The use of sugar spheres in multiparticulate drug delivery systems is an area of increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry. This is largely due to the clinical and formulation advantages sugar spheres have over single-unit dosage forms, including the ease of processing in modified release applications. Factors that are critical to the success of this application are surface roughness and sphericity, particle size and its distribution, density, friability and the hardness of the starting substrate. Based on these criteria, the selection of the appropriate sugar sphere is a crucial part of the formulation.
SUGLETS™, sugar spheres, added to the Colorcon product portfolio through the acquisition of NP Pharm™, are ideal for creating sustained or extended release drug layering dosage forms. Available in different sizes, the smooth, spherical surface of the sugar spheres, combined with their low friability and high batch-to-batch uniformity provide the ideal surface for drug loading and tight particle control. SUGLETS possess all the physical properties that are optimal not only for a starting substrate, but also for pharmaceutical drug layering and subsequent coating and compression procedures.
The additional benefits of SUGLETS include the ability to withstand the process of drug layering, which assures an accurate amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the finished product. The consistent surface of the sugar spheres promotes adherence of the API, and coating later in the process. Most importantly, the use of SUGLETS results in precise drug release when combined with modified release coatings.
SUGLETS are in compliance with applicable excipient GMP requirements based on the USP/NF General Chapter and Good Manufacturing Processes for Bulk Pharmaceutical Excipients. They also meet all specifications for sugar spheres as outlined in the current version of the USP/NF, JPE and PhEur.
Contact Colorcon to find out why SUGLETS should be your first choice for consistent quality!
SUGLETS complement SureSpheres®, drug layering substrate, which continue to be commercially available.
SUGLETS™ and NP PHARM™ are trademarks of Colorcon NP Pharm SAS
