Yet, today we often focus on the drug's pharmacology and miss just how radical these delivery systems can be. Certainly, there are good commercial reasons to develop innovative delivery systems. They may attract a premium price, offer a point of differentiation in crowded markets and extend product life cycle. Yet, these are more than marketing devices. They meet real clinical needs.
Compliance is notoriously poor among people with schizophrenia.
This innovative new formulation of the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine dissolves in the mouth. Zyprexa VeloTab, introduced by Eli Lilly should improve compliance among people who are either unable or reluctant to swallow a standard tablet and might be especially useful in the management of acute symptoms. Against this background, this tour can do little more than scratch the surface of drug delivery. Nevertheless, I hope it will illustrate just how innovative this area now is. We'll do this by mainly visiting sites hosted by a number of specialist delivery companies that develop the technology increasing used by large companies.