Celphere CP-305

Celphere CP-305 is a specific grade of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) spheres manufactured by Asahi Kasei. It is an inert pharmaceutical excipient primarily used as a seed core for drug layering in controlled-release formulations or as a filler in solid dosage forms. In the context of clinical development by Ocera Therapeutics, Celphere CP-305 was utilized as the placebo control in a Phase 2 randomized, double-blind, crossover study (NCT00473252) evaluating the efficacy of AST-120 (a spherical carbon adsorbent) for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The study targeted patients who remained symptomatic on standard proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy and exhibited abnormal bile reflux. As a placebo, Celphere CP-305 lacks a therapeutic mechanism of action and was selected to match the physical appearance and administration of the active spherical carbon beads.

Brand names

Celphere

Other names

microcrystalline cellulose spheres