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.

CS_sphericity_image_4

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!

CELLETS as new type of adsorbent
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Cellulose CELLETS as new type of adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous media

Abstract

CELLETS, a new type of adsorbent, have emerged as a promising solution in water treatment. They are particularly effective in fixed-bed column systems for removing persistent organic pollutants, such as synthetic dyes. This summary reflects research published by Suteu et al. [1].

Fixed-bed adsorption is a well-established filtration method. It allows continuous treatment of contaminated water by passing it through a packed column filled with adsorbent material. Its advantages include high throughput, easy operation, scalability, and adaptability to various industrial settings. However, one enduring challenge is the effective removal of dyes. These molecules, especially from pharmaceutical and chemical effluents, have complex aromatic structures, high chemical stability, and resistance to biodegradation.

Dyes, both cationic and anionic, are not only visually polluting but also potentially toxic, mutagenic, or carcinogenic. In pharmaceutical wastewater, even trace levels can disrupt downstream processes or contaminate the environment. Consequently, this raises concerns for human and ecological health. Conventional adsorbents, such as activated carbon and ion-exchange resins, are effective but have limitations. They are costly, inefficient to regenerate, and prone to fouling.

In this context, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) cellets offer a novel approach. Their spherical shape, uniform particle size, mechanical resilience, and hydrophilic surface make them suitable for packed-bed applications. This study examines cellets’ performance in removing representative dyes from aqueous media. By focusing on CELLETS as a new type of adsorbent, the research addresses a critical gap. It offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable solution for dye-laden industrial wastewater, particularly under the stringent requirements of the pharmaceutical sector.

Introduction

Fixed-bed column techniques are essential filtration systems. In these systems, a fluid stream passes continuously through a packed bed of adsorbent material. They are valued for operational simplicity, scalability, and continuous processing—key features for industrial and pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. However, removing dyes remains a major challenge. These molecules are complex, often toxic, and chemically stable, resisting conventional treatment. In pharmaceutical effluents, even trace dye residues can pose serious safety risks and violate strict regulatory limits.

This study investigates CELLETS® as a new type of adsorbent in fixed-bed columns. CELLETS® are spherical microcrystalline cellulose pellets. They are tested for their ability to remove both cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous streams. Thanks to their uniform geometry, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility, CELLETS® show promise in overcoming the limitations of current dye removal methods.

Use of cellulose CELLETS as new type of adsorbent

CELLETS® are uniformly sized spherical pellets made of microcrystalline cellulose. They are typically available in diameters ranging from 100 µm to 500 µm. Their narrow size distribution, smooth surface, and water-insoluble nature reduce friability and minimize clogging. As a result, they are ideal for packed-bed applications [1]. In this study, CELLETS® 200 and CELLETS® 350 served as the fixed-bed medium.

First, the authors characterized their morphology, including sphericity, porosity, and mechanical stability. Then, they applied CELLETS® in fixed-bed column experiments to remove model dyes: Methylene Blue (cationic) and Brilliant Red HE‑3B (anionic).

Additionally, batch experiments were performed to establish equilibrium, kinetics, and isotherm parameters before column testing. In the fixed-bed setup, breakthrough curves were recorded under different operational conditions, such as flow rate, bed height, and influent dye concentration. These tests revealed how CELLETS® perform under dynamic conditions.

Key Findings

The study revealed that CELLETS® exhibit strong adsorption capabilities for both cationic and anionic dyes, performing comparably to other biosorbents used in dynamic treatment systems. The breakthrough curves demonstrated that column performance could be modulated by operational parameters: increasing bed height extended breakthrough time and improved capacity, while higher flow rates accelerated breakthrough due to mass transfer limitations. Mathematical models commonly used for fixed-bed adsorption (Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Bohart–Adams) fit the experimental data well, enabling the extraction of key design parameters for scale-up. Notably, CELLETS® displayed mechanical robustness, sustaining repeated adsorption–desorption cycles (through mild acid or ethanol washout) with over 80 % retention of initial capacity [1,2]. Their spherical geometry resulted in low pressure drop and uniform flow, mitigating common issues like channeling and bed compaction.

Conclusion & Outlook

This study convincingly positions CELLETS® as a compelling new type of adsorbent for dye removal in fixed-bed systems. Their blend of favorable adsorptive properties, structural resilience, and hydraulic stability make them attractive for continuous water treatment processes, especially where regulatory constraints demand high effluent quality. The renewable nature of microcrystalline cellulose adds environmental value, aligning with sustainable treatment practices.

Future research directions include enhancing CELLETS®’ adsorption capacity via surface functionalization (e.g., with carboxyl or amine moieties) to target specific pollutants, extending studies with real industrial and pharmaceutical effluents, and integrating CELLETS®-based systems with complementary treatment processes such as membrane filtration or advanced oxidation. Pilot-scale studies and economic assessments will be essential to advance CELLETS® from lab-scale validation to industrial adoption.

By demonstrating CELLETS® as new type of adsorbent, this publication highlights their promising role in addressing the persistent challenge of dye removal in fixed-bed column systems—offering a scalable, effective, and sustainable solution for complex aqueous pollution.

References

[1] Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2015, Vol.14, No. 3, 525-532; http://www.eemj.icpm.tuiasi.ro/pdfs/vol14/no3/full/4_998_Suteu_14.pdf

[2] Fixed-bed-column studies for methylene blue removal by CELLETS

[3] Renewable Resource Biosorbents: Granulated Cellulose CELLETS 200 for Organic Pollutants Adsorption in Fixed-Bed Column Systems, Separations 2023, 10(2), 143; doi:10.3390/separations10020143

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Cellets 200 for organic pollutants adsorption
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Renewable Resource Biosorbents: Granulated Cellulose CELLETS 200 for Organic Pollutants Adsorption in Fixed-Bed Column Systems

Introduction

Fixed-bed column techniques are widely applied in water and wastewater treatment to achieve continuous adsorption of pollutants. In these systems, aqueous effluent flows through a packed bed of adsorbent material, offering operational simplicity, easy scale-up, and consistent performance—critical features in industrial and pharmaceutical settings. However, removing dyes from pharmaceutical effluents presents unique challenges: dyes are structurally complex, resistant to biodegradation, and often toxic or carcinogenic even at trace levels. Pharmaceutical industries demand exceptionally high water quality, making dye removal both technically difficult and economically significant.

This study evaluates granulated cellulose CELLETS® 200 for organic pollutants adsorption in fixed-bed systems. CELLETS® 200, composed of microcrystalline cellulose, are spherical pellets with defined particle size and porosity, designed to serve as a sustainable biosorbent. Their uniform granulation minimizes bed channeling and pressure drop—common operational issues—while their renewable nature supports greener treatment practices.

Use of CELLETS® 200 for organic pollutants adsorption

In the reported research, Granulated CELLETS® 200 were packed into vertical fixed-bed columns to treat aqueous solutions containing model organic dyes. Prior to column testing, batch experiments were used to determine equilibrium and kinetic parameters, ensuring reliable interpretation of breakthrough behavior. Columns were operated under controlled conditions—including flow rate, temperature (20 °C), and influent concentration—to monitor how CELLETS® 200 performed dynamically. Breakthrough curves were generated to assess adsorption capacity over time, and mathematical models (Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, Bohart–Adams) were applied to approximate performance and guide scale-up efforts.

Key Findings

Granulated cellulose CELLETS® 200 demonstrated effective uptake of cationic dyes such as Methylene Blue in a continuous-flow setup. The fixed-bed columns showed clear breakthrough profiles: bed depth and lower flow rates correlated with delayed breakthrough and increased total adsorption, confirming that the system response is highly dependent on operational variables. The experimental breakthrough data matched well with established fixed-bed adsorption models, suggesting predictable performance in larger-scale applications. Additionally, the mechanical integrity of CELLETS® 200—owing to their spherical shape and granulated structure—ensured low pressure drop and mitigated flow channeling even over extended operation. The study also underscored that CELLETS® 200 can be regenerated through mild washing treatments, maintaining a significant fraction of their capacity across multiple cycles. These findings reinforce the suitability of granulated cellulose CELLETS® 200 for organic pollutants adsorption in fixed-bed systems tailored to industrial effluents.

Conclusion & Outlook

The investigation confirms that granulated cellulose CELLETS® 200 for organic pollutants adsorption offers a sustainable, efficient biosorbent option for fixed-bed column processes, particularly in the removal of indelible dye molecules from pharmaceutical wastewater. The combination of green material sourcing, predictable and scalable performance, low hydraulic resistance, and reusability highlights CELLETS® 200 as a practical alternative to conventional adsorbents like activated carbon.

Future research should explore surface functionalization—such as the introduction of carboxyl or amine groups—to improve selectivity and capacity for various organic pollutants, including pharmaceutical remnants beyond dyes. Pilot-scale validations using actual industrial effluents, alongside techno-economic assessments and lifecycle analyses, will be essential to confirm the feasibility and environmental benefits of integrating CELLETS® 200 into full-scale wastewater treatment operations.

By showcasing granulated cellulose CELLETS® 200 for organic pollutants adsorption, this study advances the dialogue on sustainable biosorbents in fixed-bed systems, offering a strong foundation for both academic and industrial uptake of cellulose-based solutions in water treatment.

References

[1] Separations 2023, 10(2), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations10020143 (PDF)

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Fixed-bed-column studies for methylene blue removal by CELLETS
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Fixed-bed-column studies for methylene blue removal by CELLETS

This study investigated fixed-bed columns for methylene blue removal. It evaluated CELLETS®, a granulated spherical cellulose material, as an adsorbent in the system [1]. CELLETS® 200 has useful properties, including perfect sphericity, narrow particle size distribution, low friability, and chemical inertness. Experiments used a dye solution (9–10 mg/L, pH 4.7) with different flow rates. We modeled dynamic adsorption using the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson models. Results showed an optimal flow rate above 0.01368 m³/day per gram of adsorbent. Adsorption capacities ranged from 1.375 to 3.303 mg/g. These findings confirm that CELLETS® 200 is effective for wastewater treatment targeting organic dyes.

Introduction: fixed-bed column techniques & challenges of dye removal

Fixed-bed column adsorption is widely used in water purification. In this process, contaminated fluid passes through a packed column of adsorbent material. First, the process forms a saturated front zone, and then a sharp adsorption zone (mass transfer zone) develops. As a result, this design allows continuous or semi-batch operation. Moreover, it is favored for cost-efficiency, scalability, and ease of integration into industrial setups. Thus, compared to batch processes, it performs better in real-world applications.

However, removing synthetic dyes like methylene blue remains challenging. This is because these compounds have complex aromatic structures, high stability, and resist biodegradation. Consequently, conventional treatments often fail. In particular, in pharmaceutical and textile industries, dye contamination can compromise product safety and interfere with downstream processes. It also raises environmental and regulatory concerns, especially due to strict effluent purity standards in drug manufacturing. Therefore, developing effective, robust, and regenerable adsorbents is essential.

Use of CELLETS® 200 in this study

The publication “Fixed‑Bed‑Column Studies for Methylene Blue Removal by Cellulose CELLETS®” investigates CELLETS® 200 as a novel adsorbent. CELLETS® are granulated spherical cellulose with several advantages. They have near-perfect sphericity, narrow particle-size distribution, low friability, and chemical inertness. These features ensure predictable column hydraulics, low pressure drop, and resistance to mechanical breakage. Such attributes are essential for reliable fixed-bed media.

Experimental setup

  • Column configuration: A lab-scale glass column was packed with CELLETS® 200 beads.

  • Feed Solution: Aqueous methylene blue dye (9–10 mg/L), pH ~4.7.

  • Operational variables: Volumetric flow rate, bed height, and influent dye concentration were systematically varied.

  • Modeling approaches: Breakthrough data were analyzed using two classic dynamic models:

    • Thomas model – assumes plug flow and Langmuir-type kinetics;

    • Yoon–Nelson model – which simplifies predictions of breakthrough time tied to the probability of adsorption and breakthrough .

Key findings

The study identified key findings on CELLETS® 200 in fixed-bed column adsorption of methylene blue. Higher flow rates caused faster breakthrough times. This reduced the contact between dye molecules and the adsorbent, lowering overall adsorption efficiency. Lower flow rates and taller bed heights extended contact time. This improved dye removal and delayed breakthrough. CELLETS® 200 showed adsorption capacities from 1.375 to 3.303 mg of dye per gram of adsorbent. These values indicate consistent, moderate uptake suitable for treating dilute dye solutions. Experimental data matched the Thomas and Yoon–Nelson kinetic models. This suggests the models can reliably describe dynamic behavior under different operating conditions. The study established an optimal flow rate above 0.01368 m³/day per gram of adsorbent. This threshold ensured efficient dye removal and manageable hydraulic conditions in the column.

Conclusion & outlook

This study, “Fixed-Bed-Column Studies for Methylene Blue Removal by CELLETS”, shows that CELLETS® 200 granules are promising for continuous removal of low-concentration organic dyes like methylene blue. Their physical robustness and predictable hydraulics make them suitable for industrial wastewater applications. The adsorption capacities are moderate but sufficient for tertiary or polishing stages in effluent treatment. They are especially useful in pharmaceutical processes, where dye levels are often in the low mg/L range.

Outlook & Future Directions:

  • Regeneration and reuse: Future work should address desorption protocols and adsorbent longevity—critical for economic and environmental sustainability.

  • Real wastewater testing: Performance in multi-component, real industrial effluents (e.g., pharmaceutical or textile waste streams) needs to be validated to confirm efficacy under complex matrix conditions.

  • Scale-up studies: Pilot-scale trials will help translate lab-scale findings to full-scale operations, where factors like channeling, pressure drops, and extended service life become significant.

  • Material modification: Surface functionalization (e.g., with charged or reactive groups) may enhance uptake and selectivity, improving performance against a broader range of dyes.

In summary, this research highlights CELLETS® 200 as a viable, solid-phase adsorbent for low-level dye removal in dynamic systems. With further development in regeneration, real-world testing, and scaling strategies, it holds strong potential for integration into modern industrial wastewater treatment frameworks.

References

[1] Iulia Nica, Gabriela Biliuta, Carmen Zaharia, Lacramioara Rusu, Sergiu Coseri, Daniela Suteu, Environmental Engineering and Management Journal, 2020, Vol.19, No. 2, 269-279. online Link

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Ultrasound Imaging of Artificial Tongues – an approach with Cellets

Ultrasound Imaging of Artificial Tongues – an approach with Cellets

The article titled “Ultrasound Imaging of Artificial Tongues During Compression and Shearing of Food Gels on a Biomimetic Testing Bench” by Glumac et al. [1] introduces a novel method to study tongue–food interactions using ultrasound (US) imaging. The study primarily aims to improve understanding of mechanical processes during oral food processing. In particular, it focuses on how deformation at the tongue–food interface influences texture perception.

To simulate oral conditions, the researchers created four artificial tongue models from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels. These phantoms varied in surface roughness and stiffness to mimic different human tongue properties. They also prepared model food gels from agar, each with different concentrations to represent various textures. In the experiments, the gels were placed between the tongue phantom and a simulated hard palate on a biomimetic testing bench. A multi-axis force sensor measured the mechanical loads, while an ultrasound transducer array captured real-time images of the tongue surface during both compression and shear tests.

Using ultrasound contour tracking, the team precisely monitored deformation along the contact surface. During shear tests, particle tracking methods, including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), visualized horizontal velocity gradients within the tongue model. These results showed that deformation was unevenly distributed across the contact region. Consequently, the study revealed how tactile stimuli arise during oral food manipulation.

A key finding was the ability to distinguish between static and dynamic friction phases during shearing. This distinction significantly affects how textures are perceived in the mouth. Moreover, the technique demonstrated how tongue stiffness influenced force transmission and deformation patterns. These results underscore the crucial role of oral biomechanics in sensory evaluation.

Importantly, the study combines high-resolution US imaging with a biomimetic mechanical platform. This approach offers spatial and temporal resolution of oral interactions that were previously inaccessible. Therefore, the findings have broad implications for sensory science, food texture engineering, and oral drug delivery.

MCC Spheres enhancing the reproducibility and standardization

In the context of ultrasound imaging of artificial tongues, CELLETS® 90 (60 – 100 µm) provide a promising way to improve reproducibility and standardization. These highly uniform microcrystalline cellulose spheres have consistent mechanical properties and geometric features. Therefore, they are ideal as model substrates in oral-processing research. Their controlled size and mechanical resilience can benchmark system sensitivity. Additionally, they can serve as reference particles within gel matrices to help interpret deformation dynamics more clearly. Moreover, using CELLETS® supports pharmaceutical studies by simulating oral disintegration of solid dosage forms. By integrating them into the US-based methodology, researchers can expand the translational relevance of this platform for both food and pharmaceutical applications.

Scientific Significance

This work pioneers the use of biomimetic tongue models combined with advanced ultrasound imaging. It allows researchers to quantitatively analyze oral texture mechanics. Importantly, the method resolves friction phases, spatial deformation patterns, and velocity gradients during tongue–food interactions. As a result, it enhances our understanding of mechanosensory stimulation pathways. These insights are invaluable for designing food products, especially for populations with altered oral processing, such as the elderly or people with dysphagia. They also guide the development of orally disintegrating drug formulations. Furthermore, integrating CELLETS® strengthens the methodology’s robustness. This addition bridges food science and pharmaceutical applications while encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.

References

[1] M. Glumac, J.-L. Gennisson, V. Mathieu, Journal of Texture Studies, 2025; 56:e70030; doi:10.1111/jtxs.70030

Disclaimer: this text was partly composed with ChatGPT-4.

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Patent on solid oral dosage form comprising antibodies for sustained release in the lower gastrointestinal tract (ChatGPT-Image-6.-Mai-2025-16_09_21 Kopie)

Patent on solid oral dosage form comprising antibodies for sustained release in the lower gastrointestinal tract

Abstract

The patent “Solid oral dosage form comprising antibodies for sustained release in the lower gastrointestinal tract” (US20250127722A1 [1]) presents a novel pharmaceutical formulation. It uses microcrystalline cellulose pellets, called CELLETS®, as inert starter cores for controlled-release drug delivery systems. Moreover, these CELLETS® act as a stable foundation, ensuring uniform layering of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Consequently, the formulation achieves consistent drug delivery in the lower gastrointestinal tract.

Importance of Cellets® in the Application

CELLETS® play a key role in this pharmaceutical formulation because of their unique physical and chemical properties. They act as neutral carriers and consist entirely of microcrystalline cellulose, which is inert and insoluble. This inertness prevents unwanted interactions with the active ingredients, preserving the medication’s stability and efficacy.

Moreover, their high sphericity and narrow particle size distribution support a consistent and reproducible layering process. This uniformity is essential for achieving controlled and sustained release of the APIs. In addition, their mechanical strength and low friability reduce the generation of fines during processing. These fines can otherwise cause inconsistencies in drug release and dosing.

Furthermore, CELLETS® resist abrasion, which benefits the coating process. This property helps the pellets maintain their integrity and shape. As a result, the API layers are applied more efficiently and uniformly. Altogether, these characteristics make CELLETS® ideal MCC starter beads for controlled-release formulations requiring precise dosing and reliable performance.

Specific Type of Cellets® Used

In this application, the formulation uses CELLETS® 127, which have a particle size between 100 µm and 160 µm. This size range optimizes the surface area for API layering while maintaining good flow and compressibility. Moreover, choosing CELLETS® 127 ensures a balance between mechanical strength and drug release kinetics. As a result, the final product delivers improved therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusion

The formulation in patent US20250127722A1 uses CELLETS® 127 (100 µm to 160 µm) as inert starter cores. This choice highlights the importance of selecting appropriate excipients for controlled and sustained drug release. Additionally, their unique properties support the stability, efficacy, and reproducibility of the final dosage form. Therefore, CELLETS® 127 are a valuable component in advanced drug delivery systems.

Document information

Document Type and Number:  (“SOLID ORAL DOSAGE FORM COMPRISING ANTIBODIES FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE IN THE LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT”)
Kind Code: A1

Inventors:

Tillotts Pharma AG

References

[1] Patent; SOLID ORAL DOSAGE FORM COMPRISING ANTIBODIES FOR SUSTAINED RELEASE IN THE LOWER GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

Disclaimer: text and picture generation had been assisted by AI software ChatGPT version GPT-4o as of May 2024.

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Real-time monitoring of multiparticulate coating processes
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Real-time monitoring of multiparticulate coating processes at industrial-scale using ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography

Real-time monitoring of multiparticulate coating processes at industrial-scale is a critical demand for continuous and batch-wise process technologies. A combination with ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography is indeed a brilliant idea. Results were recently published by Wolfgang et al. [1]

Previous challenges in PAT of multiparticulate systems

This study presents a significant advancement in pharmaceutical process analytical technology (PAT) by introducing an industrially viable method for real-time, in-line monitoring of multiparticulate coating processes using ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR-OCT). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that has already shown promise in monitoring pharmaceutical coating processes, particularly for tablets. However, its application in multiparticulate systems—like pellets and mini-tablets—has been limited due to technical challenges such as small particle sizes, thin coatings, and process-induced disturbances.

Multiparticulate dosage forms require coatings as thin as 2.5 microns, necessitating extremely high spatial and temporal resolution in the monitoring equipment. Traditional OCT systems struggled with this due to limitations in sensor stability, acquisition speed, and resolution. Previous attempts to apply OCT in such contexts were mostly proof-of-concept and not scalable to industrial levels. They also failed to monitor enough particles per minute to gather statistically relevant data for real-time quality assurance.

Real-time monitoring of multiparticulate coating processes

In this study, the authors successfully integrated a UHR-OCT system into two industrial fluid bed coaters: the Glatt MultiLab (Glatt GmbH, Binzen/Germany, 2 kg batch size) and Glatt GPCG PRO 30 (30 kg batch size). These coaters function based on the Wurster principle, which enables excellent particle separation and uniform coating application, making them ideal for high-quality coating processes. The novel sensor setup developed by the authors allowed for automated, high-resolution, real-time measurements of coating thicknesses ranging from 2.5 to 20 µm, even for diverse particles as small as 250 µm (CELLETS® 250-355, IPC, Dresden/Germany) up to 1000 µm (CELLETS® 700, IPC, Dresden/Germany) in diameter.

One of the key innovations was the design of a process interface that could withstand the dynamic and harsh environment inside fluid bed coaters, including challenges such as vibration and dust. This setup allowed for consistent data acquisition and evaluation across different batch sizes, proving its scalability and robustness. Reference measurements based on sprayed coating mass closely matched the OCT measurements, especially when particle agglomeration was minimal, further validating the accuracy of the system.

The study also involved image-based photometric analysis, which underscored the effectiveness of UHR-OCT in capturing fine details of the coating layers. The findings suggest that this method can serve as a powerful PAT tool for real-time release testing, quality assurance, and process optimization in industrial pharmaceutical manufacturing. By enabling precise monitoring of extremely thin coatings on small multiparticulates, this technology helps ensure product quality and efficacy while potentially reducing production costs and time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the authors demonstrate that UHR-OCT is not only capable of meeting the demanding requirements of multiparticulate coating monitoring but also scalable and adaptable to industrial environments. This development marks a significant step toward broader adoption of OCT-based PAT tools in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for advanced drug delivery systems involving small, coated particles.

References

[1] International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2025), 675, 125546. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2025.125546.

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Patent on oral formulations of a Pyridinone derivate

Abstract

This patent describes an oral formulation designed to deliver a drug (a Pyridinone derivative) specifically to the small intestine. The formulation contains coated granules, pellets, beads, minicapsules, or minitablets. Each particle includes a core material and an enteric coating polymer, which ensures targeted drug release. Moreover, the patent covers the preparation method and its medical use.

The delayed-release oral formulation uses coated microcrystalline cellulose pellets (CELLETS®, CELLETS® 500) as the core material. These pellets range in size from 100 to 1,400 µm. In addition, the drug, a Pyridinone derivative for treating fibrostenotic Crohn’s disease, is protected by an enteric coating. This coating ensures that the drug releases in the intestine. Specifically, release occurs in a pH range of 6.2 to 6.8, which allows for topical availability in the ileum. Furthermore, the patent provides details on both the preparation process and medical applications.

Document information

Document Type and Number: (“ORAL FORMULATION OF A PYRIDINONE DERIVATE AND USE THEREOF IN PROPHYLAXIS AND/OR TREATMENT OF INTESTINAL FIBROSIS”)
Kind Code: A1

Inventors:

Wilhelm, Rudolf (Bischweier, DE)
Tewes, Bernhard (Vörstetten, DE)
Greinwald, Roland (Kenzingen, DE)

References

[1] ORAL FORMULATION OF A PYRIDINONE DERIVATE AND USE THEREOF IN PROPHYLAXIS AND/OR TREATMENT OF INTESTINAL FIBROSIS – Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH

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Patent on enteric-coated particles containing lactoferrinAdobe Firefly
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Patent on enteric-coated particles containing lactoferrin

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to enteric-coated particles containing lactoferrin. More specifically, the present invention provides an enteric-coated particle comprising (or consisting essentially of): a) a core comprising (or consisting essentially of) an inert core-forming material selected from cellulose polymer, sugar, sugar alcohol, starch and carnauba wax; b) a first coating layer substantially covering the core and comprising (or consisting essentially of) b-1) lactoferrin, b-2) a pharmaceutically acceptable binder and optionally b-3) one or more other suitable excipients, such as a plasticizer; and c) a second coating layer substantially covering the first coating layer and comprising (or consisting essentially of) c-1) an enteric coating material, and optionally c-2) one or more suitable excipients, such as a plasticizer and/or an anti-tacking agent. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and oral dosage forms comprising one or more particles according to the present invention. [1]

Enteric-coated particles with CELLETS® and other starter beads

This formulations is based on starter beads, exemplary such as sugar, wax or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). For the latter material MCC, specifically such as CELLETS® 100, CELLETS® 200, CELLETS® 350, CELLETS® 500, CELLETS® 700, or CELLETS® 1000 are mentioned. Through coating and layering of CELLETS® with excipients and the active, a modified release is obtained wherein at most 10% of lactoferrin is released from the particle within 120 minutes.

Document information

Document Type and Number: (“enteric-coated particles containing lactoferrin”)
Kind Code: A1

Inventors:

Grilc, Blaš (Ljubljana, SI)
Bjelosevic, Maja (Ljubljana, SI)
Roskar, Robert (Ljubljana, SI)
Osel, Nika (Ljubljana, SI)
Kristl, Albin (Ljubljana, SI)
Gasperlin, Mirjana (Ljubljana, SI)

Disclaimer

Image was generated with Adobe Firefly Image 3.

[1] Enteric-Coated Particles Containing Lactoferrin – UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANI

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