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Lingual Thin Films

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Ultra-thin oral thin films offer tailored dosing and discrete drug delivery. OTFs benefit treatment administration and improve compliance in pediatric, geriatric, veterinary, and challenged patient populations.

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BROCHURE

Specifications

  • Thickness: 50–200 microns
  • Custom Sizes: 2–5 cm²
  • Dissolution: 5–30 seconds, tailored release
  • Aqueous and solvent-based systems
  • Safe, GRAS excipients
  • API compatibility with single or 
multi-layer options
  • Long-term stability for reliable storage

Single or Multi-Layer For API Stability

Customizable release times

Fast Disintegration For Quick Release

Drug Matrix

Thin Film

Specifications

  • Thickness: 50–200 microns
  • Custom Sizes: 2–5 cm²
  • Dissolution: 5–30 seconds, tailored release
  • Aqueous and solvent-based systems
  • Safe, GRAS excipients
  • API compatibility with single or 
multi-layer options
  • Long-term stability for reliable storage

How it Works

Our thin films deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through a dissolvable matrix. Activated by saliva, the film is placed on the tongue and releases the drug quickly to be easily swallowed and absorbed in the GI tract.

Place on the tongue.

The film dissolves, releasing the drug into the GI tract.

Tailored release for optimal therapeutic results.

Benefits for Your Patient

Oral thin films are an easy, discreet way to take medicine.

  • No swallowing needed
  • Discrete and comfortable
  • Fast disintegration for quick relief
  • Great taste with flavor masking
  • Portable and perfect for all ages

CAPABILITIES

From feasibility to full-scale production, ARx offers end-to-end solutions for oral thin film products.
Our team is dedicated to your project’s success, every step of the way.

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Curious about how oral thin films stack up against other delivery systems? 
Discover the advantages and find the right solution for your formulation needs.

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FAQs

Lingual thin films can deliver a variety of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. They are particularly effective for drugs that benefit from rapid onset, buccal or sublingual absorption, or controlled release. APIs with poor water solubility are also suitable for this innovative delivery method.

A specialized API delivery method, like lingual thin films, can improve how effectively your drug works, making it easier for patients to take and set your product apart in the market. It allows for better bioavailability, tailored pharmacokinetics, improved safety profile, and solutions for specific patient needs, like those with trouble swallowing pills or challenging metabolisms.

Depending on factors such as solubility, stability, and absorption requirements, many drugs can be successfully delivered via lingual thin films. A feasibility study can determine if this format is suitable for your API, and advancements in formulation technology allow even challenging APIs to be adapted to this delivery method.

Depending on the formulation, lingual thin films dissolve in as little as 5 to 30 seconds. This rapid disintegration ensures fast absorption, making them ideal for drugs requiring immediate therapeutic action. The dissolution time can be customized to meet specific therapeutic needs, whether for quick relief or sustained release.

Oral thin films offer several key benefits compared to tablets and capsules:

  • No water required—can be taken anytime, anywhere
  • Fast-acting—immediate onset of action
  • Enhanced bioavailability—direct absorption into the GI tract
  • Easy to use—great for those with difficulty swallowing
  • Discreet and portable—convenient for on-the-go administration

Yes, lingual thin films significantly improve patient compliance by eliminating the need for swallowing pills. They can be formulated with taste-masking technology to improve the flavor of bitter drugs, making them more palatable. Their discreet, fast-dissolving nature offers a convenient and comfortable solution for patients of all ages.

Lingual thin films can accommodate various APIs, including those with solubility or bioavailability challenges. They can be formulated with single or multi-layer systems to protect sensitive APIs while ensuring efficient absorption through the buccal or sublingual membranes. APIs intended for systemic or localized delivery are ideal for this format.

Lingual thin films enhance bioavailability by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and allowing drugs to be absorbed directly through the buccal or sublingual membranes. This direct absorption minimizes first-pass liver metabolism, resulting in faster and more efficient therapeutic effects, especially for fast-acting medications.
Lingual thin films comprise Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) excipients, ensuring safety, stability, and compatibility with APIs. Common excipients include film-forming polymers, plasticizers, and taste-masking agents, which help create flexible, dissolvable films that are easy to use and swallow.

Yes, lingual thin films are highly customizable to meet the needs of different patient populations. For example:

  • Pediatric formulations with smaller doses or improved taste
  • Geriatric-friendly films for easy administration without swallowing
  • Custom dissolution profiles for controlled release and optimal absorption
ARx offers a comprehensive, end-to-end process for developing lingual thin films, from initial prototype creation to full-scale manufacturing. Our services include formulation development, analytical method creation, process optimization, clinical trial production, and regulatory support. We collaborate closely with clients to ensure all regulatory standards are met and the product achieves market success.
Lingual thin films are designed for stability but require proper storage to maintain product integrity. They should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. ARx develops customized stability protocols to ensure long-term shelf life and product safety.

Let’s Collaborate On Your OTF Needs

Questions about our transmucosal options? Curious about application for your therapeutic area? Talk to our experts today about your needs.

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