UK researchers patent first ibuprofen patch

Researchers in the UK have patented the world’s first ibuprofen patch which delivers pain relief directly through the skin.

The University of Warwick research team joined forces with Coventry-based bioadhesives company Medherant, to produce a transparent patch that can consistently deliver a prolonged high dose painkiller ibuprofen directly through the skin.

Professor David Haddelton, research chemist at the university, said: “Our technology now means that we can for the first time produce patches that contain effective doses of active ingredients such as ibuprofen for which no patches currently exist. Our success in developing this breakthrough patch design is not limited to ibuprofen. We have also had great results testing the patch with methyl salicylate which is used in liniments, gels and some leading commercial patches.”