Neotame (NTM) has recently been approved by DCGI Government Of India, as sweetening agent in pharmaceutical preparations.

It is 7000 to 13000 times sweeter than sucrose. It is derived from and is structurally similar to aspartame but is 30 to 60 times sweeter than aspartame. It can also favourably enhance flavour and taste at or below sweetening levels, according to a company release.

It maintains stability and functionality over a range of pH, temperature and storage times. It has excellent solubility in water and alcohol base formulation systems.

The potency, stability and solubility of Neotame offers new opportunities and greater flexibility and value in developing better tasting formulations.

It was invented by the French scientists Claude Nofre and Jean-Marie Tinti and patented in 1992. The NutraSweet Company holds the right to manufacture and market this sweetener.

It was approved for general use as a sweetener and flavor enhancer in 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), the release said.