Open new pathways

By expanding our portfolio of ambitious and innovative new technologies, we can offer our clients - pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies - solutions for developing the products of tomorrow.

Controlled release of bioactive substances

Depolip® Organogel Implants

In order to prolong the delivery of an active ingredient, this patented process uses the physicochemical properties of an innovative composition, which contains a hydrophobic organic solvent and an organogelator that can trap the active ingredient.

 

The principle behind Organogel implants?

Before injection, a hydrophilic organic solvent competes with organogelator molecules to inhibit gel formation. After injection, the diffusion of the solvent into the surrounding environment generates the self-aggregation of the organogelator molecules. The organogelator molecules help retain the hydrophobic organic liquid, making the composition shift from a liquid to a gel form. Hence, this provides a simple, spontaneous, in situ gelification process that is easy to administer. It is through a controlled process of diffusion and biodegradation that the implant formed in this way provides the controlled release of bioactive substances in the body.

 

Moving towards increased oral bioavailability

Lipidic nanocapsules

Ethypharm is working in collaboration with the Université d'Angers and France's Inserm (national institute for health and medical research) on a new generation of nanovectors, called Lipidic Nanocapsules (LNCs). These nanoparticles help improve the oral bioavailability of certain molecules. Injectable applications are also being studied.

 

Lipidic nanocapsules are prepared using a patented phase inversion process

This new colloidal system is comprised of a lipid core made up of medium chain triglycerides.  The lipid core is surrounded by phospholipids and hydrophilic polymers. This proprietary technique helps encapsulate lipophilic molecules as well as hydrophilic molecules.  For oral applications, the encapsulation of the active ingredient within the LNCs helps protect the molecule from degradation in the gastrointestinal environment, while increasing intestinal permeability. In particular, the LNCs can inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein, the protein responsible for transporting many molecules. Ultimately, these properties help increase oral bioavailability..