Technology
How does transdermal drug delivery work?
The skin is an extremely effective barrier membrane. The epidermis - the skin's tough outer layer - prevents most molecules, gels, lotions and liquids from entering the bloodstream through the skin. Composed of dead keratin-rich cells and a lipid matrix, the outermost layer of skin is called the stratum corneum. The tight bonds between the cells of the stratum corneum make the structure almost impermeable.
ASCEND's technology allows for transdermal absorption of drugs through this barrier, using a proprietary combination of alcohol, water and a user-friendly permeation enhancer to temporarily loosen the intra-cellular bonds of the stratum corneum. This creates a channel through which the drug can enter the skin. Once the gel dries, the cell bonds tighten again, reforming the barrier membrane and trapping the drug in the skin. The skin's lower layers, the epidermis and dermis, then act as a reservoir, dispensing the drug into the bloodstream over time and delivering constant steady-state plasma levels.
Why are some drugs not suited for oral delivery?
Drugs delivered orally are processed by the liver before getting into systemic circulation; this is called first-pass metabolism. During this first-pass metabolism, certain drugs are rendered inert and unavailable to the body. Other problems with oral deliveries include side effects due to systemic exposure to the drug. From gastrointestinal sensitivity to liver toxicity, some orally-delivered drugs produce side effects that are either intolerable or too dangerous. Finally, oral drug delivery results in variable drug concentrations in the bloodstream and throughout the body. For therapeutic treatments that require steady-state drug concentration, oral delivery can produce less efficient results than steady and constant drug delivery through the skin.
What are the Advantages of Transdermal Delivery?
ASCEND's exclusive EHG™ technology avoids first-pass metabolism by the liver. Transdermal delivery can provide an improved safety profile and improved efficacy. Transdermal delivery can also provide improved bioavailability and sustained, or steady-state, pharmacokinetics. When therapies are delivered transdermally, side effects can be reduced. There can be fewer drug-drug interactions, and scheduling and dosing can potentially be improved. The convenience of transdermal delivery often results in improved patient compliance and improved patient acceptance of a therapy.
Patches versus Gels
EHG™ Technology creates an "invisible patch," by enhancing the penetration of the active ingredient into the skin and allowing the skin itself to become the reservoir of drug release. Unlike physical transdermal patches, which can cause skin irritation and often must be concealed, EHG™ gels are fast-drying (usually in under 2 minutes), invisible after application, non-greasy and can easily be incorporated into daily hygiene habits.