IntelGenx Receives Patent for Topical Oral Film Technology

IntelGenx Corp., a leading oral drug delivery company primarily focused on the development and manufacturing of innovative pharmaceutical oral films based on its proprietary VersaFilm technology platform, recently announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued US Patent 9,668,970, titled Film Dosage Form with Extended Release Mucoadhesive Particles. The patent covers the design and manufacturing of topical oral films (TOF) for the local (topical) treatment of diseases of the oral mucosa using mucoadhesive particles. This proprietary technology is intended to provide sustained release of an active agent to a target area of the oral cavity and is useful for the topical treatment of oral diseases and conditions, such as gingivitis, buccal ulcers, canker sores, Sjögren’s syndrome, oral mucositis, and Behcet’s disease.

IntelGenx’ TOF has a unique mode of action. It facilitates the controlled release of an active agent to the buccal cavity and its transport through the oral mucosa, while avoiding the discomfort often associated with conventional long-lasting mucoadhesive films or tablets. The controlled release of an active agent for local action in the buccal cavity is achieved by providing an oral film in which small sized mucoadhesive particles containing the active agent are dispersed in a disintegrating film matrix. Upon administration in the oral cavity, the film quickly disintegrates and releases the mucoadhesive particles, which will bind to the oral mucosa. The active agent can be released from the mucoadhesive particles over a prolonged period of time as the mucoadhesive material slowly dissolves or erodes.

“This novel patented proprietary technology offers an easy to use and effective delivery system for the treatment of a variety of oral diseases,” said Horst G. Zerbe, CEO of IntelGenx. “We are confident that IntelGenx’ expanding intellectual property estate, including this newly issued patent, will provide our products with long-term market exclusivity. This is particularly important as industry awareness and acceptance of our VersaFilm oral film technologies and manufacturing techniques continues to grow.”

The market opportunity for treatments of oral disease and conditions is large and growing. For example, available data indicate that the global market for Sjögren’s Syndrome and oral mucositis treatments will reach approximately $2 billion in 2017, growing at a compound annual rate of 7.2% through to 2024, while the prevalence of mouth ulcers is already very high, with approximately 15%-30% of the global population currently affected. With the issuance of this new patent, IntelGenx intends to seek potential commercialization partners for TOF products in the United States.

Established in 2003, IntelGenx is a leading oral drug delivery company primarily focused on the development and manufacturing of innovative pharmaceutical oral films based on its proprietary VersaFilm technology platform. IntelGenx’ highly skilled team provides comprehensive pharmaceuticals services to pharmaceutical partners, including R&D, analytical method development, clinical monitoring, IP, and regulatory services. IntelGenx’ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, established for the VersaFilm technology platform, supports lab-scale to pilot and commercial-scale production, offering full-service capabilities to its clients. For more information, visit www.intelgenx.com.