APIs delivered by sticky webs

Published on: July 31, 2009

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has granted 42 Technology worldwide pharmaceutical rights to a new precision powder dispensing technology that can quickly print powdered APIs onto edible or inert webs coated with adhesive to create a novel dose form. The technology 'sticky web' is based on the discovery that the quantity of powder adhering to a piece of sticky tape is directly proportional to the surface area of the tape. It was originally developed by 42 Technology for GSK as a high-speed process for handling pure APIs.

A statement issued by 42 Technology claims the technology offers numerous benefits, including the elimination of check weighing. Online inspection systems can also be used to validate every powdered area and to improve process feedback.

"Under the terms of our initial agreement, 42 Technology was allowed originally by GSK to exploit sticky web technology for a number of major opportunities outside the pharmaceutical arena," Keith Smith, Manager Strategic Technologies at GSK's pharmaceutical department, said in a statement. "The approach offers considerable promise in many areas and we see benefits in widening the scope of the license. GSK will retain the core patents to sticky web and will support 42 Technology during the coming months in finding additional potential development partners."