The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7378 p681
3 December 2005

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Flavours for dispensed medicines to be marketed

Flavorx, a US company that markets flavourings for dispensed medicines, is to try to expand its business into the UK.

The company is to meet several community pharmacy companies this month with a view to its flavourings being available in this country early next year for addition to medicines by pharmacists when they dispense them.

Flavorx says that market research has indicated demand in the UK for a solution to the problem of patients not taking medicines as prescribed because of their taste or smell.

In the US, the company markets 42 different flavours which it says are sugar-free, non-allergenic, dye-free, alcohol-free, sodium-free and so concentrated that only a few drops need to be added to any bottle of liquid medicine.

Kenny Kramm, president, Flavorx, said that none of the flavourings tastes like sweets so children cannot become confused over what is a sweet and what is a medicine.

However, some questions remain to be answered before the flavours can be used in the UK. Lynsey Balmer, head of professional ethics at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “The Society recognises the importance of initiatives to improve patient compliance. However, the implications for patients of adding flavours to medicines is something that will need careful consideration.”

A Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency spokesman added: “You can’t just add something to a medicine to change its flavour without approval from the MHRA. Flavour is part of the licensing agreement and you don’t know what chemicals are in the flavour mixture and how they will interact with the medicine.”

But the company does not see this as an absolute obstacle.

Ashton Maaraba, a Flavorx senior vice-president, said: “Prior to our initial launch, we will certainly be in full compliance with all UK regulatory bodies, such as the National Health Service and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. We think that this is of the utmost importance to stick to each country’s regulations and adapt the programme to meet the country’s guidelines.”