Colorcon launches titanium dioxide-free film coating

Photo © iStockphoto.com/victorhe2002

Colorcon (Harleysville, PA) has introduced a new titanium dioxide (TiO2)-free film coating system for pharmaceutical tablets, called Opadry. The system is based on polyvinyl alcohol.

“With uncertainty around the future of TiO2 use in pharmaceutical products marketed in the European Union, global pharmaceutical manufacturers are interested to formulate their products without the inclusion of TiO2,” said Annabel Bordmann, film coatings general manager for Colorcon, in a press release. “During the past 5 years, Colorcon scientists have been developing a portfolio of TiO2-free film coating products for different functionalities. This new formulation is not only TiO2-free but provides PVA-based coating benefits and good opacity at standard weight gain.”

“With Colorcon’s in-depth knowledge of materials, coating technology and regulatory needs, this new TiO2-free formulation is designed to provide the PVA-based film coating properties such as; great adhesion, easy and fast processing times combined with moisture protection, that formulators have appreciated for many years,” added Ali Rajabi-Siahboomi, PhD, Colorcon’s chief innovation officer.