24/7 BIOPHARMA - issue 1 / October 2024

LLS HEALTH

formulations that patients will prefer, as well as reduce manufacturing costs and complexity.

Whichever route is adopted, it is clear that moving forward the emphasis on patient-centricity will only grow stronger. As such, versatile excipients such as Carbopol ® polymer will continue to play an important role in supporting skilled formulators.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/ageing-and-health 2. Ansah JP, Chiu CT. Projecting the chronic disease burden among the adult population in the United States using a multi-state population model. Front Public Health. 2023 Jan 13;10:1082183. doi: 10.3389/ fpubh.2022.1082183. 3. Underwood M, et al. Advice to use topical or oral ibuprofen for chronic knee pain in older people: randomised controlled trial and patient preference study. BMJ. January 19, 2008;336(7636):138-142. 4. https://www.lubrizol.com/-/media/Lubrizol/ Health/Literature/Carbopol-Formulation and-Processing-Guide-for-Oral-Solid-Dosage Forms.pdf 5. Li CL, Martini LG, Ford JL, Roberts M. The use of hypromellose in oral drug delivery. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 May;57(5):533-46. doi: 10.1211/0022357055957. PMID: 15901342. 6. https://www.lubrizol.com/Health/ Pharmaceuticals/Resource-Hub 7. https://www.lubrizol.com/-/media/Lubrizol/ Health/Literature/Carbopol-Polymers-for Nitrosamines-NDMA-Compliant-Metformin Eextended-Release-Tablets.pdf

meanwhile, can be achieved by varying the ratio and total amount of controlled-release excipients. Lower variability in the drug release profiles, better flow properties of formulation blends by incorporating inactive ingredients with high flowability, and even bioadhesive properties can be unlocked by leveraging excipient synergies. As a result, combining certain inactive ingredients is recognized as an important method for both facilitating product differentiation and reducing manufacturing cost by requiring less material in each dose. An example of a favorable interaction that can be leveraged is that between Carbopol ® polymer – a carbomer – and hypromellose. This was studied for both ketoprofen – a low solubility NSAID – and guaifenesin, a soluble expectorant. [6] In each case, it was found that combining Carbopol ® polymers with hypromellose in the formulation resulted in a stronger extended-release matrix with better control over drug release than either hypromellose or Carbopol ® polymer alone. Metformin formulation, the common diabetes drug, was also optimized using a combined Carbopol ® polymer - hypromellose approach. The formulation containing both inactive ingredients not only achieved extended release, but also a tablet size reduction of 20-30% [7] compared to other commercially available formulations – a considerable benefit for patients experiencing dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. In the evolving industry landscape, it is more important than ever for formulators to think outside the box and pursue innovative solutions to global challenges. This is especially vital to meet the needs of an aging population and the push toward more patient-centric medicines. By leveraging effective excipients and capitalizing on synergistic interactions, it is possible to design differentiated Formulating in an evolving industry

JIM BAXTER Technical Business Development Manager LLS Health

MARIONA VENCESLAO Global Market Manager Oral

Treatments LLS Health

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TWENTYFOURSEVENBIOPHARMA Issue 1 / October 2024