Originally Published MPMN October
2004
INDUSTRY NEWS
Silicone Supplier
Publishes Drug-Delivery Market Summary
 |
| A market report published by NuSil Technology takes an in-depth look at silicone-based drug-delivery products. Pictured is a graphical representation of estradiol molecules releasing from a polydimethylsiloxane surface (click to enlarge). |
Designed to assist developers of drug-delivery products that incorporate silicone,
a market report describes types of devices in which the material may be used
along with compatible pharmaceutical agents. NuSil Technology (Carpinteria,
CA; www.nusil.com) has made
the report available to existing and potential customers on its Web site. An
on-line request form can be accessed at www.nusil.com/literature.
The summary begins with an overview of current drug-delivery devices that use
silicone. Implanted, mucosal, and transdermal products are included. The report
continues with a section on materials selection that lists NuSil materials and
their corresponding applications. Candidate drugs such as antidepressants, vitamins,
and antiviral and other agents suitable for incorporation into silicone-based
drug-delivery devices are compiled. Reference materials and patent data are
also included.
The company has also announced an expansion of its Carpinteria plant. A new
70,000-sq-ft facility will extend the firm’s shipping and packaging departments
and its warehouse. It will also enable expansion of its manufacturing capabilities.
The company’s existing 160,000-sq-ft plant is devoted primarily to R&D
and manufacturing. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2004.
Certified to ISO 9001, NuSil Technology specializes in the formulation and application
of silicone materials for the healthcare and other industries. The firm recently
introduced pigmented master batches for liquid silicone rubber formulations
meeting USP Class VI testing requirements.
“Adding powder-based pigments such as titanium dioxide or barium sulfate
to silicone systems can be a messy and inaccurate process,” says Brian
Nash, vice president of marketing and sales. Adding pigment to functional polymers
creates a “user-friendly solid/liquid mass that can be easily added to
elastomers,” he explains.
The pigmented master batches are available in unrestricted and restricted versions.
Unrestricted formulations may be considered for use in long-term implantable
applications; restricted materials are suited for short-term implantable (<30
days) or external use. Their consistency is similar to many types of liquid
silicone rubber. Containing 50% barium sulfate or 50% titanium dioxide by weight,
they are designed to be pumped by a third line into a liquid-injection molder’s
dynamic mixing chamber. The materials can also be added manually for compression
molding.
Copyright ©2004 Medical Product Manufacturing News
