Monday, 10. April 2006

Inhalable Medicines with no Bitter Aftertaste

Leverkusen – Bayer Technology Services will be introducing its novel micrometer-thin capsule formulations for inhalable medications at ACHEMA, the world’s largest process technology trade fair, from May 15 - 19, 2006, in Frankfurt (hall 9.1, stand B33). A coating just a few thousandths of a millimeter thick can neutralize the taste of medications formulated as particles capable of penetrating the lungs, enabling bitter-tasting substances to be inhaled.

The technology is based on a precipitation process with which hydrophobic materials can be applied to the surface of active ingredients. These materials prevent the active substance from being wetted rapidly and thus from being released in the mouth and throat. The active substance is not released until it reaches the lungs or stomach. Special capsule formulations can be tested rapidly for a wide variety of active substances in screening studies.

Inhalable formulations are an interesting new delivery form for many active substances which are already available in conventional formulations, and make new uses in the lungs a viable proposition. Particles of active ingredients intended for inhalation need to be within a narrow size range in order to be taken up in the lungs, but to date no technology has been available to mask the taste of such small particles. Most active ingredients have an unpleasant taste which needs to be masked, because nowadays nobody believes the old adage that medicine doesn’t work if it doesn’t taste bitter.

This technology can also be used to improve formulations for oral administration. Particle size plays a decisive role in ensuring good bioavailability. In addition, particles smaller than 50 µm are not perceived as powder by the taste sensors, so the individual does not perceive them as unpleasant in chewable tablets.

Bayer Technology Systems GmbH offers fully-integrated solutions along the life cycle of chemical/pharmaceutical plants – from development through engineering and construction to process optimization for existing plants. The Bayer subsidiary employs more than 2,100 experts worldwide at its headquarters in Leverkusen and other German locations, as well as in regional offices in Baytown, Texas, U.S.A.; Antwerp, Belgium; Mexico City, Mexico; and Shanghai, People's Republic of China. In 2005 the company earned around EUR 360 million.