FAQ

What are the benefits of choosing 3M transdermal technology?
3M has a long history of adhesive technology and manufacturing capabilities. This expertise combined with our pharmaceutical development experience and formulation technology allows us to customize the adhesive for each compound. It’s this culture of innovation and focus on customer success that led to our groundbreaking drug-in-adhesive technology platform.

How can I determine if my drug can be delivered transdermally?
With its systemic delivery, transdermal systems are often ideal for potent pharmaceuticals with short half-lives where sustained delivery is preferred, and drugs with high first pass metabolism when given orally. 3M utilizes a multi-disciplined approach to assess the feasibility of delivering your molecule transdermally, ascertain the necessary facets for system development, determine the most suitable component materials and create a strategy for commercial scale-up all in a compressed timeline. Please visit our Partnering page for more details or, for a personal consultation with a 3M Drug Delivery Systems Program Manager, click on Contact Us.

How does transdermal delivery improve efficacy?
Transdermal systems steadily release a drug over a period of time, controlling concentrations in the blood and decreasing dosage peaks and troughs. For many drugs, this helps increase efficacy while decreasing the incidence of side effects.

How does transdermal delivery decrease the incidence of adverse events?
Transdermal delivery enables drugs to be delivered systemically, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and avoiding the first pass metabolism of the drug in the liver. Since first pass liver metabolism is avoided, lower doses of medication can be used, typically resulting in fewer side effects. Patches can also eliminate the personnel and equipment resources required for intravenous infusion, reducing the potential for disease transmission and site infection associated with these delivery methods.

How can transdermal delivery improve compliance?
Patches are convenient. With the simple, single self-application of a patch, patients receive medication without the hassle of trying to comply with a multiple pill per day regimen and without the trauma or fear associated with an injection.

If you have additional questions or would like more information about specific 3M Drug Delivery Systems or services, please contact us.