The clinical stage specialty pharmaceutical company Foamix Ltd. has announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has granted the company a new patent, “Foamable Vehicle and Pharmaceutical Compositions Thereof.”
The new patent relates to “a broad platform of pharmaceutical and cosmetic carrier foam formulations, which are water-free or can contain small amounts of water,” according to news reports. In addition, the platform “is not only useful for delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients that are stable in water but the unique water-free formulations of the technology enable the delivery water-sensitive drugs thereby facilitating the development of innovative topical medications.”
According to Dr. Dov Tamarkin, CEO of Foamix, “This is the 15th US patent we have received and together with our other patents support the development of new dermatological products and further strengthens our IP position in the world of foam.”
The waterless products under the new patent for Foamix are part of the company’s wide array of waterless technology platforms. These platforms provide significant advantages in the dermatology market, according to news reports, including:
“Stability: Foamix's new waterless foam technological platform enables the company to include water-sensitive drugs and cosmetic active agents, such as, corticosteroids, steroid hormones, antibiotics, immunomodulators and vitamins in foam formulations and offers treatment that reaches the target area directly.
Solubility: The waterless foam technology uses hydrophilic pharmaceutical solvents, which can solubilize hard-to-dissolve active ingredients; thus increasing their bioavailability. Better solubility can contribute to improved penetration of active agents into the skin.
Self-preservation: Microorganisms require water to grow and reproduce. The water-free foam formulations are hygroscopic and can prevent the growth of bacteria, molds and fungi during storage. Thus, these water-free foams do not require the inclusion of preservatives.
Usability: Water-free topical formulations are primarily ointments, which can be thick and greasy and require extensive rubbing for efficient topical application. In contrast, foams are structurally soft, easy to apply and spread readily onto the skin.”
According to news reports, Foamix has 49 granted patents worldwide, including 15 patents in the United States, and more than 120 pending patent applications.
For more information, please visit www.foamix.co.il.
