Scientists in Canada and Ireland are working on a new method of drug delivery that could eliminate the need for painful injections. Buccal delivery uses a device similar to an asthma inhaler to deliver drugs to the mouth where they are absorbed by the mucous membranes of the cheeks and tongue. The device will enable doctors to give patients drugs that need to be delivered straight into the bloodstream in order to avoid being metabolised by enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. The first application of the new technology is an insulin spray for diabetics. The product is expected to be available by 2003-2004.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by http://onhealth.webmd.com on the 5th January
