Emulsion Technology for Micro Encapsulation to be Used in GMP Pharma Production

Aesica and EmulTech, have jointly announced the commercial development of emulsion technology for micro encapsulation (ET4ME), a reportedly innovative technology for product formulation.

ET4ME, developed by the EmulTech group (a spin out of Eindhoven University of Technology), utilises an elegant micro fluidic process to create a measurable micro particulate suspension where particle size is uniform and reproducible. The technology can be used for a multitude of APIs from small molecules to complex biomolecules, with high levels of batch consistency and reproducibility upon scale up. By utilising a closed system, sterile formulations can be achieved, coupled with resistance to oxidative degradation.

The product is already being actively used by an Aesica client to help develop a new dosage form in an acid resistant non-sterile suspension. However, the partners envisage huge growth in the use of this technology for sterile products following an externally validated process simulation trial (PST).

Over three years in development, and thanks to the creation of an aseptic protocol by Aesica, the technology has applications in the formulation of injectables — in particular, depot injections for sustained release, due to the uniform droplet size, loading and morphology. Formulations have demonstrated improved aqueous stability that will enable customers to revisit previously abandoned products such as injectables, poor solubility compounds and new formulations of existing products.

Ian Lafferty, Site Director at Aesica Formulation Development, commented: “We first came across the technology at a conference a few years ago and realised that if we could develop an aseptic process — it’s a tremendous credit to our development team that we could achieve this — it would provide an elegant solution to many compounds. Already, we have started working with several clients to commercialise this technology and there is a tremendous growth opportunity for sterile products and injectables.”

Fränk de Jong, CEO at EmulTech, added: “We knew we had a very innovative proprietary technology and by working with Aesica we now have access to their GMP approved facilities in Nottingham. This, coupled with their ability to develop an aseptic process for the technology, has enabled us to offer a commercialised solution that has the potential to develop formulations that would previously have been unachievable. Thanks to Aesica, the process has been PST validated for steriles and there is a clear emerging demand to develop formulations using this approach.”                                                                                                    

Aesica Pharmaceuticals Ltd, +44 191 218 1960, info@aesica-pharma.com, www.aesica-pharma.com.