Ointment Development Services

Ointments are semi-solid preparations, usually for topical application to the skin or mucous membranes. They are often used for their soothing, protective, or medicinal properties. Ointments are made by mixing a medicinal substance with a base or carrier, which is usually an oily or semi-solid material that helps deliver the drug to the affected area. They provide a convenient and effective way to administer medications for the treatment of various skin conditions, pain relief, wound healing, and more.

Protheragen-ING offers comprehensive ointment development services to provide full support in customizing formulations, testing, and manufacturing according to your specific needs. We have the expertise, facilities, and quality systems to guide you through every stage of the pharmaceutical ointment development process. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to develop customized ointment formulations that meet regulatory requirements and provide optimal therapeutic benefits.

Classification of Ointment Formulations

• Hydrocarbon or oleaginous bases - Oil-based base with sealing, emollient, and long-lasting properties.
• Emulsions or water-miscible bases - Water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions.
• Absorbent bases - Includes water-in-oil emulsions containing aqueous solutions and water-in-oil emulsions containing oil-soluble active ingredients.
• Water-soluble bases - Non-greasy doses that can be washed off with water; many have a polyethylene glycol base.

Ointment Preparation Methods

We mix an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with a suitable matrix or carrier to form a semi-solid ointment preparation. Preparation methods can vary depending on the specific requirements of the ointment. Some common methods include:

• Fusion method
• Trituration method
• Chemical reaction method
• Emulsification method

Formulation of Ointment Bases

The manufacturing process of the ointment

1. Preparation of oil phase.

Components for tablets or powders are pre-dry-mixed and distributed into mineral or silicone oils. Some ingredients may need to be heated in order to melt.

2. Hydration of aqueous phase ingredients.

Separate containers are used to disperse stabilizers, thickeners, and emulsifiers in water. It could take heat to speed up the hydration process.

3. Emulsion Formation.

Creating an emulsion by thoroughly agitating and mixing the two stages.

4. Dispersion of Active Ingredients.

Usually comprising only a tiny percentage of a formulation, active Ingredients need to be dispersed efficiently to optimize yield and product efficiency.

Fig. 1 Schematic diagram of the SHRO cream delivery system depicting the formulation, application and activation of the product. (O'Farrell C, et al. 2022)

Please contact us to learn more about our ointment development service and how we can assist you in bringing your innovative ointment formulations to market.