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Tablets of multi-unit pellet system for controlled drug delivery
Tongkai Chen1, Jian Li1, Ting Chen2
1State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.
Summary
Tablets of multi-unit pellet systems (TMUPS) offer advantages in drug delivery but face manufacturing challenges. This review summarizes research on TMUPS compaction, focusing on techniques to ensure drug release and product integrity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tablets of multi-unit pellet systems (TMUPS) are an advanced dosage form offering controlled drug release, improved swallowability, and divisibility compared to immediate-release tablets.
- TMUPS present economic advantages over pellet-filled capsules due to higher production rates in tableting processes.
- Despite benefits, TMUPS manufacturing faces challenges including compromised coated pellet integrity and poor content uniformity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated review of scientific literature and patents concerning the compaction of TMUPS.
- To identify critical factors for successful TMUPS production, including drug properties, cushioning agents, and pellet protection techniques.
- To guide the development of manufacturable TMUPS that maintain original coated pellet drug release characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature and patent search focused on TMUPS compaction technologies.
- Analysis of factors influencing pellet integrity during tableting.
- Review of strategies for achieving content uniformity in TMUPS.
Main Results:
- Key factors for successful TMUPS compaction include appropriate model drug properties and the use of cushioning agents.
- Novel techniques have been developed to protect coated pellets from damage during the tableting process.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for overcoming manufacturing hurdles.
Conclusions:
- Successful TMUPS manufacturing requires careful consideration of material properties and compaction techniques.
- Advanced methods are available to mitigate pellet damage and ensure content uniformity.
- Further development can lead to widely adoptable TMUPS with predictable drug release profiles.
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