Dr AV Gothoskar, Formulation Expert, Sigachi Industries, began his presentation by explaining about the WHO five-factor model of non-adherence. These are socioecomic factors (family/social support, employment status, treatment influence and cost of drugs); therapy-related factors (complexity of therapeutic regimen, duration/past failures and changes/adverse events); healthcare/system-related factors (access, unclear info—drug administration, poor relationship—provider to patient); condition-related factors (asymptomatic disease nature and disease severity); and patient-related factors (forgetfulness/beliefs, knowledge skills—inadequate, misunderstanding of instructions).
Further, speaking about multi-particulate drug delivery, he said that this process involves easy swallowability, reduced PK variability, fixed-dose combinations, choice of presentation, dose titration, dose proportionality and release modulation.
He then spoke about challenges related to geriatric patient centricity. “Swallowability is the major concern for geriatric patients,” he highlighted.
He also enlightened the audience about mini-tabs.
“These tablets have a diameter of 0.9 mm to 3.0 mm, and use many of the general principles of tableting, uses all the common excipients, and uses standardised equipment,” Gothoskar apprised.
He claimed that mini-tabs is the best approach to develop patient-centric drug delivery system. “Co-processed excipients are essential for mini-tabs, and Sigachi can be the formulation partner in the development of mini-tabs,” he informed.
He summed up his presentation by saying that adherence and acceptance on part of patient are essential to bridge the gaps in disease management and patient centricity is the guiding principle for product development.
Great work. Keep it up!!!!