At the FDD Conclave 2025, Abhishek Ghongade, Deputy Sales Manager, and Chetan Chennur, Sales & Project Management, from Harro Höfliger gave a detailed presentation on advanced drug delivery formats.
The session focused on process nowhow and related equipment for transdermal and oral delivery systems and offered an overview of cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of patient-centric drug delivery.
Opening the session, the speakers highlighted the company’s holistic approach to lifecycle management, from product development to commercialsation, emphasising their expertise in oral dissolvable films (ODF) and transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS).
The presentation cited recent data noting that 16 APIs are currently delivered through FDA/EU-approved transdermal patches, with approximately 80 new systems under clinical trials. Of these, an estimated 16 products could secure FDA approval in the next two to three years. Examples of TTS patches discussed included fentanyl, buprenorphine, lidocaine (for pain relief), nitroglycerin (for post-surgical pain), hormonal contraceptives, nicotine patches for cessation therapy, and others for hypertension and depression.
These delivery systems continue to gain traction for their noninvasive nature, consistent drug release, and improved patient adherence. Switching focus to ODFs, they discussed this innovative dosage form designed to disintegrate or dissolve quickly in the mouth. ODFs are formulated using water-soluble polymers and can incorporate single or multiple APIs.
They offer flexible formulation options like taste masking and complex binding. Examples included vitamin strips, melatonin, Ashwagandha, B-complex, and even prescription products like Tadalafil ODF. The next spotlight was Harro Höfliger’s range of equipment, spanning R&D to commercial production. From lab-scale converters to advanced machines, the company offers scalable, modular systems.
The experts from Harro informed that the process lifecycle includes reverse engineering, permeation studies, coating, pouching, and technology transfer, underscoring an end-to-end manufacturing commitment.
The session concluded with an overview of their assembly technologies for drug-device combinations, pens, inhalers, diagnostics, and more, coupled with digital systems for traceability, validation, and anti-counterfeiting.