Background: The aim of this project was to assess the potential role of an innovative, cross-linked, semi-solid dosage form as a means of topical drug delivery to acute lacerations.

Aim: The objectives of the project were to formulate and evaluate a number of semi-solid dosage forms clinically, which have a range of viscosities and have been specifically designed to allow them to reside in, achieve intimate contact with, and be removed cleanly from a laceration that requires suturing.

Methods: This trial was conducted in a busy urban Emergency Medicine (EM) department. All adult patients that presented to the EM department with a laceration were invited to enrol in the study. The study population consisted of 25 adults, older than 18 years, who had a laceration which required anaesthesia before repair.

Results: In this pilot study of formulation suitability, formulation III was shown to have the most appropriate physical characteristics for use in the treatment of lacerations.

Conclusion: It has been shown that an innovative, cross-linked, semi-solid dosage form has the properties to be used for the potential topical delivery of drug substances into lacerations.

Conflict of interest: None.