title: Pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and performance of a novel matrix transdermal delivery system of fentanyl relative to the commercially available reservoir formulation in healthy subjects.
abstract: A novel transdermal formulation of fentanyl-containing dipropylene glycol droplets dispersed in a silicone matrix with a rate-controlling membrane was developed. Healthy male subjects (n = 24) received repeated 72-hour applications of fentanyl (50 mug/h) as the novel matrix and the conventional reservoir formulations in a randomized, 2-way crossover study. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of fentanyl were assayed using liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. The mean area under the curve (AUCtau) and peak concentrations (C(max)) of the matrix formulation were 84 838 pg.h/mL and 1680 pg/mL, respectively. Ratio and 90% confidence intervals of AUCtau and C(max) between the 2 formulations were within 80% to 125%. Adherence of the matrix formulation was higher than the reservoir formulation (62.5 vs 56.2%, P < .0001), without affecting skin irritation. Vital signs and adverse events of the 2 formulations were similar in nature and frequency. The novel matrix formulation displayed enhanced adherence and resulted in similar pharmacokinetics and tolerability as the reservoir formulation.
authors.affiliation: Nycomed, International Medical Affairs, Langebjerg 1, Postbox 88, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jean-Francois
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Marier
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lor
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Potvin
authors.forename: Marika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dimarco
authors.forename: Gaetano
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morelli
authors.forename: Eva Aggerholm
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Saedder
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl