Spray Dried Dispersions In Controlled Release Formulations

By Michael Grass, Ph.D., and David Vodak, Ph.D., Bend Bioscience

The pharmaceutical industry faces persistent challenges in formulating poorly water-soluble drugs, which make up the majority of new chemical entities (NCEs). Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), particularly those prepared by spray drying (SDDs), effectively enhance solubility and dissolution. To further optimize drug delivery, this approach can be integrated with controlled release (CR) technologies to achieve sustained therapeutic concentrations, reduce dosing frequency, and improve patient adherence.

While SDDs are widely used for immediate-release amorphous dispersions, no marketed CR formulations currently incorporate ASDs. Exploring this powerful synergy requires understanding key formulation strategies, such as using an enteric dispersion polymer for delayed release or incorporating the SDD into a hydrophilic matrix for sustained release. Successful development hinges on careful selection of the dispersion polymer and the CR architecture (e.g., erodible matrix, coated multi-particulates) to manage critical factors like physical stability and maintain supersaturation throughout the release duration. Learn more about the practical considerations for designing these hybrid formulations.