To ensure accurate dosage and administration from sachets, the powders used in these delivery systems require excellent flowability. Beneo says its filler-binder galenIQ 721 meets this demand and helps formulators to develop more convenient dosage forms. 

Sachets or stickpacks are used for many types of single-dose, dry powder formulations including pain medication, cold and flu treatments to vitamins, mineral mixes and probiotic preparations. The delivery method is favoured for its ease of use and the ability to take them without water. As such, Beneo says, taste and mouthfeel are key. 

For manufacturers, sachets are a way to formulate a product without the challenges of compressing a powder into a tablet, in addition to offering high dose accuracy and a large surface area for branding and/or educational information. They also enhance flavour retention because of the PE/aluminium packaging material that acts as a moisture and oxygen barrier. 

When developing dry blends for use in sachets, it’s important the powder mixture flows precisely into the pouch for accurate dosage and proper sealing. Therefore, Beneo suggests, manufacturers need an excipient with a narrow particle size distribution, a very low fines content, excellent flowability, low hygroscopicity. It also needs to maintain high physical stability during mixing, high dilution potential and content uniformity. 

The company has introduced galenIQ 721, an agglomerated form of its Isomalt product, to meet these needs. Derived from pure sugar beet, Beneo claims its toothfriendly, has a sugar-like taste profile, offers a pleasant mouthfeel and enhances the palatability of oral powder applications. 

Dr Maj-Britt Cepok, Head of Business Development, Pharma, Beneo, said: “As modern on-the-go consumers seek products that meet the needs of their busy lifestyles, sachets are trending. With our galenIQ 721 filler-binder, we can help manufacturers to tap into this market and facilitate their sachet development.”