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Tablets & Capsules March 2014 45 In the tabletting arena, the latest development for matrix-based con- trolled-release tablets is direct-com- pression grades of high-molecular- weight HPMC, such as those offered from Dow and Ashland. These grades provide significant functional perfor- mance, especially for flowability dur- ing tabletting, which may lower the cost of producing inexpensive medi- cines for the geriatric and other popu- lations. Improving excipient function- ality is another way of doing this. It ensures that the dose is delivered reli- ably while minimizing waste in the manufacturing process, and thereby offering the potential to reduce tablet size and improve compliance. Conclusion The excipients, technology, and formulation innovation required to significantly improve the treatment of geriatric and long-term care patients are available. The challenge is to understand the specific pharmaceuti- cal needs of each patient. By deliver- ing single-API or combination prod- ucts to patients, either as standard tablets or orally disintegrating ver- sions, formulators can help patients while potentially reducing the cost of care. Let's focus on combining the best elements of each excipient to deliver broad-purpose products while ensuring individuals are well treated and little is wasted. Let's think long- term about long-term care. T&C References 1. Stegemann, S. and Reo, J.P. "Geri - atric Patients: The Neglected Ma jority, AAPS News Magazine, March 2010, pp 17-21. 2. Verbrugge et al., Comorbidity and its impact on disability. The Milbank Quarterly, 1989; 67 (3-4), 450-484. 3. Hobson, M., Medications in older patients. Western Journal of Medicine 1992; 157(5): 539-543. 4. Nash et al., "Why the Elderly Need Individualized Pharmaceutical Care," Thomas Jefferson University's Office of Health Policy and Clinical Outcomes April 2000 Monograph. 5. Harris Interactive Poll/Schwarz Pharma AG, 2003. 6. Preston, M. and Morris, H. "Dys - phagia, the impact on dispensing doctors." Dispensing Doctor J. 2005; 21:1, 1-5. 7. Anderson et al., "Problems when swallowing tablets: A questionnaire study from general practice." Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen. 1995; 115:947-9. 8. Strachan, I. and Greener, M. "Medication-related swallowing difficulties may be more common than we realise," Pharmacy in Practice, 2005; 411-414. 9. Guralnik et al. "Aging in the eight- ies: The prevalence of comorbidity and its association with disability." Advance Data Report 170, National Center for Health Statisicts (1989). 10. FDA, Guidance for Industry: E11 Clinical Investigation of Medicinal Pro - ducts in the Pediatric Popula tion. December 2000. www.fda.gov/ Regulatory Information/ Guidances/ ucm129476.htm Alen Guy, Ph.D., is technical director of the pharma business group at the UK office of IMCD Group, Times House, Throwley Way, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4AF UK. Tel. +44 208 770 7090, fax + 4 4 2 0 8 7 7 0 7 2 9 5 . E - m a i l : alen.guy@imcd.co.uk. Excipients for Nutritional & Pharmaceutical Industries A global leader, with 30 years of experience and customers in over 100 countries, Blanver provides fundamental performance ingredients for the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries. Our consistent investment in R&D has ensured that our products are recognized worldwide for their quality and efficiency. • Microcel (Microcrystalline Cellulose) • Tabulose SC (Microcrystalline Cellulose + Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium) • Solutab (Croscarmellose Sodium) • Explosol (Sodium Starch Glycolate) • Sorb-Cel (Effervescent Base) Excipients USA - 1515 South Federal Highway, Suite 204 Boca Raton - Florida Tel: (561) 416-5513 Fax: (561) 416-5663 www.blanver.com l-EOE_40-45_Masters 3/5/14 10:34 AM Page 45