Topical Drug Delivery
Topical medicines come in a huge variety of forms: from gels, lotions and creams to liquids and powders. They are applied in different ways to many regions of the body, creating a diverse range of usability considerations.
Yet all too often, the packaging and application aids that topical medicines are supplied with are basic, generic and uninspiring. They take little account of the specific challenges of the patient population or the condition that is being treated.
Opportunities to win
There are significant opportunities in the area of topical drug delivery to differentiate and achieve great outcomes for patients.
We can help build understanding of patients’ needs and the challenges they will face applying your medicine. Leveraging these insights, our engineering and design teams have a proven track record of developing effective device solutions that deliver topical medicines and other personal care products more cost effectively, with better control, more comfort and less mess.
Digital medicine platforms
At DCA, we are experts at integrating the electronics and software needed to make devices work effectively and efficiently within growing digital ecosystems.
Part of a range of connected drug delivery devices, the Aptar cDermal (pictured) is able to monitor and connect a number of Aptar’s popular dermal pump systems to a smart app for processing and displaying usage data.
This information enables a range of app based features, which can provide valuable insights to healthcare professionals and support the user in their treatment. This is intended to encourage engagement and better compliance, ultimately focussed on improving patient outcomes.
DCA worked with Aptar to develop a connected platform, here embodied in cDermal, a device that is discrete, reliable and simple to use.
Ultra-high volumes
Creating devices that can be manufactured efficiently in high volume is complex. It brings a vast array of design constraints that require significant know-how and an intense focus on detail to navigate successfully. This is an area where we bring a wealth of experience, gained across the development of multiple successful drug delivery platforms and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).
A great example is our detailed engineering design for LYNX / AXE body spray. Few complex FMCG products are made in higher volumes, yet this one also pushes boundaries to provide a unique, sophisticated user experience.
To conceive a pack intended to create a sense of magic and delight for the consumer is one thing. To engineer this sensory experience for the user in an ultra-high volume, low cost product is where the ‘magic’ is delivered.
More sustainable
APS MiniMist is an innovative alternative to traditional aerosols and other spray dispensers. It produces a continuous fine spray without any chemical propellants, resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint than aerosol products, whilst remaining cost-competitive. DCA created the detailed design and developed fully functional pre-production demonstrators of this ground-breaking new product for APS.
MiniMist’s spray characteristics and visual design are easily customisable to suit different brands and product categories.
The world is looking for more innovative solutions that help us lower our carbon footprint, whilst delivering on our needs.
Brand-led design
We have helped to create visual brand language (VBL) strategies for some of the world’s leading companies in healthcare and FMCG.
Products and their packaging are often the most important way in which brand values are communicated to consumers, so it is essential that the messages are clear and consistent.
When creating a VBL, we translate a brand’s unique values and personality into tangible elements that can be embodied in product design, such as form, detail, material and colour. We create VBL guidelines to equip brand managers with powerful tools to brief their design projects, to inspire, and to evaluate the success of a design in expressing core attributes and ideas.
Controlled delivery
We are experts at developing refined devices for controlled delivery of drugs, as well as healthcare and beauty products. Our world-class engineering and design teams work together to create complete product designs, or independently on standalone aspects.
Veet Easywax (pictured) is an innovative, precision electrical roll on wax applicator for hair removal. DCA worked with RB to develop 3D brand language for Veet. Our work in support of the detailed execution of this design language has helped to create a range of highly commercially successful products.
Helping our clients achieve success through great product design
