Over the last ten years there has been a particular interest in delivering drugs via the buccal/transmucosal route. This route offers

(i) a very fast and direct systemic bioavailability

(ii) thus avoiding the hepatic first-pass effect and degradation in the gastrointestinal tract,

(iii) a relatively permeable mucosa with a rich blood supply,

(iv) ease of administration,

(v) high patient acceptance for administration into the oral cavity,

(vi) and safe administration since the virtual lack of Langerhans cells makes the oral mucosa tolerant to potential allergens.

With the development of this new drug delivery technology, MIKA Pharma GmbH has gained many additional strategic opportunities to develop innovative products, such as fast-acting pain relievers.