The three new Swelstar excipients, MX-1, PD-1 and WB-1, were developed in partnership with fellow Japanese firm Sanwa Cornstarch to fulfil a range of functions for a variety of types of drug tablet.
The key feature of MX-1, which is designed for application in gel matrix tablets, is its ability to control active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) release even under conditions of high ionic and mechanical stress.
MX-1 can also be used to make zero order release tablets, those that supply drug steadily over time to avoid peak and trough effects, by combining it with water soluble polymer complexes.
Drug compatability, stability and moisture absorption are the key applications of the PD-1 grade. The excipient has a high swelling property and, as a result of its non-ionic and low hygroscopic characteristics, is a super disintegrant.
The WB-1 grade has been developed as binding agent for use in wet granulation and processing. In common with PD-1, WB-1’s disintegration characteristics are a key feature.
However AsahiKasei explained that unlike PD-1, WB-1 forms a water soluble outer shell that surrounds an inner high swell core, improving the disintegration characteristics of tablets in which it is applied.
The Swelstar starch brand is the latest addition to AsahiKasei’s library of industrial excipients that include the eolus, Celphere, PC-10, Trehalose and Kiccolate lines that have a number of applications in the pharmaceutical and food sectors.