Dosage form designs for the controlled drug release of solid dispersions

Although solid dispersions have been reported as an efficient drug delivery system, the design of specific dosage forms for pharmaceutical therapy is necessary to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Solid dispersions can be incorporated in general solid dosage forms such as powders, granules, capsules and tablets, but only to enhance solubility and the dissolution rate. However, further development of solid dispersions will be required in certain circumstances for further in vivo drug improvement of those solid dosage forms. In the current review, specific designs of solid dosage forms for controlled drug release will be reported. Moreover, methods and strategies for incorporating these solid dispersions into controlled drug release forms will also be discussed. Overall, the outlook of current studies will provide potential approaches for the further improvement of solid dispersions, especially for clinical developments in pharmaceutical therapy.