What is CAPTISOL?

CAPTISOL is a polyanionic ß-cyclodextrin derivative with a sodium sulfonate salt separateD from the lipophilic cavity by a butyl ether spacer group, or sulfobutylether (SBE). The selection of the SBE7-ß-CD as the cyclodextrin with the most desirable safety profile and drug carrier properties was based upon evaluations of the mono, tetra and hepta-substituted preparations (SBE1, SBE4, and SBE7). CAPTISOL is the trade name for CyDex´s SBE7-ß-CD PRODUCT.

CAPTISOL is safe when administered parenterally and does not exhibit the nephrotoxicity associated with parent ß-cyclodextrin.

Relative to ß-cyclodextrin, CAPTISOL provides comparable or higher complexation characteristics and superior water solubility in excess of 90 grams/100 ml - a 50-fold improvement.
 
 Traditional formulation systems for very insoluble and/or unstable drugs have involved a combination of organic solvents, surfactants and extreme pH conditions. These formulations are often irritating to the patient and may cause adverse reactions. At times, these methods are inadequate for solubilizing enough drug from a preferred formulation.