Novartis Consumer Health launches first medicine in 'thin film' form

US-based Novartis Consumer Health is set to launch an OTC multi-symptom cough/cold treatment in a convenient thin film form that melts on the tongue.

The breakthrough delivery mechanism is meant to be easy to administer providing fast, accurate dosing that is expected to increase compliance, particularly among children.

Thin Strips will be used in line extensions of two popular Novartis OTC brands: Theraflu and Triaminic. Theraflu Thin Strips treat the most common symptoms of a cold in adults and children 12 and older and will be available in two cherry-flavoured treatment options: Long Acting Cough that quiets coughs for up to eight hours, and Multi-Symptom that, as well as quieting coughs, provides temporary relief from a runny nose and sneezing, and soothes itchy, watery eyes and throat.

Triaminic Thin Strips, for children ages 6-12, will also be available in two treatment options: Long Acting Cough that quiets coughs for up to eight hours, in cherry flavour, and Cough & Runny Nose, in grape flavour.

'The OTC business unit of Novartis Consumer Health has more than 40 years of experience deliver-ing innovative self-medication treatments that address consumers' demands for convenience and compliance,' said Jeff Vernimb, vice president, marketing, Novartis OTC, North America. 'Novartis' Thin Strips continue this tradition of innovation by applying this novel technology with proven effective active ingredients, making drug delivery more flexible and convenient than other delivery methods.'