Press release
Health Care
October 6, 2020

Evonik launches new oral drug delivery technology for enteric protection and rapid release in the upper small intestine

  • Rapid, homogeneous release at a defined pH from 3.0 to 5.5
  • 90% of dose released within 30 minutes for effective targeting
  • Extends Evonik’s leadership for oral drug delivery solutions

Evonik has launched an advanced oral drug delivery technology that provides enteric protection followed by rapid, homogeneous release for effective targeting of the upper small intestine.

EUDRATEC® Fasteric releases on average 90% of its dose within 30 minutes of arrival at a pre-defined pH level between 3.0 and 5.5. The proprietary delivery technology can increase gastric resistance and improve intestinal absorption for oral drug products that target sites in the upper small intestine where there is a narrow absorption window. It is also fast and easy to process using standard equipment, and suitable for use with a range of oral dosage forms including multiparticulates, tablets and capsules.

“Many APIs are best absorbed through the proximal part of the small intestine,” said Paul Spencer, Head of Pharma Polymers and Services at Evonik. “Enteric protection, followed by early, fast and homogeneous release at the right pH level can be essential to maximize absorption and enhance bioavailability. With the launch of EUDRATEC® Fasteric, Evonik has addressed another major unmet need for oral drug delivery.”

Evonik’s broad portfolio of EUDRAGIT® functional coatings and advanced drug delivery technologies can effectively target virtually any gastrointestinal site.

“EUDRATEC® Fasteric is ideal for the precise targeting of sites such as the duodenum where there is a narrow absorption window,” said Dr. Jessica Mueller-Albers, Director Strategic Marketing Oral Drug Delivery Solutions at Evonik. “Other technologies within our portfolio such as DuoCoat®, Phloral® and EUDRATEC® COL enable high-precision targeting for the ileocolonic region. The versatility of our portfolio and extensive formulation expertise means we can reliably help pharmaceutical customers address their specific release profile requirements. Being able to offer such a broad range of absorption solutions for targeting throughout the gastrointestinal tract makes Evonik an attractive partner for the development of delayed release oral solid dosage forms.”

Evonik’s Health Care business line is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical partners for advanced drug delivery. Being part of the Nutrition and Care division of Evonik, it provides pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with a unique, integrated portfolio of functional excipients, delivery technologies and CDMO services for complex oral and parenteral dosage forms. It is also one of the world’s largest suppliers of generic APIs, amino acids and cell culture ingredients, and a top three global CMO for APIs and intermediates.

Together with other business lines within the Nutrition & Care division, Evonik Health Care is driving many of the Company’s innovation growth fields of healthcare solutions, advanced food ingredients and additive manufacturing, as well as core biotechnologies including protein fermentation.

Company information

Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €13.1 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion in 2019. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. More than 32,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life, day by day.

About Nutrition & Care

The Nutrition & Care segment is led by Evonik Nutrition & Care GmbH and contributes to fulfilling basic human needs. That includes applications for everyday consumer goods as well as animal nutrition and health care. This segment employed about 8,200 employees, and generated sales of around €4.6 billion in 2019.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.