Children's Preferences for Oral Dosage Forms and Their Involvement in Formulation Research via EPTRI (European...

Area of Science:

• Paediatric Pharmacology
• Formulation Science
• Patient-Centric Drug Development

Background:

• Limited data exists on children's preferred formulation characteristics, hindering tailored paediatric dosage form design.
• The European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) initiated research to address this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate children's perceived preferences for oral dosage forms across several European countries.
• To explore the feasibility of involving young persons advisory groups (YPAGs) in paediatric formulation research.

Main Methods:

• An online, age-adapted survey was developed and translated into six languages.
• The survey was disseminated across seven European countries, gathering responses from 1172 participants.
• Data analysis focused on perceived preferences based on age, health status, and medication experience.

Main Results:

• Conventional dosage forms (liquid, tablets, capsules) were most preferred.
• Liquid formulations were favored by younger children (<12 years) and those rarely taking medication.
• Adolescents and children with chronic conditions preferred monolithic solid forms; novel forms like films and granules were unfamiliar and often disliked, especially by adolescents.

Conclusions:

• Children's preferences for oral dosage forms are influenced by age, health status, and medication frequency.
• Novel dosage forms require further development and acceptance assessment in paediatric populations.
• Involving children as active stakeholders and utilizing tools to assess their perspectives are essential for acceptable paediatric formulation development.