Oral Modified Release Multiple-Unit Particulate Systems: Compressed Pellets, Microparticles and Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Oral modified-release multiparticulate dosage forms (oral multiple-unit particulate systems) are gaining traction for drug delivery.
• Tablets formed by compacting polymer-coated multiparticulates offer advantages over capsules for sustained drug release.
• These systems can address challenges in chronic conditions, patient adherence, and swallowing difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review key formulation variables influencing the compaction of coated multiparticulates into sustained-release tablets.
• To focus on the tabletting of coated drug-loaded pellets, microparticles, and nanoparticles.
• To explore methods for evaluating the compaction behavior of particulate systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of formulation variables affecting coated multiparticulates during tabletting.
• Analysis of compaction effects on drug-loaded pellets, microparticles, and nanoparticles.
• Examination of techniques for assessing particulate system compaction behavior.

Main Results:

• Compaction of multiparticulates can damage polymer coats, leading to premature drug release and loss of sustained-release characteristics.
• Specific formulation variables significantly impact the integrity of coated multiparticulates during tabletting.
• Various evaluation methods exist to assess the compaction behavior of these systems.

Conclusions:

• Understanding and controlling formulation variables are crucial to prevent coat damage during the compaction of multiparticulates into sustained-release tablets.
• Optimized tabletting processes are necessary to maintain the integrity of coated multiparticulates for effective oral drug delivery.
• Further research into compaction behavior evaluation is needed for advanced multiparticulate tablet design.