Celanese advances controlled-release technology
Launches VitalDose EVA excipient to support novel drug administration routes
Celanese Corporation, a global technology and specialist materials company, has introduced VitalDose, an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer-based controlled release excipient.
Celanese claims the VitalDose excipients offer a wide degree of flexibility in the design of transdermal, subcutaneous implant and mucosal insert dosage forms.
They are currently being used in the development of various controlled-release pharmaceutical applications, including: polymer matrices; drug reservoirs; release-controlling membranes; combination devices; and medical implants and inserts
‘With patents expiring and competition from generic pharmaceuticals on the rise, developing novel dosage forms is now key to retaining a competitive edge in the industry,’ said Mark Murray, general manager of Celanese’s EVA Performance Polymers business unit.
The release properties of VitalDose EVA primarily depend on the ratio of ethylene to vinyl acetate (VA) content, which can be adjusted from 0–40% to alter the polarity and hydrophilicity of the copolymer, ultimately enabling a wide formulation range for the release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The molecular weight of the copolymer can also be adapted to achieve the desired rheological properties (i.e. melt index) required by the end processing technique.
EVA excipients are low melting thermoplastics that are especially suitable for processing temperature-sensitive APIs via mixing or melting manufacturing processes, the company says.