Technologies

The Technology:

Currently, citric acid esters are used as plasticizers in pharmaceutical coatings, as well as in other biomedical products, so their safety is well-documented. Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center have discovered that citric acid esters (CAEs) are ideal delivery vehicles for a variety of drug formulations. Citric acid esters are non-toxic, non-irritating, inert, stable, and do not compromise the active ingredient. The viscosity can be tailored within a wide range, as can the water solubility.

No systemic toxicity or significant body weight change was observed in the rats injected with the citric acid esters compared to those injected with the control (normal saline). Also, no abnormal eating and drinking habits were observed.

In one study, citric acid esters or their mixtures were used to prepare sustained release solutions of buprenorphine in rats. The researchers identified a formulation prepared with tributyl citrate (TBC) at the dose of 1.5 mg/Kg that maintained analgesia in rats for 3-5 days following a single subcutaneous administration.

The inventors of this technology have extensive experience working with commercial partners to develop and test novel drug formulations, and understand real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. They also utilize actual manufacturing equipment in their labs, further ensuring that their work is easily incorporated into commercial manufacturing techniques.