Compritol® 888 ATO

A glyceride with a high melting point used as a modified release agent or lubricant in tablets. Can also be used in lipid coating technologies and as lipid carrier for nanoparticles.

Names and synonyms

USP NF Name

Glyceryl dibehenate

EP Name

Glycerol dibehenate

UNII Code (FDA)

R8WTH25YS2

Preferred Substance Name (FDA)

GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE

Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients

Glyceryl Behenate

Chemical description

Consists of mono-, di- and triesters of behenic acid (C22), the diester fraction being predominant.

Key characteristics

Product form

Powder

Melting range (°C)

65 –  77

HLB

2

Main functionalities

Modified release matrix former for tablet. Lubricant for tablet—independent of mixing time and speed. Lipid carrier former for solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). Coating agent for taste masking and protection of sensitive APIs. Listed in the European STEP database for excipients in pediatric medicines. Safety of use is inferred by GRAS status and precedence of use in approved pharmaceutical products.

Main formulation technologies

Tablet compression (direct and wet granulation). Melt processes: granulation, extrusion, coating, prilling, spray congealing. Nanoparticle, nanocarrier formulation.

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