Expert advocates for soft gel formulations to combat malaria
........As Geneith launches coatal forte soft gelatin capsules
By Chioma Obinna
A Consultant Clinical Pharmacologist and Malaria Scientist at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, Dr Michael Obaro, has said that a new innovative approach to oral drug delivery—soft gel technology— will revolutionise malaria treatment in Nigeria.
Obaro spoke at the official launch of Coatal Forte Soft Gelatin Capsules—a formulation of artemether and lumefantrine by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited on the sideline of the 43rd annual international conference of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) in Oyo State.
The Pharmacologist 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.
Obaro, who is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State revealed that over 60 per cent of Nigerians discontinue oral medications while undergoing treatment, which he said remains a significant barrier to effective malaria management.
He said 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.
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, Assistant General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited, Pharm. Abimbola Bowoto and the Assistant General Manager, Sales, Pharm. Simeon Okechukwu 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 20/12 now provides patients with options, adding that it is capable of reducing non-compliance with medications by patients.
The duo emphasised 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.
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/07/expert-advocates-for-soft-gel-formulations-to-combat-malaria/