Soft Gel Breakthrough: Expert Seeks Innovation In Malaria Treatment

Health/Wellness

Soft Gel Breakthrough: Expert Seeks Innovation In Malaria Treatment

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

Dr. Michael Obaro, a Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist and Malaria Scientist at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, has said that a new innovative approach to oral drug delivery – soft gel technology – promises to revolutionize malaria treatment in the country.

Obaro, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, made these remarks during the official launch of Coatal Forte Soft Gelatin Capsules—a formulation of artemether and lumefantrine by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited.

According to the INDEPENDENT, the event which took place during a presentation session at the 43rd annual international conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, and was attended by eminent pharmacists, nurses, doctors, and other dignitaries.

The expert noted that malaria, caused by the Plasmodium parasite transmitted through mosquito bites, affects millions annually, saying despite the availability of effective treatments, challenges such as drug resistance, poor patient adherence, and limited accessibility hinder the global fight against malaria.

He revealed that over 60 percent of Nigerians discontinue oral medications while undergoing treatment, which he said remains a significant barrier to effective malaria management.

According to him, soft gel capsules, known for their enhanced bioavailability and patient-friendly properties, are gaining attention in the pharmaceutical world, adding that, unlike traditional tablets, soft gels can improve drug absorption, ensure consistent dosing, and provide a stable medium for active ingredients.

“Soft gels facilitate quicker and more efficient absorption of antimalarial drugs, ensuring rapid therapeutic effects. Their ease of swallowing can lead to better adherence, particularly among children and the elderly. Additionally, they can protect sensitive drug compounds from degradation, maintaining their potency over time,” he said.

“The development of the soft gelatin capsule formulation is credited to Robert Pauli Scherer, an American inventor, and entrepreneur who developed the rotary die encapsulation process for manufacturing soft gel capsules in 1933. This innovation allowed for the mass production of soft gels, providing a reliable and efficient method to encapsulate liquid and semi-solid formulations within a gelatin shell,” he added.

Speaking on the launched product, Coatal Forte Soft Gelatin Capsules, he stressed that it is the most popular antimalarial gelatin formulation, containing Artemether 80 mg and Lumefantrine 480 mg, known for its high antimalarial safety and efficacy.

Furthermore, he noted that soft gel formulations can be marketed as a premium product due to positive consumer perception. “They can be taken without water, offer convenience for patients in areas where access to clean water may be limited, and include tamper-evident features, providing an additional layer of safety and trust for consumers.”

He explained that malaria thrives in areas with a regular flow of water or availability of water sources, poor environmental conditions, and large populations, saying medications alone cannot eliminate malaria in a country like Nigeria; mass treatment and a change in individual mindsets are also required.

Also speaking at the event, Pharm. Abimbola Bowoto, Assistant General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, and Pharm. Simeon Azubike Okechukwu, Assistant General Manager, Sales, described the Coatal Soft Gel as patient-friendly, accessible, affordable, and suitable for all ages.

They explained that the emergence of the product, which comes in two formulations— Coatal Gelatin Soft Gel 80/480 and 20/120—now provides patients with options, adding that it is capable of reducing non-compliance with medications by patients.

The duo emphasized that access to good quality drugs is crucial to patient survival and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the product, which is available in the Nigerian market.