An alliance has been forged between two chemicals giants - Dow Corning and Rohm and Haas - to develop new materials for topical and transdermal drug delivery, wound-healing products and other medical device applications.

The two companies said that the collaboration would combine Dow's expertise in silicon and Rohm and Haas' acrylic and adhesive technologies in what they claim is the first project of its kind.

Dow Corning and Rohm and Haas said the alliance will "simplify product and application development for customers by providing a single interface to their combined capabilities."

Rohm and Haas' adhesive technologies are already used in the healthcare industry for products such as plasters, while Dow's silicones are used as topical excipients (under the Silky Touch brand), adhesives for medical devices, antifoaming agents, medical lubricants and drug delivery tubing.

Combining the benefits of silicones and the versatility of acrylic technologies will create new opportunities for both companies in the healthcare industry and "will allow one-stop shopping for acrylic, silicone, and hybrid solutions for healthcare customers", according to Suzanne Rowland, global director of Rohm and Haas' adhesive and sealants division.