Foamix, a developer of foaming agents for cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications, has announced the patenting of its OilGel, a product that is said to have a strong absorption and spreading properties for a variety of skin care applications.

Foamix says that it was granted the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the product at the end of November. This patent, titled ‘Pharmaceutical and cosmetic carrier or composition for topical application' covers the company's OilGel platform.

The Israel-based company has developed the delivery sytem to exhibit a semi-solid state upon standing, that then transforms to a liquid state once it is rubbed onto the skin or applied to eyes.

This property allows for application of pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations as a semi-solid, then by rubbing the composition onto the skin, it spreads on the surface and is rapidly absorbed. The company has developed the platform as a delivery system of medicated actives for the treatment of skin and eye diseases.

"OilGel has many benefits for both dermatological and ophthalmic applications. In direct contrast to the existing ointments on the market today, which require rubbing and are hard to apply over large areas, it spreads easily when applied to tissue surfaces, spreads and absorbs rapidly, and leaves the individual feeling more comfortable," said Foamix CEO Dr. Dov Tamarkin.

"It should also be noted that this platform expands the scope of Foamix's R&D possibilities from dermatology to other therapeutic areas. Eye infections and inflammations are now a preferred target. Ointments, that are currently used for eye treatment create a sticky feeling, blurred vision and cause major disturbances. By contrast, OilGel does not have this disadvantage and thus, treatment compliance will be improved," added Dr. Tamarkin.

The OilGel platform could also prove successful for a variety of liquid cosmetics, particularly skin care applications, that would benefit from being packaged as a solid. This could, for example, avoid spills and leaks when such products are being used on-the-go.

The on-the-go cosmetics category is a growing sector, with individuals increasingly using cosmetics in the office, at the gym and also taking a variety of products with them during the growing number of weekends away, business trips and holidays that individuals in Europe and the US now take.

Founded in 2003, Foamix has developed a variety of stable foams that aim to bring about controlled delivery of a variety of active ingredients for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. As they are emollient-based, they have the added bonus of not having to contain alcohol.

The company exhibited at this year's HBA exhibition in New York, where it was showcasing a variety of applications, including the OilGel platform, as well as its Dermafoamix, Cosmetofoamix and BabyFoamix delivery systems.