The First Naloxone Buccal Film for Opioid Overdose

In 2021, More than eighty thousand people have died from opioid overdose in the US alone. While the opioid overdose epidemic remains a major social issue in the U.S., several nasal sprays and intramuscular injections have been marketed for the emergency blocking of opioids when overdosed. Still, current treatments are all bulky medical devices that are not easy to carry and hence hinder their availability when an emergency occurs.

Bringing together TAHO's transmucosal delivery platform with the life-saving medication, TAHO scientists developed the first naloxone buccal film. The buccal film can be easily applied to the patient's cheek and block the opioid in the OD patient within minutes. The minimal dimensions of a film make it easy to carry for everyday carry.