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Updated: Jul 24, 2025

Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Review of industrially recognized polymers and manufacturing processes for amorphous solid dispersion based
Sumit Kumar Saha1,2, Amita Joshi3, Romi Singh2
1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India.
Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) technology enhances poorly soluble drugs. This review guides polymer and manufacturing choices for successful ASD formulation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery
- Materials Science
Background:
- Advancements in drug discovery yield more poorly soluble compounds.
- Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is a key strategy to improve drug solubility and bioavailability.
- Limited polymer and manufacturing options are currently utilized in FDA-approved ASD products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive guide on polymers and manufacturing technologies for ASD formulation.
- To discuss mechanisms of polymer stabilization in ASDs.
- To present ASD manufacturing techniques within a Quality by Design (QbD) framework.
Main Methods:
- Review of US FDA-approved amorphous solid dispersion products.
- Analysis of polymers and their stabilization mechanisms (solution and solid-state).
- Examination of commercialized ASD manufacturing techniques, including Quality by Design (QbD).
Main Results:
- Identified a limited set of commonly used polymers and manufacturing technologies in approved ASD products.
- Detailed the mechanisms by which polymers enhance both solution-state and solid-state stability.
- Presented manufacturing processes in a Quality by Design (QbD) format.
Conclusions:
- Effective selection of polymers and manufacturing techniques is crucial for successful ASD formulation.
- This review offers insights into industrially accepted approaches for developing challenging drug formulations.
- Emerging excipients and advanced manufacturing technologies hold promise for future ASD development.
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