Xellex technology produces polymeric films which can be used in drug delivery either as they are (for example, for topical application or for retentive systems in the buccal cavity or G.I. tract) or as a multi-purpose coating for tablets.
Depending upon the intended application, drug compounds, colouring agents, flavours and sweeteners can all be incorporated into the polymer films as may be required.

In the case of tablet coating, films are made out of the same polymers as are normally used in film-coating (such as HPC, HPMC, acrylates/methacrylates, etc).
In conjunction with the Meltrex process, the films can be formed directly in the extruder and then introduced onto the calender roller at the calendering stage.
As well as being a drug delivery system in itself, Xellex technology offers several advantages over conventional tablet coating:

• a single, on-line, continuous, solvent-free process
• the colour, thickness, etc of the coating can be easily varied
• by incorporating drug substances into the film, the coating can provide a combination product and/or differential drug release rates
• the films can be of different colours to give tablets a unique trade-dress.