Drug Delivery Polymers

Transdermal Adhesives

Henkel’s DURO-TAK and GELVA acrylic adhesives have a long history of use on skin and desirable solubility characteristics for a wide range of drugs, making them the transdermal adhesives of choice for many applications. With over 20 acrylic copolymer adhesives to choose from offering a variety of chemical compositions and performance properties, you are sure to find a good match for your formulation. On the other end of the solubility spectrum, Henkel’s DURO-TAK polyisobutylene and styrenic rubber adhesives give formulators even further options. Henkel is also willing to explore customized adhesive compositions for you as we recognize the many challenges new drugs bring.

Choosing the right transdermal adhesive is crucial in achieving the desired efficacy for your patch. Drug flux, adhesive loading capacity, adhesive enhancer tolerance, system stability, skin compatibility, length of adhesive wear, and even appearance are all critical to commercial success.

Bioadhesives

Henkel’s proprietary PROLOC bioadhesive technology provides a superior means to deliver therapeutic agents locally and across mucosal membranes at various absorption sites. PROLOC bioadhesive nanoparticles provide increased bioadhesive properties and the capacity for higher drug loading, while remaining gentle to the mucosa. PROLOC bioadhesive gels are prepared by a proprietary process incorporating a USP-grade amylopectin (waxy maize) and a USP-grade carbomer.  Often used in skincare products, carbomers are bioadhesive polymers ideal for controlled and localized drug delivery.

The PROLOC system can be compressed into a tablet, utilized as a powder, or cast as a film. Several clinical trials have been performed to demonstrate the successful delivery of drugs across the mucosa or for local therapies using the PROLOC technology.

Acrylic Copolymer Adhesives

Acrylic copolymer adhesives offer excellent compatibility for a wide range of drugs making them an ideal choice for transdermal drug delivery systems. As a global leader in acrylic copolymer adhesives for drug delivery systems, Henkel has been an integral part of the transdermal adhesive market since its inception. The flexible nature of acrylic copolymer adhesives allows easy application, as well as moldability into specific shapes or spaces without causing skin irritation. Henkel’s years of experience and extensive portfolio of acrylic copolymer transdermal adhesives, as well customizable compositions means there is sure to be a product to meet your specific requirements.