Dow's foam-on-a-spoon may change the face of pediatric and geriatric drug delivery

SAN DIEGO Dow Chemical has announced a breakthrough in drug delivery technology, “foam on a spoon,” the first of its kind.

‘Foam-on-a-spoon’ may eliminate other medication hindrances (spills) and could make providing medication to the young and old quick and simple.

“A parent can deliver medicine to a child without worrying about spilling and staining associated with typical colored liquid medicines,” said Dow technical services leader Paul Sheskey in an interview. “The same is true for elderly patients and even pets that need medications.

“Foam-on-a-spoon was developed to aid the dispensing of liquid preparations. Dow scientists were looking for a fast dissolving drug delivery system that would be easier to administer to people with difficulty taking tablets and capsules.”

The foam-on-a-spoon—also known as FOAS—drug delivery technology works by incorporating air into a liquid formulation using a foam dispenser. “When a foamed formulation is dispensed onto a spoon, the yield stress imparts to the fluid a significant spill-resistance,” Sheskey said. “Typical uses would include analgesics, cough-cold preparations and allergy medications.”

The company uses a foam dispenser made by Rexam Airspray, which is currently used in many applications including hair, skin care, liquid soaps and sunscreens. Methylcellulose was used as the foaming agent, in-pharmatechnologist.com reported.

The U.S.-based company presented its findings at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists conference in San Diego last month.