Oral film technology: a perspective on translational research and clinical studies

In recent days, the prerequisite for effective and innovative drug delivery has increased and so the oral film technology (OFT) arena is being explored extensively. Oral films rapidly dissolve and are adsorbed in the buccal cavity; thereby, the incorporated therapeutic agent(s) in them are delivered into the systemic circulation and overcome the first-pass effect. It also uplifts the efficacy and bioavailability of therapeutics with minimal or no toxicity. Owing to its simpler mode of administration, patient compliance is increased even in non-cooperative and bedridden patients in comparison to conventional solid and liquid dosage forms. The present review provides an overview of the benefits and shortcomings of oral film technologies, anatomy, physiology of the oral cavity, and the transport and mucoadhesion mechanisms of the drug through the oral mucosa. This review also highlights the different components supporting drug delivery by oral films, the various production methods of oral films, and clinical trials along with commercial films available in the market. Graphical abstract Oral films based drug delivery improves the bioavailability of challenging drugs