Cargill adds excipient for ODT formulations at CPhI

The new application combines Zerose with isomalt and a disintegrant to make it applicable to ODT formulations. ODT has the potential to increase compliance in patients who have difficulty taking other oral dosage forms, such as children or people suffering from dysphagia.

At CPhI 2010 in Paris, France, Liesbeth Meeus, pharma and personal care application centre leader at Cargill, told in-PharmaTechnologist the taste-masking properties of Zerose make it well suited to ODT. This formulation is placed on the tongue so it is important to mask the taste of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).

Since launching Zerose Cargill has come to realise the importance of taste-masking to pharma manufacturers. This property is now seen as being as, or more, important to manufacturers as it having zero calories and not damaging teeth.

Cargill has filed a patent application for the new formulation. This follows two earlier Zerose patent applications. In 2008 Cargill filed a patent for granulation with liquid sorbitol and 50 per cent active ingredient. This was followed in 2009 by a patent covering the use of isomalt as a binder in Zerose granulation.

Collaboration​

Cargill is looking to grow its relationship with a Belgium-based equipment supplier to improve both their businesses and the service they can provide to clients, said Meeus. Having a close relationship with its supplier allows Cargill to work with the latest technology and reduces in-house equipment usage.

Also, collaborating closely with the equipment supplier gives both parties a better understanding of each other which can help speed time to market. For Cargill, advances in equipment can be applied to old excipients to find new applications.