Chris Newmarker

June 15, 2016

2 Min Read
3M's Super Diverse World of Medtech Patch Backings

Who knew that there would be so many types of backings for transdermal drug delivery patches? 3M was touting a wide array at MD&M East in New York City.

Chris Newmarker

3M Co. has decades of experience with transdermal drug delivery patches, back to the creation of the first seven-day drug-release patch. 

The company was touting a huge variety patch backings at MD&M East in New York City this week. Their backings include a range of occlusivity, patient comfort, and cosmetic appearance. (You can still check out 3M at Booth #1339 on Thursday, June 16--the final day of MD&M East in New York City.)

Marketed under brand names including Scotchpak and CoTran, there are more rigid polyester and polyethylene backings and more stretchy polyurethane backings to meet various needs. Generally, the backing is the top layer visible to the patient. During the patch manufacturing process, it is placed on top of the skin-touching liner and drug-containing adhesive placed on top, 3M explains in an e-book about transdermal components.

There are also a wide variety of colors, ranging from translucent to opaque. Perhaps it is important for a caregiver or patient to verify a drug is being delivered, making translucent a good option. Or opaque might be better because it makes it easier to locate the patch, or hides the unpleasing color of the pharmaceutical contained in the patch. 

Check out a Qmed video about the variety of patch backings at the 3M booth:

Chris Newmarker is senior editor of Qmed and MPMN. Follow him on Twitter at @newmarker.

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