Advances in particle engineering, encapsulation, surface property optimization and solubility enhancement are enabling the creation of new formulations of both new and existing compounds. These technologies can enhance key properties such as compound solubility or bioavailability - salvaging promising NCEs that would otherwise be dropped - and modulate release profiles to achieve dosage forms that enhance patient compliance.   While their potential is obvious, their use can result in complexities that can percolate throughout the organization. This impact extends beyond potential future drug therapeutics by bestowing valuable capabilities on formulators attempting to re-formulate approved drugs approaching the end of their patent life. The new generation of formulations based on proprietary technology will present challenges to downstream pharmaceutical functions.

Publication Date: February 2008