CELLETS® are pellets or spheres made of microcrystalline cellulose. The size ranges from 100 µm to 1400 µm. Being neutral starter cores, they can be used as carrier system for low-dosed APIs and allow diverse functional coating. See pellet technologies for a detailed description.
Electron microscopy yield perfect imaging data of the MCC pellets’ surfaces. Magnification: 250x, working distance 8.0 mm, voltage: 10 keV.
Available size classes are (click for more information):
CELLETS® 100
CELLETS® 200
CELLETS® 350
CELLETS® 500
CELLETS® 700
CELLETS® 1000
Any size class of CELLETS® have same striking advantages:
low friability and extreme hardness
insolubility in water
high spherictity
smooth surface
good monodispersity
See case studies to see these starter pellets in action!
Cellulose-derived spherical activated carbon offers a sustainable and efficient solution for adsorbing harmful compounds such as uremic toxins [1]. This carbon material is made from renewable cellulose, which is transformed into spherical particles and then activated to increase surface area and porosity. The spherical shape improves flow properties and reduces dust, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Moreover, it combines eco-friendly production with strong adsorption performance, providing a safer and more manageable alternative to traditional powdered carbon.
Uremic toxins are metabolic waste compounds that accumulate in the body when kidney function declines. These toxins interfere with biological processes and contribute to various health issues. Drugs and adsorbent therapies aim to remove them effectively, but such interventions must be selective to avoid removing essential molecules. Therefore, understanding both the functionality and potential toxicity of uremic toxins is crucial for designing safe and effective treatments. While adsorption therapies can improve toxin clearance, they also carry risks such as unintended drug adsorption or gut irritation, which must be minimized through precise material engineering.
Summary of the Publication
Shin et al. (2025) present a study on sustainable cellulose-derived spherical activated carbon designed for efficient uremic toxin removal. The research focuses on transforming cellulose into spherical carbon precursors and activating them to achieve high porosity and surface area. The resulting material combines uniform shape, hierarchical pore structure, and strong mechanical integrity. These properties make it ideal for biomedical use, particularly for toxin adsorption under gastrointestinal conditions. The authors report that the spheres maintain their shape across different pH levels and perform well even in dynamic or competitive adsorption environments.
Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics show that these spherical carbons quickly capture uremic toxin molecules such as indole derivatives. The authors compare the material with conventional activated carbon powders and find significant improvements in handling and biocompatibility. Importantly, the spheres demonstrate low cytotoxicity, which supports their suitability for oral or extracorporeal use. Because of their uniform size and reduced dusting, they minimize irritation risks and can be easily integrated into medical formulations or devices. In addition, the study discusses the environmental and economic benefits of using cellulose feedstocks, showing that this process supports circular material use and low-cost production.
A key part of the research involves CELLETS® 100 and CELLETS® 500. These cellulose microspheres act as templates during synthesis. CELLETS® 100, having a smaller diameter, produces finer activated carbon spheres, while CELLETS® 500 leads to larger ones. This variation allows the authors to tune pore structure, surface area, and mechanical properties. Consequently, CELLETS® 100-derived carbons show faster adsorption kinetics, whereas CELLETS® 500-derived carbons offer better durability. The study highlights that choosing the right CELLETS® grade directly influences the final adsorption performance and application potential of the spherical carbon.
Conclusion and Outlook
The development of cellulose-derived spherical activated carbon marks a major step toward safer and more sustainable toxin removal technologies. By merging green chemistry with advanced nanoengineering, these materials achieve both environmental and therapeutic goals. Their customizable size, stability, and porosity enable versatile use in pharmaceutical formulations and medical devices. Looking ahead, researchers must explore long-term biocompatibility, selective adsorption behavior, and performance in complex biological fluids. Moreover, scaling up production under pharmaceutical standards will determine clinical viability. With further optimization, cellulose-derived spherical activated carbon could revolutionize uremic toxin management and open new paths for eco-friendly therapeutic materials.
References
[1] Kyungmin Shin, Su-Bin Kim, Yong-Han Kim, Dae-Duk Kim, Seul-Yi Lee, Soo-Jin Park, Materials & Design,a available online 10 October 2025, 114892. doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2025.114892
Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium represents a modern and flexible approach to oral drug delivery. This multiparticulate system divides the drug dose into many small pellets, each functioning as an individual unit. Because of this design, the formulation ensures more uniform gastrointestinal distribution and minimizes dose dumping. It also improves patient compliance and allows combination of different release profiles in a single dosage form.
Diclofenac Sodium, a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), reduces pain, inflammation, and fever. However, it has low solubility and high permeability, which limits its absorption. Therefore, formulating it in a multiple-unit pellet system improves its bioavailability and controls its release rate. As a result, patients experience longer relief with fewer side effects, especially gastrointestinal irritation.
Summary of the Publication
The study “Development of a Biphasic-Release Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium Using Novel Calcium Phosphate-Based Starter Pellets” focuses on creating a capsule with both rapid and sustained release. It combines two types of pellets: delayed-release (DR) pellets coated to resist stomach acid, and extended-release (XR) pellets designed for gradual release in the intestine. This structure allows a quick onset of action and a long-lasting therapeutic effect.
The researchers introduced dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) as a new starter core. Unlike conventional cores such as microcrystalline cellulose (for example CELLETS® 500), sucrose, or isomalt, DCPA cores are dense and insoluble. They show excellent strength, low friability, and smooth flow. These qualities make them ideal for producing stable multiparticulate systems. Furthermore, the team used a fluid-bed coating process to ensure even layers of drug and polymer, verified by scanning electron and Raman microscopy.
Dissolution testing showed clear differences among core types. DCPA-based pellets released the drug steadily and predictably, even under variable pH and hydrodynamic conditions. In contrast, soluble cores like sucrose and isomalt caused uneven release and premature erosion. The biphasic MUPS capsules with DCPA pellets combined rapid and prolonged release successfully. Under simulated physiological conditions, they maintained consistent performance and outperformed commercial reference formulations.
The study highlights that the pellet core material strongly affects drug release and mechanical behavior. Insoluble DCPA cores provided stability and controlled release, while soluble ones failed to maintain coating integrity. Therefore, choosing the right core is essential for reliable performance in Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium formulations.
Conclusion and Outlook
Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium offers a strong platform for precise and predictable drug delivery. The use of calcium phosphate-based starter pellets supports biphasic release with high mechanical stability and consistent drug diffusion. As a result, patients benefit from immediate pain relief followed by sustained therapeutic action.
In the future, researchers can use UV imaging, Raman mapping, and other visualization techniques to monitor the release process in real time. These tools will deepen understanding of coating behavior and in vivo performance. Continued development of the Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium will likely lead to safer, more effective, and patient-friendly oral therapies.
https://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Anmerkung-2025-10-09-140557-1.jpeg8531294Bastian Arlthttps://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo_Cellets_2016_website.pngBastian Arlt2025-10-09 15:14:062025-10-09 15:14:06Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium
Research Advances in MCC Pellet Technology and Applications
Scientific literature on MCC pellets highlights the growing importance of CELLETS® in pharmaceutical and scientific research. These microcrystalline cellulose spheres play a key role in developing reliable multiparticulate drug delivery systems. Researchers have investigated improved rivaroxaban dissolution, efficient film coating kinetics, and their use in orally disintegrating films. In addition, studies focus on colon-targeted vitamin B₂ release and fluidized-bed coating performance. Moreover, academic theses explore uniform hot-melt coating techniques and detailed modeling of tablet disintegration. As a result, MCC pellets continue to prove their versatility across many dosage forms. Consequently, this expanding body of literature reinforces the value of CELLETS® in advancing modern drug delivery technologies.
Selected Scientific literature on MCC pellets
Please, find scientific literature on MCC pellets (CELLETS®), MCC spheres. This list is constantly updated and does not claim to be complete. If you are author, scientist or R&D specialist, please submit your present publication to us for improving the visibility.
Research article Optimising the in vitro and in vivo performance of oral cocrystal formulations via spray coating European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Volume 124, March 2018, Pages 13-27
Dolores R. Serrano, David Walsh, Peter O’Connell, Naila A. Mugheirbi, Zelalem Ayenew Worku, Francisco Bolas-Fernandez, Carolina Galiana, Maria Auxiliadora Dea-Ayuela, Anne Marie Healy
Conference abstract Multiple-unit orodispersible mini-tablets International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Volume 511, Issue 2, 25 September 2016, Page 1128
Anna Kira Adam, Christian Zimmer, Stefan Rauscher, Jörg Breitkreutz
Research article Asymmetric distribution in twin screw granulation European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Volume 106, September 2016, Pages 50-58
Tim Chan Seem, Neil A. Rowson, Ian Gabbott, Marcelde Matas, Gavin K. Reynolds, AndyIngram
Research article Physical properties of pharmaceutical pellets Chemical Engineering Science, Volume 86, 4 February 2013, Pages 50-60
Rok Šibanc, Teja Kitak, Biljana Govedarica, StankoSrčič Rok Dreu
Research article Labscale fluidized bed granulator instrumented with non-invasive process monitoring devices Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 164, Issues 2–3, 1 November 2010, Pages 268-274
Jari T. T. Leskinen, Matti-Antero H. Okkonen, Maunu M. Toiviainen, Sami Poutiainen, Mari Tenhunen, Pekka Teppola, Reijo Lappalainen, Jarkko Ketolainen, Kristiina Järvinen
Research article Granule size distribution of tablets Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 99, Issue 4, April 2010, Pages 2061-2069
Satu Virtanen, Osmo Antikainen, Heikki Räikkönen, Jouko Yliruusi
Research article New insights into segregation during tabletting International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Volume 397, Issues 1–2, 15 September 2010, Pages 19-26
S. Lakio, S. Siiriä, H. Räikkönen, S. Airaksinen, T. Närvänen, O. Antikainen, J.Yliruusi
Research article In vivo evaluation of the vaginal distribution and retention of a multi-particulate pellet formulation European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Volume 73, Issue 2, October 2009, Pages 280-284
Nele Poelvoorde, Hans Verstraelen, Rita Verhelst, Bart Saerens, Ellen De Backer, Guido Lopes dos Santos Santiago, Chris Vervaet, Mario Vaneechoutte, Fabienne De Boeck, Luc Van Borteld, Marleen Temmerman, Jean-Paul Remon
List – Publications with MCC spheres, 2008 and earlier
Research article Attrition strength of different coated agglomerates Chemical Engineering Science, Volume 63, Issue 5, March 2008, Pages 1361-1369
B. van Laarhoven, S.C.A. Wiers, S.H. Schaafsma, G.M.H. Meesters
https://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/books-2463779_1920-small.jpg601854Bastian Arlthttps://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo_Cellets_2016_website.pngBastian Arlt2025-10-07 08:48:012025-11-10 16:26:03Scientific Literature on MCC Pellets: Insights into CELLETS®
Multiparticulate oral dosage form of tapentadol introduces a modern way to control drug release and improve pain management. The invention, described in patent US20250295596A1, replaces traditional monolithic extended-release tablets with numerous coated particles. This structure allows a smoother and more consistent release of tapentadol in the body. As a result, patients experience steadier pain relief, better compliance, and fewer side effects caused by fluctuating drug levels.
Key Findings of the Patent
The patent describes a system built from coated particles that contain tapentadol at the core. Each particle has a polymer and lubricant coating that controls how fast the drug is released. The combination of cellulose or acrylate polymers with magnesium stearate slows down the release effectively. In addition, the inventors found that high amounts of lubricant can support long-lasting release without affecting stability.
Unlike older tablet systems, this multiparticulate oral dosage form of tapentadol needs no extra subcoat between the drug and the coating layer. Therefore, manufacturing becomes easier and faster. Moreover, the system can include both immediate-release and extended-release particles. This design creates bimodal or multimodal kinetics, giving patients quick pain relief followed by prolonged action. The release rate can also be fine-tuned by adjusting coating thickness or lubricant particle size.
Importance for Human Health
This multiparticulate oral dosage form of tapentadol offers many advantages for patients. The small coated particles are easier to swallow than large tablets. Once in the body, they spread evenly through the digestive tract. This even distribution reduces irritation and ensures steady absorption. As a result, patients benefit from consistent pain control and fewer peaks or drops in drug concentration.
Furthermore, the formulation resists alcohol-induced dose dumping, which improves safety for opioid treatments. Because of its stability and flexibility, manufacturers can produce it reliably and at scale. This robust performance enhances both patient safety and production efficiency.
Role of CELLETS® 350 as Excipient
CELLETS® 350 serve as the excipient cores in this multiparticulate oral dosage form of tapentadol. These spherical microcrystalline cellulose pellets act as starter materials for layering the drug. They are uniform, strong, and chemically neutral. Thanks to their smooth surface and precise size, CELLETS® 350 allow a very even coating of tapentadol. This uniformity is crucial for predictable drug release. In addition, their good flow properties make manufacturing faster and more consistent. Therefore, Cellets 350 improve both the quality and efficiency of the formulation process.
Conclusion
The multiparticulate oral dosage form of tapentadol marks an important step forward in pain management. It combines precise control of drug release with easier swallowing and safer use. The use of CELLETS® 350 as excipient cores ensures reliable layering and coating, leading to consistent performance. Overall, this new dosage form provides a patient-friendly, safe, and scalable solution that improves therapeutic outcomes and production efficiency.
Patent Details
Name or patent: Multiparticulate oral dosage form providing prolonged release of tapentadol
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UV imaging of MUPS tablets (multiple unit pellet system) is a growing field in pharmaceutical research. These tablets combine many coated pellets into one compressed unit. After ingestion, the tablet breaks apart and releases the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Researchers explored whether multispectral UV imaging could track the degradation of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) into salicylic acid (SA). The goal was to confirm that this non-destructive method could monitor stability inside these complex formulations.
Scientific Approach to UV Imaging of MUPS Tablets
The study used CELLETS® 700 as neutral microcrystalline cellulose cores. Scientists layered ASA on these cores and coated them with Eudragit RL PO. They then compressed the pellets into MUPS tablets. The tablets were stored at different temperatures and humidity levels for several months.
At each time point, the tablets were examined with multispectral UV reflectance imaging. This technology captured detailed spectral fingerprints across the surface. To interpret the data, the team applied partial least squares regression (PLS). They predicted the concentration of SA as the main degradation product. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) provided reference values for comparison, ensuring accuracy.
Results of UV Imaging of MUPS Tablets
The outcomes showed that UV imaging worked well for tracking degradation inside the tablets. The predictions matched closely with HPLC results, proving the method’s reliability. Moreover, the technique detected even small amounts of salicylic acid despite the tablet’s protective coating.
Importantly, UV imaging did more than quantify. It created spatial maps that revealed where degradation occurred on the tablet surface. These maps gave new insights into stability that destructive tests could not provide. As a result, the method proved fast, precise, and suitable for quality control and stability studies.
Role of CELLETS® 700 in the Research
CELLETS® 700 played a key role in the experiment. These spherical microcrystalline cellulose pellets range from 700 to 1,000 µm. Their smooth, uniform surface made it easy to apply ASA and coatings evenly. In addition, their chemical stability ensured that imaging signals came only from the coating and degradation layers.
Because CELLETS® 700 are robust, they maintained their structure during compression. This consistency improved the reliability of UV imaging results. Thus, the choice of these pellet cores supported both the technical and analytical goals of the study.
Conclusion
UV imaging of MUPS tablets offers a powerful tool for monitoring stability and degradation. By combining multispectral imaging with statistical modeling, researchers gained accurate and non-destructive insights into tablet quality. CELLETS® 700 provided the structural foundation that made the method effective. Consequently, this approach holds promise as a process-analytical technology for pharmaceutical development and quality assurance.
CELLETS® in malodor control compositions mark a new step in odor management. Unpleasant smells from sulfur compounds, volatile organic compounds, aldehydes, and acids are often hard to control. Even more challenging are complex fishy odors that do not come from amines. Traditional solutions often fall short in both efficiency and usability.
The patent application US20250082809, filed by Kalykos LLC, introduces a new approach. It combines high-performance materials with practical handling benefits. As a result, the invention applies across personal care, healthcare, packaging, and industrial products.
The Patent’s Core Innovation
The patent centers on spherical activated carbon particles. These particles have high sphericity, which improves flow, reduces dust, and lowers abrasion. At the same time, they offer large surface areas and strong adsorption capacity. Because of these features, they capture difficult odors more effectively than irregular powders.
The compositions also include active agents such as acids, bases, or odor-neutralizing additives. Manufacturers can coat, spray, immerse, or blend these agents into the particles. This flexibility makes the system suitable for a wide range of products, from diapers and wound dressings to food packaging and air filters. Moreover, the spherical shape supports consistent coatings and safer handling during production.
The Role of CELLETS® in Malodor Control Compositions
A key highlight of this patent is the role of CELLETS®, also known as spherical cellulose particles. Unlike the activated carbon spheres, CELLETS® do not focus on adsorption. Instead, they work as carriers and support agents that improve the overall performance of the formulation.
CELLETS® come from microcrystalline cellulose and form into uniform spheres. Their size can range from 100 to 1400 micrometers. Because of their shape, they flow well, create little dust, and allow even coatings. These features make them valuable in manufacturing and product design.
In this system, CELLETS® can hold coatings of wax or phase change materials. They can also carry odor-control additives and release them in a controlled way (controlled release). Through this role, CELLETS® extend the active life of the carbon-based particles. They also add versatility, since different coatings or agents can adapt the product to specific needs.
When combined, activated carbon particles and CELLETS® create a dual system. The carbon provides strong odor adsorption. The cellulose spheres provide handling benefits, controlled release, and structural support. Together, they deliver a balanced and innovative solution.
Conclusion
The patent offers a major advance in odor control technology. It joins the adsorption strength of spherical carbon with the support and carrier functions of CELLETS®. This combination delivers both performance and usability. CELLETS® in malodor control compositions enhance reliability and open new possibilities for industries that demand effective and adaptable odor solutions.
https://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/CELLETS®-in-Malodor-Control-Compositions-A-Patent-Overview-ChatGPT-Image-17.-Sept.-2025-16_16_25.jpg10241536Bastian Arlthttps://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo_Cellets_2016_website.pngBastian Arlt2025-09-17 16:22:242025-09-17 16:22:24CELLETS® in Malodor Control Compositions: A Patent Overview
Hot-melt coating materials improve efficiency and product quality in pharmaceutical and industrial manufacturing. They melt when heated and solidify quickly, forming strong, uniform coatings on various surfaces. As a result, manufacturers reduce production time, lower costs, and avoid using solvents. Furthermore, understanding wetting behavior and delamination is critical to optimize coating performance. For example, CELLETS® 1000 microcrystalline cellulose pellets serve as excellent starter cores, promoting uniform wetting and consistent coating thickness. Consequently, hot-melt coating materials have become a reliable solution for modern manufacturing needs.
Enhancing pharmaceutical and industrial applications by hot-melt coating materials
In the study titled Delamination and Wetting Behavior of Natural Hot-Melt Coating Materials, published in Powder Technology [1], the authors investigated the delamination and wetting behaviors of various natural materials.The research aimed to understand how these materials interact with substrates during the coating process, which is crucial for applications in the pharmaceutical industry.The study utilized laboratory coating experiments and micro-computed tomographic measurements to assess delamination frequency, and a drop shape analyzer to evaluate wetting behavior.Interestingly, the study found no correlation between delamination and wetting behavior, suggesting that other factors may influence delamination in hot-melt coatings.
Among the materials tested, CELLETS® 1000, a type of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) pellet with a size range between 1000 and 1400 µm, was highlighted for its suitability in hot-melt coating applications.These spherical pellets are known for their chemical inertness, low friability, high sphericity, and smooth surface, making them ideal as starter cores for multiparticulate drug delivery systems.In the context of the study, CELLETS® 1000 demonstrated excellent wetting properties with contact angles ranging from 10° to 18°, which is favorable for uniform coating.However, the study did not find a direct correlation between wetting behavior and delamination, indicating that other factors may play a more significant role in delamination during hot-melt coating processes. Researchers assume that delamination may have resulted from the different thermal expansion coefficients of the carrier particle and the coating material [2]. A change in temperature may have led to thermal stresses and may have promoted spalling or delamination. Subsequent swelling of a hygroscopic carrier material due to moisture could also lead to structural
changes in the coating structure and might cause delamination.
Use of CELLETS® in hot-melt coating processes
The use of CELLETS® in hot-melt coating processes offers several advantages.Their uniform size distribution and smooth surface contribute to consistent coating thickness and quality.Additionally, the chemical inertness of CELLETS® ensures compatibility with a wide range of coating materials, reducing the risk of undesirable interactions.These characteristics make CELLETS® a reliable choice for developing controlled-release formulations and enteric coatings in pharmaceutical applications.
In summary, the study underscores the importance of understanding the delamination and wetting behaviors of natural hot-melt coating materials.While CELLETS® 1000 exhibited favorable wetting properties, the lack of correlation between wetting behavior and delamination suggests that other factors should be considered when selecting materials for hot-melt coating processes.Further research is needed to identify these factors and optimize coating processes for improved product performance.
[2] S. Ebnesajjad, A.H. Landrock, Introduction and adhesion theories, Adhesives Technology, Handbook, 38, Elsevier 2015, pp. 1–18; doi: 10.1016/B978-0-323-35595-7.00001-2.
Understanding Hot-Melt Coating Materials
Hot-melt coating materials are thermoplastic substances that bond effectively to substrates when melted. Their melting point, adhesion properties, and chemical compatibility directly influence coating uniformity and durability. Therefore, selecting the correct material is crucial for minimizing delamination and ensuring product quality. Additionally, their solvent-free nature makes them environmentally friendly and cost-efficient.
Optimizing Coating with CELLETS®
CELLETS® offer significant advantages as starter cores in hot-melt coating processes. Their spherical shape and smooth surface promote uniform wetting and consistent coating thickness. Furthermore, their chemical inertness ensures compatibility with diverse coating materials, reducing the risk of unwanted interactions. Consequently, these MCC spheres support reliable and high-quality coating outcomes in both pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
The development of a hydroxynorketamine modified-release dosage form marks an important advance in neuropsychiatric therapy. Hydroxynorketamine (HNK), a ketamine metabolite, shows rapid antidepressant activity through mechanisms different from ketamine itself. It works mainly by modulating α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and activating mTOR pathways.
This targeted action makes HNK a strong candidate as an active pharmaceutical ingredient with a favorable safety profile. Unlike ketamine, it avoids dissociative and addictive side effects. A modified-release form built with CELLETS®—uniform spherical pellets—offers tighter therapeutic control. It sustains plasma concentration, reduces peak-to-trough swings, and helps patients stay consistent with treatment.
In addition, the inert cores often range between 100 and 500 μm in size. A more refined range of 200 to 400 μm improves precision. About 90% of particles fall within this window, confirmed by sieve analysis. One example is CELLETS® 200, which demonstrates this particle size distribution effectively.
API Function and Patient Benefits
Hydroxynorketamine mainly acts by inhibiting α7-nicotinic receptors. This lowers intracellular Ca²⁺ and D-serine levels and reduces NMDA receptor excitotoxicity. At the same time, it boosts mTOR signaling and strengthens AMPA receptor function.
Together, these effects speed up synaptogenesis and create fast antidepressant responses. Evidence comes from both preclinical studies and early clinical findings. For patients, this means rapid mood elevation without ketamine-related side effects. Unlike ketamine, it does not cause hallucinations or carry strong abuse potential.
From a pharmacokinetic view, a modified-release dosage form improves consistency in therapy. It also simplifies dosing schedules and increases tolerability.
Modified‑release dosage Formulation with CELLETS®
The incorporation of CELLETS® into the modified‑release formulation provides several benefits. Their uniform size and high sphericity ensure consistent drug coating and predictable release. CELLETS® also enable multiparticulate dosing, which reduces variability and allows tailored release profiles.
For hydroxynorketamine (HNK), CELLETS® can carry specific polymer coatings such as ethylcellulose or Eudragit. These coatings dissolve or erode at controlled rates, releasing the API steadily over time. This method lowers peak systemic concentrations, which reduces side effects while maintaining efficacy.
Additionally, CELLETS® support monolithic layering or reservoir systems. This setup allows complex release patterns, such as an initial burst followed by sustained delivery. Such profiles are ideal for achieving a rapid onset and maintaining antidepressant effects in depression treatment.
Key Findings on Hydroxynorketamine modified‑release dosage form
In the disclosed patent (US 2025 0177325 A1), researchers describe a multiparticulate modified‑release system for hydroxynorketamine. They use CELLETS® as the core substrate. The CELLETS® carry successive polymer layers that control drug release. This design produces an initial release phase followed by prolonged delivery.
Pharmacokinetic modeling shows a flattened plasma-concentration profile, lower maximum concentration (Cmax), longer time to peak (Tmax), and higher area under the curve (AUC). Together, these factors maintain therapeutic HNK levels over time. This steady exposure may reduce rebound symptoms and cut dosing frequency. As a result, patient adherence improves, and treatment regimens may shift to once-daily or even less frequent dosing.
Conclusion and Outlook
In conclusion, the hydroxynorketamine modified‑release dosage form using CELLETS® offers a promising pharmaceutical approach. It leverages HNK’s unique mechanism as a non-dissociative antidepressant. Controlled release maximizes its clinical potential.
Cellet-based formulations improve pharmacokinetics, enhance tolerability, and increase convenience. These benefits could significantly help patients with treatment-resistant depression. Further work is needed, including in vitro−in vivo correlation studies, polymer selection optimization, and confirmatory clinical trials.
Looking ahead, this technology may expand HNK applications to other neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. It provides a refined dosage form that meets both patient needs and therapeutic goals.
Patent Details
Name or patent: Hydroxynorketamine for the use in the treatment of depression
Patent holder names and affiliation: (Names not specified in public abstract; likely the inventors assigned to their sponsoring institution or company as listed in patent document)
This summary underscores the innovative use of CELLETS® in creating a refined hydroxynorketamine modified-release dosage form that elevates both therapeutic performance and patient-centric outcomes.
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Gamma‑hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous neurotransmitter also used pharmaceutically—usually as sodium oxybate—for treating narcolepsy and related disorders. It exerts its therapeutic effects by modulating GABA_B receptors and promoting slow-wave sleep, alleviating cataplexy, and reducing excessive daytime sleepiness. Despite its efficacy, current twice-nightly dosing regimens present challenges: dose‑dumping in the presence of alcohol, variable pharmacokinetics depending on food intake, and patient inconvenience. To address these issues, modern formulations—and especially the innovative use of CELLETS® —pursue once-nightly controlled release.
API Benefits and Patient Advantages
Administering gamma‑hydroxybutyrate compositions in a modified‑release format brings multiple patient-centric benefits. A single nightly dose minimizes repeated nighttime awakenings and improves adherence. These formulations exhibit lower peak concentrations (C_max) with sustained therapeutic exposure (AUC)—achieving similar or better efficacy while reducing adverse events such as dizziness or nausea. This consistency is especially meaningful when dosing less than two hours after eating, which often is more convenient for patients; the controlled formulations are more forgiving of fed-state PK variability and less prone to alcohol-induced dose-dumping.
Use of CELLETS® in methods of administering gamma-hydroxybutyrate compositions
CELLETS® — spherical microcores used in multiparticulate drug delivery—are central to these modern GHB formulations. The patent US 20250186377 A1 introduces coated cellet-based microparticles that incorporate immediate-release (IR) and modified-release (MR) segments within a single unit dose. The MR portion involves CELLETS® (e.g. CELLETS® 90, CELLETS® 100 or CELLETS® 127, and other MCC beads) coated with polymers carrying free carboxyl groups combined with hydrophobic materials (e.g., high melting point waxes), engineered to delay GHB release until intestinal transit. CELLETS® enable precise layering, efficient coating, and reproducible drug release profiles while resisting pH- and alcohol-triggered dose dumping.
This multiparticulate approach achieves desired PK: IR CELLETS® ensure rapid onset while MR CELLETS® sustain plasma GHB levels up to 8 hours. In contrast to IR liquid sodium oxybate, the coated cellet formulation shows dose‑proportional C_max and AUC across doses of 4.5 g, 7.5 g, and 9 g, with most AEs clustering near C_max but at overall milder intensity. Remarkably, cellet-based formulations maintain comparable therapeutic exposure even with postprandial dosing, offering flexibility not seen in immediate-release forms.
Key Findings
The inventive cellet-based GHB composition delivers both immediate and controlled drug release in one unit, offering dose‑proportional pharmacokinetics and sustained therapeutic levels for 8 hours, under single-nightly dosing. It improves safety by reducing peak‑induced adverse events, lowers risk of alcohol‑related dose-dumping, and allows dosing within two hours after meals. Studies show comparable efficacy to twice-nightly IR sodium oxybate on sleep quality and daytime alertness, with better convenience and adherence.
Conclusion & Outlook
The patented cellet‑based modified-release formulation of GHB marks a significant advancement in administering gamma‑hydroxybutyrate compositions. By incorporating coated CELLETS® that combine IR and MR elements, this approach mitigates common limitations—meal dependency, alcohol interactions, multiple nightly doses—while preserving therapeutic efficacy. For patients with narcolepsy or cataplexy, this translates into improved sleep continuity, reduced daytime symptoms, and enhanced quality of life.
Looking ahead, further clinical evaluation could extend the CELLETS® platform to other formulations of gamma‑hydroxybutyrate salts or co‑therapies (e.g., with sodium valproate), further broadening the therapeutic utility. This modular, multiparticulate delivery system could set a new standard for nightly dosing regimens where controlled pharmacokinetics and patient preferences align.
Patent Holder(s): Not explicitly indicated in the publicly listed data, but associated inventors likely affiliated with pharmaceutical firms focusing on CNS therapeutics (e.g., Jazz Pharmaceuticals or Flamel Ireland).
https://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/US20250186377A1-cellet‑based-modified‑release-gamma‑hydroxybutyrate-formulation-ChatGPT-Image-11.-Juli-2025-13_12_09.jpg15361024Bastian Arlthttps://cellets.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Logo_Cellets_2016_website.pngBastian Arlt2025-07-11 10:34:072025-07-11 13:42:48Patent on methods of administering gamma-hydroxybutyrate compositions with divalproex sodium
Fixed-bed column adsorption is an essential process in modern water treatment systems, widely implemented due to its continuous operation, ease of design, and applicability in large-scale systems. In this method, a contaminant-laden liquid passes through a column packed with adsorbent material, facilitating efficient contaminant removal before discharge or reuse. While effective for many pollutants, the removal of organic dyes—particularly synthetic types such as Methylene Blue—remains a formidable challenge due to their structural complexity, high solubility, and resistance to conventional degradation methods. These characteristics are especially problematic in pharmaceutical applications, where effluents must meet strict regulatory limits to prevent environmental and product contamination.
Organic dyes in pharmaceutical wastewater not only hinder downstream purification but also pose ecotoxicological risks when released into natural water bodies. As such, there is an ongoing demand for adsorbent materials that are effective, regenerable, and environmentally friendly. Within this framework, microcrystalline cellulose for organic pollutants adsorption represents a promising and sustainable approach.
Use of CELLETS® and experimental design
In the study referenced by DOI 10.5004/dwt.2019.23638 [1], researchers evaluated microcrystalline cellulose-based spherical pellets—commercially known as CELLETS® —for their potential to adsorb organic dyes from aqueous solutions. These pellets are manufactured via wet-granulation and extrusion processes, yielding highly uniform, spherical particles with low friability and high surface area. Such properties are ideal for both batch and dynamic (fixed-bed) adsorption studies due to predictable flow behavior and minimal mechanical breakdown under continuous operation.
Batch experiments were initially conducted using Methylene Blue as a model compound. Isotherm analysis revealed strong agreement with the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption with a maximum capacity of approximately 82 mg/g. Kinetic modeling confirmed that adsorption followed pseudo-second-order dynamics, suggesting chemisorption mechanisms dominated the process.
Key findings
The results showed that microcrystalline cellulose pellets offer a high specific adsorption capacity for Methylene Blue dye, consistent with Langmuir isotherm behavior. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best fit for experimental data, supporting a chemisorption-driven process. Notably, the physical structure of the CELLETS® 200 remained intact after multiple uses, and regeneration with dilute acids such as acetic and sulfuric acid restored a significant portion of the adsorption capacity without compromising structural integrity. These findings validate the use of microcrystalline cellulose for organic pollutants adsorption, especially where material longevity and repeat usability are essential.
Regeneration cycles and sustainability
One of the critical advantages of CELLETS® lies in their capacity for multiple regeneration cycles. The study demonstrated that after five adsorption-desorption cycles, more than 85% of the original adsorption capacity was retained, especially when 0.01 mol/L sulfuric acid was used as the desorbing agent. Minimal structural degradation was observed, which confirms the material’s resilience to chemical treatment. The efficient desorption and structural stability make these cellulose-based adsorbents both economically and environmentally viable, reducing the need for frequent replacement and waste generation—a key factor in large-scale industrial settings.
Column-scale modeling
Though the primary focus was on batch experiments, the implications of the findings extend to column-scale applications. The authors suggest that due to the spherical shape and low pressure drop of CELLETS®, these materials are ideally suited for packed-bed column use. Future studies are encouraged to employ dynamic modeling approaches such as Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, or Bohart–Adams models to predict breakthrough behavior under continuous flow. Such models would enable optimization of operational parameters (e.g., flow rate, bed height, and influent concentration) and facilitate scale-up for industrial applications.
The material’s excellent flowability and structural uniformity ensure homogeneous packing and minimized channeling—common issues in poorly engineered adsorbent beds. These features underscore the practical applicability of microcrystalline cellulose for organic pollutants adsorption in fixed-bed column configurations.
Comparative performance
Compared to other low-cost and industrial adsorbents—such as activated carbon, bentonite clay, or synthetic resins—microcrystalline cellulose offers several advantages. While activated carbon exhibits higher adsorption capacity per gram, it suffers from high cost, complex regeneration, and variable quality. Conversely, cellulose-based materials are biodegradable, inexpensive, and easier to functionalize chemically if needed.
Moreover, unlike biomass-based powders (e.g., sawdust or peanut shells), CELLETS® provide consistent performance due to controlled manufacturing processes. Their uniform size, sphericity, and mechanical strength reduce operational issues like clogging and channel formation in dynamic systems. These comparative strengths position microcrystalline cellulose for organic pollutants adsorption as a versatile solution in both environmental and industrial water treatment sectors.
Conclusion and outlook
The study presents compelling evidence for the effective use of CELLETS®, a form of microcrystalline cellulose, in the adsorption of organic pollutants such as Methylene Blue. With a high uptake capacity, favorable kinetic behavior, excellent reusability, and strong structural integrity, these cellulose-based pellets are well-suited for sustainable wastewater treatment applications. Their compatibility with both batch and fixed-bed systems broadens their potential for industrial implementation.
Looking ahead, further investigations should focus on scaling the process to pilot and industrial levels, applying column modeling techniques to optimize system design. Additionally, exploring chemical modifications to enhance selectivity and adsorption performance against a wider range of organic pollutants—including pharmaceutical residues and endocrine-disrupting compounds—will further elevate the role of microcrystalline cellulose for organic pollutants adsorption in advanced water treatment technologies.
References
[1] Daniela Suteu, Gabriela Biliuta, Lacramioara Rusu, Sergiu Coseri, Christophe Vial, Iulia Nica (Nebunu), Desalination and Water Treatment Volume 146, April 2019, Pages 176-187, doi:10.5004/dwt.2019.23638.
