Introduction

Transdermal technology has been used to deliver drugs passively through the skin for many years and has enjoyed commercial success in a number of fields including pain, motion sickness and smoking cessation.  A notable example of passive delivery is the nicotine patch.  However, passive transdermal delivery has limitations with regard to depth, rate and dose of delivery, variability in delivery from subject to subject and the types of drugs that can be administered. 

In contrast, so-called "active" transdermal delivery technologies (which utilize an external energy source to drive the drug through the skin) have the potential to deliver a wider range of drugs in a controlled, reproducible manner at higher doses than possible with passive delivery.

Dharma’s Iontophoretic Drug Delivery System (IDDS) has the potential to actively deliver a variety of drugs, at controlled rates and for defined durations.

What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is the process of using electric current to actively drive charged molecules through the skin into the body.  It facilitates the exciting prospect of needle-free and pain-free drug delivery.  Because drug delivery correlates with the electric current applied, the amount and rate of drug delivery can be accurately controlled and monitored.  This results in superior control of a non-invasive drug delivery system compared with many other delivery technologies. 

Using our expertise in drug formulations and device engineering, we have developed and demonstrated, in preclinical models, the efficient and effective delivery of opiates, amide-type local anesthetics, corticosteroids, NSAIDS and other molecules that traditionally do not permeate the skin barrier in therapeutic amounts. 

Dharma's technology has applicability in a wide number of disease indications such as pain, nausea, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and inflammation.

In summary, we think Dharma is well positioned for substantial market share in the transdermal area.  Our technology is being developed to achieve the following objectives:

• Fast onset of drug action
• Extended duration of delivery
• Convenience
• Foundation for custom product development