Foams with Function: Advancing Topical Drug Delivery Through Formulation Innovation

Topical therapies are uniquely positioned to deliver targeted treatment with minimal systemic exposure, but translation from lab efficacy to real-world effectiveness is frequently limited by formulation and delivery challenges. Problems such as chemical and physical instability, inconsistent dosing, poor aesthetic properties and difficult application can reduce adherence and impact clinical outcomes. However, when methodically formulated, engineered and packaged, foams and advanced semi-solid dispersions can successfully overcome many of these limitations. This whitepaper outlines how foam formulations and optimised packaging systems, including a novel Bagon-Valve (BoV) patented technology and aerosols, can improve stability, dosing uniformity, patient adherence and market differentiation. By reviewing scientific trade-offs, such as solubilization versus suspension, particle engineering and excipient strategies, topical drug delivery developers can achieve foams with both performance and pleasing sensory attributes. Container–closure systems are equally important, as they protect product integrity and enable precise dispensing throughout the product life cycle, thereby strengthening regulatory and commercial positioning.