What Are the Benefits of Film Coating?
August 30, 2024
A pill is such a small object, but it can make a huge impression on a consumer. The difference between holding a plain, uncoated pill and a smooth, colorful, glossy tablet with company branding is night and day.
But it’s not just about looks. Film coating is a thin polymer-based layer applied to tablets and other solid dosages that improves their functionality and patient acceptability as well.
To dive deeper into the benefits of film coating, we spoke with Annabel Bordmann, General Manager of Film Coatings at Colorcon, a leading innovator in pharmaceutical coating technologies.
The Top 4 Benefits of Film Coatings in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Bordmann highlighted four benefits of film-coated tablets in particular: a better patient experience, a more stable product, branding opportunities, and efficiency.
1. Enhanced Patient Experience
One of the primary advantages of film coating is its ability to significantly improve the patient experience. “There is a lot it can improve when it comes to patient experience," Bordmann says.
For example, film coatings can:
- Mask unpleasant tastes or odors of medications
- Improve the swallowability of tablets
- Provide a smooth, attractive appearance
2. Improved Product Stability and Shelf Life
Film coatings play a crucial role in protecting pharmaceutical products from environmental factors that could degrade their efficacy. According to Bordmann, coatings can provide:
- Moisture protection
- Resistance to light degradation
- Stability in various temperature conditions
3. Customization and Branding Opportunities
Film coatings offer pharmaceutical companies the ability to differentiate their products visually. This aspect of coating is not just about aesthetics; it's a crucial part of brand identity and can aid in product recognition.
"We have a color selector online,” Bordmann notes. “That way, we guide customers to the best solutions based on what they need."
This customization extends beyond color, allowing for:
- Unique textures and finishes
- Incorporation of logos or other identifying marks
- Formulation adaptations for specific market needs
4. Manufacturing Efficiency
Film coating technology has evolved to enhance the efficiency of pharmaceutical production. Bordmann says that Colorcon is "constantly looking at coatings that can be applied quickly." Benefits in this area include:
- Increased production speed
- Consistency across batches and manufacturing sites
- Reduced production costs over time
"We ensure that [our coatings are] adaptable to the customer’s equipment and make sure that the quality will be the same across all six or seven plants," Bordmann adds.
Final Thoughts
Film coating has become an indispensable technology in the pharmaceutical industry, offering benefits that extend from the manufacturing floor to the patient's experience. Companies like Colorcon are continually innovating to expand these advantages.
Looking to the future, we can expect film coating technologies to evolve further, addressing emerging challenges in drug delivery and meeting changing regulatory landscapes. With ongoing research into new polymers and coating techniques, the benefits of film coating are likely to grow.
