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Formulations and controlled release systems for volatile compounds
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Q&A
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Background

Current topical formulations for cough suppressants and analgesics typically rely on hydrophobic- or aqueous-based vehicles that provide limited scent intensity and short-duration aroma profiles. This is primarily due to rapid volatilization and instability of active scent compounds, which compromise therapeutic efficacy and user experience. There is a need for novel formulation chassis and advanced scent delivery technologies that enable enhanced scent intensity, prolonged duration, and uniform, stable release of volatile actives across various delivery systems for topical forms (ointment, stick, roll-on, cream, spray).  

 

Scent release is strongly influenced by formulation, as certain rheology modifiers can entrap aroma and fragrance oils, resulting in diminished scent intensity. High fragrance oil loading (>10%) poses additional challenges in water-based systems, often causing phase separation and compromising product stability, and may deliver initial strength without prolonged scent intensity. 

 

Successfully addressing fragrance entrapment and phase stability limitations will require integrated approaches that manage the inherent volatility and stability challenges of fragrance systems through controlled release, fixatives, and optimized carrier systems to achieve consistent, prolonged scent performance.

What we're looking for

We seek novel, cost-effective technologies that deliver enhanced scent intensity and prolonged duration within stable, uniform topical formulations. The goal is to achieve a superior aromatic profile compared to current leading cough suppressant and topical analgesic products across hydrophobic- and aqueous-based chassis in diverse formats/delivery systems (ointments, sticks, roll-ons, creams, sprays). While preference is given to commercially available solutions, scientifically validated laboratory innovations will also be considered.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Biodegradable polymers
  • Encapsulation/nanoencapsulation technologies
  • Hybrid aqueous-oil emulsions
  • Hydrophobic chassis
  • Modeling tools linking rheology to scent release
  • Natural or synthetic fixatives and stabilizers
  • Oil-in-water emulsions
  • Polymers
  • Smart delivery systems
  • Synergistic scent and functional enhancers
Our must-have requirements are:
  • Scientific rationale or evidence supporting formulation stability for 3 months at 40°C/75%RH containing >10% fragrance oil
  • Ready to test with a fragrance blend, or experimental data demonstrating the potential to increase scent intensity and duration while maintaining the intended scent profile relative to a benchmark
  • Safe for leave-on topical use
  • For ointment-based solutions, formulations should target a viscosity range of 80,000 - 100,000 centipoise
Our nice-to-have's are:
  • Compliant with US OTC Monograph on Cold, Cough, and/or Analgesic or cosmetic standards for topical products
  • Formula does not feel sticky or greasy when applied to skin
  • Formula does not foam and/or leave residue on skin (flakes, streaks, etc.)
  • Naturally-derived materials
  • Petrolatum-free chassis
  • Scalable in principle for over the counter (OTC) drug topicals
What's out of scope:
  • Solutions that are not safe for ages 2+
  • Solutions that are only conceptual without proven lab or pilot data
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 4-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Co-developmentLicensingSponsored researchSupply/purchase
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Funding for proof of concept studies may range from $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the proposal, with potential for follow-on funding based on results and scope alignment.
Expertise
Access to industry scientists experienced in process & formulation of topical products, sensorial science, and fragrance with regular technical discussions.
Tools and Technologies
Opportunities to evaluate concepts using relevant laboratory testing methods for stability, viscosity, and scent release/profile as well as expert sensory evaluation and even consumer testing.
Facilities and Services
Partners can send samples for on-site testing.
Compounds and Reagents
Partners may have access to fragrance compositions, compounds, and reagents to enable formulation development, optimization, and validation.
Data
Access to select data, benchmarks, and evaluation criteria, as appropriate and necessary to support development and validation efforts.
Market Access
Promising technologies will be evaluated for integration into commercial products or formulations, with potential for global deployment at significant scale.
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Deadline: July 10
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