- Applications:Excipients & Coatings, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Oral
- Product Families:Formulation & Processing Aids, Binders & Disintegrants, Excipients
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. began to produce water soluble cellulose ethers in 1962, with the trade name METOLOSE®. METOLOSE® consists of Methylcellulose (methylcellulose USP) and three substitution types of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Hypromellose USP) each available in several grades differing in viscosity. METOLOSE® can be used as a binder for solid dosage forms such as tablets and granules. It also provides a variety of functions such as water retention, thickening, protective colloid, surface activity, etc. It also can be used as a hydrophilic matrix agent. The hydrophilic matrix system is the simplest sustained release technology for oral dosage forms, consisting essentially of a drug and a water soluble highly viscous polymer. Recent advances in this hydrophilic matrix system have allowed more controllable and reproducible drug release by controlling the chemical and physical properties of the polymer. METOLOSE® SR is especially suitable for this application, and provides a genuine consistency in the final products.