Specialty Dosage Formulation Development - Project C

Background

A pharmaceutical technology company needed placebo tablets to demonstrate its counterfeit-deterring printing technology. PGC collaborated with this company to manufacture the placebos required to prove the viability of their technology.

Challenge

To demonstrate the effectiveness of its technology, this company required tablets having a uniform surface for microprinting. The tablets were small ovals having approximate dimensions of 3/16-inch by 15/32-inch, a target thickness of about 1/8-inch, a specific tablet hardness range and a smooth coat to provide a surface suitable for nanometer-scale printing. Subsequent to the tablets undergoing the nanometer-scale printing, the tablets were sealed with a final clear coat. Stability studies were also conducted to ensure that the integrity and readability of the anti-counterfeiting innovation is maintained.

Results

PGC worked with this innovative technology company to understand the project requirements. Based on the client's specifications, PGC was able to supply quality film-coated tablets for the proposed nanometer-scale printing trials. The printed tablets were given a second clear coat to safeguard the nanoprinting from abrasion. The accelerated stability studies (40 degrees Celsius/104 degrees Fahrenheit and 75% relative humidity) demonstrated that the nanometer-scale printing did not alter throughout the studies. This result confirmed the viability of adding nanoscale-sized printing to the arsenal of methods used to combat counterfeit drug products. This process helped to ensure the high standards of safety, identity, strength, purity and quality of the drug supply.