Extended-release drugs are very common in the pharmaceutical industry but can be difficult to understand and identify. For example, oral medications can be labeled with different acronyms such as ER, SR, and CR, which stand for extended release, sustained release, and controlled release.

It is important to note that “extended-release pharmaceuticals” is an umbrella term for both sustained- and controlled-release pharmaceuticals. These drugs are part of a series called modified-release dosage forms, which refers to the medication’s time-release technology.

Typically, the drugs you ingest are immediate release, which means they are instantly activated when they are ingested. However, extended-release, sustained-release, and controlled-release drugs are modified pharmaceuticals designed to release at a delayed or slower rate to change how and when the drug hits your system.

A Breakdown on Extended-Release Pharmaceuticals

Extended-release drugs were created to offset the side effects that come with traditional, immediate-release drugs. IR drugs are designed to release a spike of medication into the bloodstream that then tapers off. Because of this, extended-release pharmaceuticals offset that spike of medication to provide a steadier amount of medication into the body.

Controlled-Release Medication

• These are medications that are labeled with “CR” at the end of their medical names
• CR drugs can release active ingredients at a very specific rate to ensure there is a constant medication flow in the body for a specific period of time
• Due to their medication-regulating abilities, fewer doses are required throughout the day

Sustained-Release Medication

• These are medications that are labeled with “SR” at the end of their medical names
• SR tablets or capsules prolong the medication’s release to dole out the benefits of the medication over a longer time period
• Although the medication is released over a longer period, the medication levels do not remain constant while in the body

Extended-Release Injectables from Oakwood Labs

Here at Oakwood Labs, we are your source for extended-release injectables. With over 20 years of drug encapsulation experience, we have patented technology to control particle size, customize release durations, and minimize residual solvents.

Our team of professionals has the ability to perform research and develop specially formulated extended-release injectables for our customers’ specific needs. Some benefits of our extended-release injectables include:

• Reducing the number of injections needed
• Ability to target specific anatomical areas
• Improved patient compliance
• Helping to prevent drug abuse

Extended-release drugs make it simpler for individuals to take medications on a regular basis, as these drugs are easier for the body to tolerate in comparison to immediate-release pharmaceuticals. Due to their modified composition, fewer doses are required, making it simpler to stick to a medication schedule.

Overall, extended-release pharmaceuticals allow your body to feel the effects of the specific medication over a longer time period, but via fewer doses. Understanding the specifics of extended-release drugs is important so you can predict how your body will react.

Contact Us for Extended-Release Drugs

Oakwood Labs is the best source for long-acting injectable manufacturing. Not only are we an industry leader in injectable pharmaceutical development, but we are very committed to quality and customer satisfaction.

If you have questions on extended-release injectables, contact us today for additional information!

Related Blog Posts

• Sustained Release Drugs vs. Controlled Release Drugs: What’s the Difference?
• What Is Sustained Release Technology and What Are Its Benefits in Pharmaceuticals?
• A Look at Extended-Release and Modified-Release Drugs

Oakwood Labs is experienced in scaling up and reproducing microparticles for pharmaceuticals. Microparticles are a popular choice for pharmaceuticals because they have multiple routes of administration, can be utilized with a wide variety of drugs, protect biomolecules from degradation, and can perform site-specific controlled releases.

Applications for Microparticles in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Microparticles are generally made up of proteins or synthetic polymeric materials. They can be found in sizes ranging from 1 to 1000 mm, making them ideal for many different applications, including vaccines and other treatments. The following applications describe how they ease patients in need of relief and help the industry:

• When found in small sizes, microparticles are used for inhalation delivery because they are easily dispersed and aerodynamic, allowing them to travel to the deeper regions of the lungs.

• In addition to their role in transferring treatment to deep regions to the body, microparticles play an important role in the treatment and diagnosis of various cancers, including brain cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

• Microparticles used in drug delivery have also shown promising results in reducing the treatment time of tuberculosis since they enhance the efficacy of the antibiotics delivered.

Reasons to Use Microparticles in Drug Delivery

Since they were first introduced to the medical field, microparticles have improved the efficiency of different medical treatments. The following advantages describe the benefits of using microparticles in drug delivery:

• Protective coating – Using microparticles supplies bioactive drugs, proteins, and small molecules with protection from degradation. This allows the microparticles to travel freely to their intended destination.

• Controlled release – Microparticles have the ability to effectively achieve a controlled release rate of encapsulated drugs, whether over a period of hours, weeks, or months. This can help in treating patients who forget to take their medication or those who do not want to attend as many appointments.

• Effective for various applications – Microparticles are effective because they can be used for a variety of drugs and can therefore be used in a variety of treatments. For example, they help cancer patients by reducing the number of chemotherapeutic drugs used in patients, reducing the side effects that the patient would otherwise experience.

How Oakwood Labs Can Help in Developing Effective Delivery of Microparticles

At Oakwood Labs, we specialize in formulating microparticles for pharmaceuticals. From the duration of release to the needle size, we work to determine the optimal product characteristics for your project. Other factors that we consider for your project include the following:

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
• Particle size
• Vial size
• Appropriate solvent system
• Selection of polymer
• Stable state levels
• Method of administration
• Drug load

Our Process for Incorporating Microparticles in Drug Delivery

After we determine the proper characteristics for your microparticle drug delivery, we begin the process of a feasibility study which will determine if the target profile is attainable with our technology. This process includes the following:

• Pre-formulation activities – Pre-formulation activities are used to develop the best approach for the production of microparticles.

• Completing feasibility formulations – The next step is to complete feasibility batches on a small scale. This data is later used to determine the microparticle weight, size, flow rate, and other factors.

• Finalizing reports and choosing formulations for testing – Our team will compile all of the appropriate data and results to form a summary of the microparticle After this, we will provide recommendations for candidate formulations that will be tested on animals. For the use of microparticles in pharmaceuticals and beyond, animal testing is outsourced.

• Further modification and scaling up – After animal testing, we determine the capability of the in vitro release test and use this in situations where further modification is necessary. At this point, the microparticle drug delivery system is ready to begin the process of scaling up.

Start the Process of Using Microparticles in Drug Delivery Today

When you are ready to include microparticles in your pharmaceuticals, be sure to work with a team that carries over 20 years of experience working in an aseptic, FDA-approved manufacturing facility.

Contact us today to learn more.