What Types of Coatings Are Used in the Pharma Industry?
July 29, 2024
Imagine a world where your medication not only helps you feel better but also tastes good, lasts longer, and is easier to take. That’s the magic of pharmaceutical coatings.
We interviewed Annabel Bordmann, General Manager of Film Coatings at Colorcon, about the evolution and innovation in this field, as well as a breakdown on the different types of coatings pharmaceutical companies have to choose from.
5 Types of Coatings
Here, we'll talk about five types of coatings in the pharmaceutical industry and what their purposes are.
Sugar Coatings
Sugar coatings, once a staple in the pharmaceutical world, are no longer a dominant force but are still in use for some traditional formulations. These coatings, primarily made of sucrose, mask the bitter taste of tablets and provide a glossy, attractive finish.
Although less common today due to advancements in technology, they serve a niche purpose and maintain their charm in specific applications.
Film Coatings
Film coatings dominate the pharmaceutical landscape. Composed of polymers, plasticizers, and colorants, they provide a thin, uniform layer that protects the drug substance and improves patient compliance.
"Film coatings not only enhance the stability of medications and the patient experience, but they can also control the release of active ingredients, ensuring consistent therapeutic effects," says Bordmann. This makes them essential for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of modern medications.
Immediate Release Coatings
Immediate release coatings are versatile, addressing specific challenges such as moisture or oxygen protection. They improve patient compliance by providing taste masking and swallowability enhancement. By protecting tablets against environmental factors such like humidity and light, these coatings extend the product's shelf life and ensure that patients receive the highest quality medication possible.
Enteric Coatings
Enteric coatings are the unsung heroes for drugs sensitive to stomach acid. These coatings ensure that medications bypass the acidic stomach environment and dissolve in the more neutral pH of the intestines.
Controlled-Release Coatings
For medications that need to maintain therapeutic levels over an extended period, controlled-release coatings are crucial. These coatings enable the gradual release of the drug, improving patient adherence and ensuring consistent therapeutic effects
Colorcon is at the forefront of research in this area, continuously developing new formulations and technologies to enhance controlled-release mechanisms.
Why Film Coatings Are the Best of All Worlds
Film coatings are considered the gold standard in pharmaceutical coatings for several reasons. They offer a perfect blend of functionality, versatility, and patient compliance, Bordmann says, adding that they provide the ideal balance between protecting the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and enhancing the patient experience. They are easy to apply, cost-effective, and can be tailored to meet specific drug release profiles and aesthetic requirements.
Film coatings are incredibly adaptable, Bordmann adds. They can be formulated to address a variety of challenges such as moisture protection, taste masking, and color consistency. This makes them a one-stop solution for many pharmaceutical needs.
Film coatings not only ensure the stability and efficacy of the medication but also make it more palatable and visually appealing, thereby improving patient adherence. Their ability to be customized to specific requirements without compromising on quality or effectiveness truly makes them the best of all worlds in pharmaceutical coatings.
Closing Thoughts
The pharmaceutical industry relies heavily on various coatings to meet diverse drug delivery needs. From traditional sugar coatings to advanced film coatings, each type serves a specific purpose in enhancing medication effectiveness and patient compliance.
As regulatory landscapes shift and patient needs evolve, the development of new coating solutions is crucial for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medications. Technology advancements will further improve consumers’ experience and manufacturers operations.
