Polymer Characteristics for Drug Layering on Particles Using a Novel Melt Granulation Technology, MALCORE^®

MALCORE^®, a novel manufacturing technology for drug-containing particles (DCPs), relies on the melt granulation method to produce spherical particles with high drug content. The crucial aspect of particle preparation through MALCORE^® involves utilizing polymers that dissolve in the melt component, thereby enhancing viscosity upon heating. However, only aminoalkyl methacrylate copolymer E (AMCE) has been previously utilized. Therefore, this study aims to discover other polymers and comprehend the essential properties these polymers need to possess. The results showed that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was soluble in the stearic acid (SA) melt component. FTIR examination revealed no interaction between SA and polymer. The phase diagram was used to analyze the state of the SA and polymer mixture during heating. It revealed the mixing ratio and temperature range where the mixture remained in a liquid state. The viscosity of the mixture depended on the quantity and molecular weight of the polymer dissolved in SA. Furthermore, the DCPs prepared using PVP via MALCORE^® exhibited similar pharmaceutical properties to those prepared with AMCE. In conclusion, understanding the properties required for polymers in the melt granulation process of MALCORE^® allows for the optimization of manufacturing conditions, such as temperature and mixing ratios, for efficient and consistent drug layering.