Battelle-Licensed Technology Holds Potential for Innovative Drug Delivery System

A technology known as electrohydrodynamics (EHD) developed at Battelle serves as the platform for a new aerosol-based drug delivery system that could replace IVs in the administering of certain medications. The technology, called Opt-EFX, is being commercialized through Columbus-based Optivar LLC and The Incubation Factory. Researchers say Opt-EFX more efficiently and evenly deposits drugs throughout patients’ lungs than traditional IVs or dry-powder inhalers. The device has been through some Phase I clinical trials. Optivar is now planning design testing followed by work in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry to determine which drugs should be used to begin further trials. The device is being considered for treatment of pulmonary problems, pain management and hormone-replacement therapy.