Novel delivery platforms for OTC allergic rhinitis relief | Medicine

Novel delivery platforms for OTC allergic rhinitis relief

Background
What we're looking for
What we can offer you
Who we are
Q&A

Have questions about this request?

Get them answered by the team at Haleon.

Background

Allergic rhinitis—triggered by airborne irritants such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander—causes congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, and ocular itching that disrupt sleep and productivity. Current over-the-counter options (oral antihistamines, decongestants, intranasal sprays) can be slow to act, sedating, or difficult to use consistently, leading to poor adherence and sub-optimal control. Advances in drug formulation, digital health, and materials science create an opportunity to reinvent consumer-friendly therapies that combine rapid, durable efficacy with personalized guidance, minimal side effects, and environmentally responsible design.

What we're looking for

We are looking for technology-driven OTC solutions that deliver rapid, sustained relief from allergic rhinitis while improving user adherence, safety, and overall experience.

Solutions of interest include:

Muco-adhesive nasal mists or gels
Rapid-dissolving oral films/tablets with non-sedating antihistamines
Skin or nasal micro-patches enabling timed trans-mucosal delivery
Dry-powder or soft-mist inhalers targeting the upper airway only
Drug-free barrier sprays or nasal filters with proven allergen blocking
AI-enabled mobile apps for symptom tracking & dose reminders
Wearable or IoT sensors that link pollen counts to adaptive dosing
Modular platforms that allow easy add-on of new actives or data services
Portable vibrating-mesh nebulizers for targeted nasal deposition

Our must-have requirements are:

Clinically supported onset of action ≤15 min and duration ≥8 hr
Demonstrated or strongly reasoned safety profile for adolescent (13+) and adult use
User-friendly design enabling accurate self-administration in ≤3 steps

Our nice-to-have's are:

Manufacturable at a commercial scale
Non-drowsy
Refillable, propellant-free devices using plant-based or PCR plastics
Demonstrated or strongly reasoned pediatric safety

What's out of scope:

Prescription-only biologics or allergen immunotherapy regimens
Systemic corticosteroid products requiring medical supervision
Invasive implantable or surgically placed devices
Solutions dependent on cold-chain distribution or single-use propellants
Complex medical devices that are difficult to use at home
Technologies requiring health care provider supervision

Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):

Levels 4-9

What we can offer you

Eligible partnership models:

Sponsored researchLicensingSupply/purchaseCo-development

Benefits:

Sponsored Research

Funding is proposal-dependent, starting with a proof-of-concept project that has the potential for expansion based on results and opportunities. The funding range is typically from $25,000 to $100,000 for a six-month project.

Expertise

We also offer the expertise of our team of scientists for collaboration and guidance during the project’s development. Possible partnerships with us include, but are not limited to, sponsored research, joint development, supply, consulting, and licensing.

Who we are

Our global team is dedicated to developing and collaborating on future-facing, scientifically proven, consumer-focused innovations and technologies. We believe that true innovation comes from collaboration and partnerships with start-ups, academia, health tech pioneers, and innovators.

Haleon has a strong portfolio of consumer health brands and plays a vital role for people all around the world, in a sector that is growing and more relevant than ever. We have five brand categories: Oral Health, Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements(VMS), Pain, Respiratory & Digestive. Our trusted brands like Sensodyne, Advil, Centrum & Voltaren improve the lives of millions globally.

Learn more

Reviewers

Clotilde Aubertin

External Innovation Director

Matteo Gasbarri

External Innovation Senior Scientist

Leela Ganesh

Innovation Ecosystem Lead

Bikash Rajkarnikar

Innovation Ecosystem Lead

Q&A with Haleon

The Q&A is now closed.

Sort by:

Whether early-stage applications (e.g., IND or exploratory partnerships) require preliminary human data to justify the proposed onset/duration and safety profile?

Guochen Han, Postdoctoral Scientist, China Pharmaceutical University

June 12, 2025

Dear Guochen, Thank you for your question. We are open to explore early-stage proposals supported by validation in lab setting. Any preliminary data on human would be more than welcome to justify specific onset/safety profile, but are not required. I would recommend going ahead and submitting your proposal with the preliminary details you have produced. We will review all entries together with our experts. Thanks again for your interest—we’re looking forward to learning more about your idea!

Matteo Gasbarri, External Innovation Senior Scientist, Haleon

June 18, 2025

Is this response helpful?

Our team is developing a novel CBD-based nasal rinse to treat chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) using its targeted anti-inflammatory properties, mediated by the endocannabinoid system. Promising results in murine models show significant reductions in eosinophilic inflammatory markers. We believe our CBD nasal rinse’s fundamental anti-inflammatory mechanism and local delivery system could be applicable to other sinonasal inflammatory conditions, including allergic rhinitis. Does an innovation targeting broader sinonasal inflammation, with potential for OTC development and a novel mechanism like ours, would be eligible within this RFS scope?

Mehdi Nouraei, Research Associate, Micellae Delivery Systems Inc.

June 11, 2025

Dear Mehdi, Thank you for your comment, and we really appreciate your interest in submitting a proposal for this brief. We would be very keen to assess such solution, targeting broader sino-nasal inflammation, based on CBD. I would recommend going ahead and submitting your proposal with preliminary details about your project. Once the submission period closes, we will review all entries together with our experts. Thanks again for your interest—we’re looking forward to learning more about your idea!

Matteo Gasbarri, External Innovation Senior Scientist, Haleon

June 18, 2025

Is this response helpful?

View the details of this request and connect directly with corporate R&D teams at Fortune 500 companies.

Share partnering request

Complete

Refine recommendations

Is this request relevant to you?

Eligible partners

Academic researchersStartupsSuppliers

Seeking partners focused on

AllergiesArtificial IntelligenceBiochemistryBiological ComplexityBiological Fluid DynamicsBiomimeticsBiomolecular ProcessesBiopharmaceuticsBiophysicsBiosystems

36 more