasibility, bioavailability and safety for dogs and cats, in a real world situation. At the end of the validation with the partner, we will obtain a proof of concept that our drug delivery platform allows the intradermal release of drugs in dogs and/or cats, in a viable, simple and reproductive way. In this way, it will increase our market of operation and provide us with more robust data, increasing the chances of Próderme R&D being successful in its intended market. (AU)