Drug Formulation and Delivery Services 

About the cover: SwRI scientists use state-of-the-art techniques, including the environmental scanning electron microscope, to view particle and crystal morphology and aggregation.

Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) offers comprehensive formulation and drug delivery services. Experienced SwRI scientists have produced multiple publications and received numerous patents in drug formulation and delivery technology. With more than 45 years of experience in microand nano-encapsulation technology, Institute scientists can quickly develop solutions to formulation and drug delivery problems such as solubility, stability, controlled delivery, delayed release, taste, and targeting.

SwRI has research, development, and scale-up capabilities and possesses experience in most particle-forming technologies. Institute staff members formulate drugs with the particle size and format the administration route may require. Examples of particle sizes that may be provided with each encapsulation method are shown below.

SwRI scientists have created stable taste-masked enteric-coated and sustained release oral formulations for Institute clients, such as this transparent nanosuspension.

Using the SwRI-NASDEL™ capsule-gel mucosal delivery technology, medical personnel can deliver cytotoxic compounds to the patient without irritating or upsetting the nasal epithelium.

The Institute can test particle formulations with analytical capabilities including:

• Beckman Coulter N4 Plus submicron particle analyzer for characterization of particles ranging from 5 nanometers to 2 micrometers
• Malvern process systems for measuring from 2 to 1,000 micrometers
• ZetaPlus particle electrophoresis systems for surface charge analysis
• Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) for analysis particle morphology
• Differential scanning calorimetry and thermal gravimetric analysis for thermal property evaluation
• X-ray diffraction and confocal Raman spectroscopy for crystallineamorphous characterization
• AS-400 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) for solid-state characterization
• In-vitro ADME assays (CACO-2, MDR/MDCK) for assessing formulation effects on compound permeability and transporter (P-glycoprotein) properties.

Scientists utilize the SwRI-developed rotating disc process to encapsulate liquids and solids, forming microcapsules or microspheres.

The Institute has developed a variety of materials for controlled delivery of therapeutic aids, such as this implantable coated fiber (left). Releaserate is modulated by the drug’s physical properties or the implant material or porosity, providing release durations of up to six months.

SwRI has experience with a wide range of techniques for drug delivery, including the following:

Oral — Using a variety of methods, SwRI scientists create stable taste-masked, enteric-coated and sustained release oral formulations that conform to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) standards. Using its cGMP suites, Institute scientists can prepare the micro- or nanoparticles for filling into hard gelatin capsules or compression into tablets.

Ocular — SwRI-developed controlled-release microand nano-particles and implants allow drug delivery in the vitreous, conjunctiva, and anterior portions of the eye.

Nasal and Mucosal — The Institute has developed a controlled-release nasal delivery technology (SwRINASDEL ™) that does not irritate the nasal mucosa.

Subcutaneous (implant or depot) — SwRI has developed controlled-release formulations in the form of depot and subcutaneous implants ranging from a fraction of a millimeter to several millimeters. Release rate and duration vary, according to client requirements.

Topical — SwRI has experience in developing creams, ointments, and gels for a variety of compounds, including nano-particle-containing gels for cellular delivery of interfering RNA.

Intravenous and intramuscular (IV and IM) — SwRI has developed traditional isotonic mixture IV and IM formulations, as well as nanosuspensions not immediately cleared by the reticular endothelial system for controlled release formulations.

Scientists developed innovative techniques for surfactant -free nanoprecipitation.

Institute scientists develop a variety of formulations capable of delivering therapeutic drugs via ocular pathways. Transparent nanosuspensions of coated particles or pure drug can be applied to the vitreous humor without disturbing the field of vision.

This brochure was originally published in February 2007. For more information about Drug Formulation and Delivery Services, contact Dr. Joseph McDonough, Synthesis and Drug Delivery Section, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division, Southwest Research Institute, P.O. Drawer 28510, San Antonio, Texas 78228-0510, Phone (210) 522-3670, Fax (210) 522-4632.

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Brochures SwRI Brochures
SwRI Publications SwRI Technical Divisions SwRI Home