For enhanced permeation with extended stability
PermE8 Anhydrous Gel is a new base from PCCA that uses next-generation technology to provide a better option than previous anhydrous bases designed to deliver drugs through the skin.
Changes in the industry, along with the perennial need to maximize efficiency in the pharmacy, have lead compounders to look for vehicles that can extend beyond-use dates (BUDs) without having to spend thousands of dollars on stability testing. At the same time, they need bases that perform well and provide an elegant finished preparation for the patient.
PermE8 is the solution to these needs. It has water activity below 0.6 (Aw < 0.6), classifying it as an anhydrous base according to the latest standards in pharmacy compounding. This allows extended default BUDs for preparations that do not have stability studies. Additionally, PermE8 can hold multiple drugs at once, including those in salt form.
Importantly, PermE8 delivers active ingredients exceptionally well. In independent testing, PermE8 delivered ketoprofen through human skin tissue comparably to our industry-leading Lipoderm®, and it significantly outperformed Anhydrous Lipoderm.
Finally, it has a silky, smooth texture that provides better application for patients than other anhydrous, permeation-enhancing bases, such as Anhydrous Lipoderm.
Benefits for Compounders
- Higher performance: In vitro testing showed that PermE8 significantly outperformed Anhydrous Lipoderm in delivering ketoprofen through human skin tissue
- Higher profitability: PermE8 allows for prolonged default BUDs without having to spend thousands of dollars on stability testing, and it can increase operational efficiency for compounders making anticipatory batches
- Broader application: It is a stable base that can accommodate multiple active ingredients in one preparation, including those in salt forms and those not stable in aqueous environments
Benefits for Patients
- Convenience: It’s anhydrous, which allows for a longer BUDs and less-frequent prescription refills
- Pleasant application: PermE8 isn’t tacky or oily, and spreads on the skin more easily than other anhydrous permeation-enhancing vehicles, such as Anhydrous Lipoderm
The Proof
The results of in vitro testing showed that:
- PermE8 delivered a comparable amount of ketoprofen through human skin tissue to Lipoderm
- PermE8 delivered four times as much ketoprofen through human skin tissue as Anhydrous Lipoderm
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PermE8 replace Lipoderm?
While this base does not replace Lipoderm, it is an anhydrous option to consider. PermE8 is a great option when starting a new patient on a preparation that requires permeation enhancement in light of the delivery data and low water activity properties.
Can I use PermE8 for veterinary medications?
Yes. PermE8 is safe for veterinary use.
Sometimes I notice particles in the base. Will these affect the final preparation?
These should not affect the final preparation. Due to the characteristics of a vegetable-butter
ingredient, a slight appearance of particles may occur in PermE8. However,
these particles melt when rubbing into the skin, or they can be eliminated by
mixing the preparation in an electronic mortar and pestle or milling according
to the procedure stated in the formula.
Always make sure you have checked the PCCA Formula Database and are following the most up-to-date version of a formula, as changes are continually made to existing formulations to provide the highest quality. The formulas and/or statements listed are provided for educational purposes only. They are compounding ideas that have commonly been requested by physicians, and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Formulas and/or material listed are not to be interpreted as a promise, guarantee or claim of therapeutic efficacy or safety. The information contained herein is not intended to replace or substitute for conventional medical care, or encourage its abandonment. Every patient is unique, and formulas should be adjusted to meet their individual needs.