Publications:

  • Tisi D, Worthington J. Taste Masking Challenge of 155 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients.  Tisi D, Worthington J. Medical Research Archives. [S.l.], v. 12, n. 10, Oct. 2024. ISSN 2375-1924. 
    • This pivotal study systematically analyzed the sensory profiles of 155 active pharmaceutical ingredients, revealing the previously unquantified scale and complexity of taste-masking challenges that shape modern drug formulation.
  • Overcoming Challenges to Formulation Development for Pediatric Medicines.  Challenger C, Worthington J (Contributing Author). Pharmaceutical Technology. 47.8 (August 2023) 20-25.
    • Senopsys’ Jeff Worthington highlights the complex scientific, regulatory, and sensory challenges that pediatric drug formulators encounter, emphasizing that true therapeutic success depends on designing medicines children can safely and willingly take.
  • It’s a Matter of Taste-Masking.  Thomas F, Tisi D (Contributing Author). Pharmaceutical Technology.  45.12 (December 2021) 26-28.
    • David Tisi, Technical Director at Senopsys, weighs in on the effectiveness of specific taste masking technologies (organoleptic flavoring, polymer coating, hot-melt extrusion, microencapsulation, complexation using ion-exchange resins, and spray-drying).
  • Avoiding Bitter Taste. Thomas F, Tisi D (Contributing Author). Pharmaceutical Technology. 43.11 (November 2019) 26-29.
    • Senopsys’ David Tisi discusses how fundamental sensory principles such as consumer taste confusion and taste-taste interaction can control the perception of flavor, and how each can be employed in with the end goal of developing palatable, patient-centric drug formulations.
  • Development and Palatability Assessment of Norvir® (Ritonavir) 100 mg Powder for Pediatric Population. Morris JB, Tisi DA, Tan DC, Worthington JH. Int. J. Mol. Sci. (2019) 20(7): 1718
    • AbbVie and Senopsys publish a real-world development history of Ritonavir’s pediatric powder formulation.  Senopsys’ extensive food science knowledge enabled a selection of geographically appropriate food vehicles with a wide range of compositional characteristics (pH, sugar, and fat content).  Vehicles were tested both mixed with the ritonavir power, as well as used as post administration “chasers” to measure relative taste masking effectiveness.
  • Evaluation of Physical Characteristics of Dexlansoprazole Orally Disintegrating Tablets. Nudurupati SV Et. al. Pharmaceutical Technology 42.8 (August 2018) 30-37.
    • This article describes the approaches used to address these challenges in the development of dexlansoprazole ODT. The process for evaluating product acceptability are described including in-vivo disintegration testing by Senopsys.
  • Tisi DA. (2017). Development of Palatable Drug Formulations using Discrete Time Intensity Sensory Methodology In Hort J et. al (Ed.). Time-Dependent Measures of Perception in Sensory Evaluation (pp. 210). West Sussex, UK: Wiley Blackwell.
    • Measuring the flavor in the aftertaste is extremely important in certain consumer products.   In this book chapter, Senopsys’ David Tisi describes how this is commonly performed in the pharmaceutical industry with trained panels measuring specific points in the aftertaste to determine how quickly flavor decays.
  • Growing Demand for Taste-Masking Technologies. Challenger C, Worthington J.  Pharmaceutical Technology 
41.11 (November 2017) 24-27.
    • Jeff Worthington describes how Senopsys translates its deep expertise in sensory and formulation science from the food industry to the development of palatable, patient-accepted drug products for its clients. Worthington highlights methods for assessing ease-of swallowing of multi-particulate dosage forms (granules and mini-tablets), and a science-based approach to screening age-appropriate dosing vehicles for multi-particulate products.
  • Developing Palatable Drug Products: A Decision Framework 
and Guide for CDMOs. Worthington J, Tisi D. Contract Pharma 
March (2016) 32-36.
    • Senopsys’ Jeff Worthington and David Tisi describe a decision framework to guide development of palatable drug products.
  • A Report from the Pediatric Formulations Task Force: Perspectives on the State of Child-Friendly Oral Dosage Forms.
 Zajicek A, Worthington J, et. al. The AAPS Journal 15.4 (2013) 1072-1081.
    • AAPS formed a Pediatric Formulations Task Force to identify pediatric, manufacturing, and regulatory issues and areas of needed research and regulatory guidance. A decision flowchart is described to answer key palatability questions to support formulation development.
  • An Investigation of the Relationship Between Eszopiclone Tablet Coating and Initial Perception of Bitterness Using the Flavor Profile Method. Tisi DA, Worthington JH, Hsia R, Saranteas K, Schaefer K. Tablets and Capsules 9.7 (2011): 10-16.
    • This article describes novel evaluation methods developed by Senopsys to measure the bitterness of eszopiclone tablets manufactured with a variety of coatings and coating weights.
  • Pediatric Formulations: Technical and Regulatory Considerations. Worthington JH, Tisi DA, Lum S, Chow K. Pharmaceutical Technology Supplement 33.8 (2009): 58-67.
    • The authors describe how the hallmark of many successful pediatric formulation development programs is an integrated team of formulation and sensory scientists.
  • The Taste of Success. Tisi DA. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Quality 11.2 (2009): 14-18.
    • Senopsys technical director David Tisi describes how a well-constructed flavor system is crucial to oral drug formulations because it influences patient acceptability and compliance.
  • Evaluation of a Taste Sensor Instrument (Electronic Tongue) for use in Formulation Development. Lorenz JK, Reo JP, Hendl O, Worthington JH, Petrossian VD. International Journal of Pharmaceutics 367 (2009): 65-72.
    • This article describes the correlation of human sensory data with an electronic tongue for a bland tasting approved drug.
  • Sensory-Directed Formulations. Worthington JH, Tisi DA, Blondino FE, Opawale FO. Drug Delivery Technology 8.9 (2008): 68-73.
    • The authors describe a staged sensory-directed approach for developing a palatable oral spray.
  • Formulation – Let’s Talk About Sense Appeal. Worthington JH. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Quality 9.6 (2007): 32-38.
    • Taste is an obvious factor when formulating drugs. Senopsys founder Jeff Worthington discusses how our other senses play a role in patient acceptance and adherence.
  • Palatable Formulations. Worthington JH, Tisi DA. Drug Delivery Technology 7.9 (2007): 67-71.
    • Senopsys’ Jeff Worthington and David Tisi describe a sensory-directed process for developing palatable drug products that meet patient expectations.
  • Drug Delivery Executive Forum. Worthington JH. Drug Delivery Technology 7.7 (2007): 52-54.
    • Senopsys founder Jeff Worthington describes the company’s mission to help clients develop palatable drug products, it’s objectivity and client-friendly business model.
  • Helping the Medicine Go Down. Worthington JH. Innovations in Pharmaceutical Technology 22 (2007): 63-65.
    • Senopsys’ Jeff Worthington discusses how all aspects of the sensory experience need to be considered when developing patient-acceptable drug products.
  • The Yuck Factor. Worthington JH. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Quality 9.1 (2007): 26-30.
    • Senopsys founder Jeff Worthington dispels many of the common myths that often lead to development of drug products that are unacceptable to patients.

Selected presentations by Senopsys staff include:

  • “Taste Masking of Super Bitter Actives”  INTERPHEX Annual Meeting, April 1, 2025.
    • Senopsys’ taste masking expert David Tisi was invited to speak on the latest tools, techniques, and approaches to mask the taste of the most bitter drug actives.
  • “Defining ‘Candy-Like’ Nonprescription Drug Products” Food And Drug Administration ONPD Public Meeting, October 30, 2023.
    • As OTC medications increasingly adopt formats like gummies and soft chews to improve adherence, the FDA is addressing the “regulatory gap” regarding safety risks and product definitions. Senopsys was invited to provide expert testimony at this pivotal workshop to help bridge the divide between patient appeal and pediatric safety. (Watch Here)
  • “Selecting Excipients for Improved Drug Palatability”  ExciPerience Conference. September 14, 2023.
    • The role of excipients on drug palatability is not often discussed.  Senopsys’ David Tisi spoke to the inherent challenges present in common drug excipients, and alternative choices that may improve the patient experience.
  • “Innovations and Advances in Drug Dosage Forms”  Drug Solutions Podcast. August 1, 2023.
    • In this episode, Senopsys’ David Tisi and Reenal Gandhi (Aptar Pharma) provide expert insights into advances and innovations changing the drug dosage form landscape.
  • “Taste Assessment and Optimization of Oral Formulations”  October 27, 2022 NJPhAST Meeting.
    • The development of palatable oral formulations is important to pediatric dosing compliance, bolstered by regulations in the United States and European Union. Senopsys’ Technical Director David Tisi provided an overview of sensory perception and strategies available to the formulator to develop palatable drug products.
  • “Taste Masking as an Alternative to Improve Patient Convenience and Compliance”  November, 2020 AAPS PharmSci 360 Annual Meeting.
    • Senopsys’ David Tisi spoke at the AAPS annual meeting, summarizing the aversive taste, aroma and mouthfeels of APIs studied by Senopsys and expanded on the 5 major technology approaches to taste masking.
  • “Sensory Evaluation of Norvir® (Ritonavir) 100 mg Powder for Special Populations” (AbbVie Inc. & Senopsys LLC.), November, 2019 AAPS PharmSci 360 Annual Meeting.
    • David Tisi and Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) with John B. Morris and David Cheng Thiam Tan (AbbVie) presented the results of a study to evaluate the flavor effects of an aqueous suspension of Norvir oral powder administered with seven different soft food vehicles.
  • “The Science of Taste Perception and Sensory Analysis”  (Symposia on Pediatric Drug Products), 2017 AAPS Annual Meeting – San Diego, CA.
    • Senopsys’ Jeff Worthington moderated a technical discussion on pediatric drugs with experts from industry and academia. The symposia covered the latest information on the science of taste and how quantitative methods of sensory analysis can inform appropriate drug taste masking strategies.
  • “Development Strategies for Age-Appropriate Pediatric Drug Products” David Tisi (Senopsys) 2017 Joint Meeting of the Southern California Pharmaceutical Discussion Group / Southern California American Chemical Society  (SCPDG/SDACS) 
  • “A Structured Taste Masking Process for Developing Palatable Pediatric Chewable Tablets”, David Tisi (Senopsys) 2017 Northeast Regional Discussion Group Annual Meeting
  • “Developing Palatable Drug Products: It’s More than Yuck and Yum”  David Tisi (Senopsys) 2017 AAPS Bay Area Discussion Group
  • “A Structured Taste Masking Process for Developing Palatable Pediatric Chewable Tablets” (Senopsys and Bristol-Myers Squibb), 2016 AAPS Annual Meeting.
  • “Flavor Profile Method of Descriptive Sensory Analys Development of a Solithromycin Pediatric Powder for Oral Suspension Formulation” (Senopsys, Cempra Inc., and Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd), 2015 AAPS Annual Meeting.
  • “Developing Palatable Pediatric Formulations” Pediatric Formulations Development Workshop, Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) ACCP Annual Meeting September 2013.
  • “Framework for Developing Palatable Paediatric Drug Products – The Tools and Approaches for Taste Masking” Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) Global Research in Paediatrics (GRiP) 4th “Meet the Expert” on Paediatric Formulations, June 2013.
  • “Development of Apixaban Oral Solution Formulation: Excipients and Palatability.” (Senopsys and Bristol-Myers Squibb), 2013 ASCPT Annual Meeting.
  • “Sensory-directed Taste Optimization of Pediatric Drug Products” (David Tisi, Guest Lecture), Concordia School of Pharmacy January 2013.
  • “Sensory-directed Taste Optimization of Pediatric Drug Products” (Short Course), Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) 2010 AAPS Annual Meeting.
  • “Taste Effects of Excipients Used in the Solubilization of Hydrophobic Drugs”, David Tisi (Senopsys) April, 2010 AAPS Northeast Regional Discussion Group.
  • “Pediatric Drug Delivery: Formulating Better Medicines for Children”, Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) and Dr. Susan Lum (Patheon Inc.), February, 2010 New Jersey Pharmaceutical Association for Science and Technology Meeting.
  • “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Eszopiclone Tablet Coating and Initial Dysgeusia Using the Flavor Profile Method” (Senopsys and Sepracor Inc.), 2009 AAPS Annual Meeting.
  • “Development of a Palatable, Oral Solution of Tolevamer™” (Senopsys and Genzyme), 2006 AAPS Annual Meeting.
  • “The Development of Palatable Pediatric Formulations – Establishing the Target, Measuring Progress and Verifying Acceptability,” Jeff Worthington (Senopsys) Pre-Clinical and Clinical Strategies for Pediatric Drug Development, February 2006.