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Sodium Stearate-Assisted Optimization of a Cannabidiol Dry Powder Inhaler for Enhanced Dissolution and Aerosol
Jin-Hyuk Jeong1, Jae Seok Jeong2,3,4, Hyeon-Seo Moon5
1College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28160, Republic of Korea.
Pharmaceutics
|May 4, 2026
Summary
This study developed a novel sodium stearate-based spray-dried formulation for pulmonary delivery of cannabidiol (CBD), significantly improving its aerosol performance, dissolution, and stability for respiratory treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) shows therapeutic potential for respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD.
- Pulmonary delivery of CBD is hindered by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability.
- Developing effective inhaled CBD formulations is crucial for clinical translation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and optimize a sodium stearate (NaSt)-based spray-dried dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation for CBD.
- To enhance CBD's aerosol performance, dissolution rate, and storage stability for pulmonary delivery.
- To investigate the potential of NaSt as an excipient for inhaled poorly soluble drugs.
Main Methods:
- CBD microparticles were fabricated using spray drying with NaSt as the primary excipient.
- Optimization of feed preparation, spray-drying parameters, and CBD:NaSt ratios was performed.
- Aerodynamic properties, dissolution in simulated lung fluid, solid-state characteristics, and accelerated stability were evaluated.
Main Results:
- The optimized formulation (SD-4, 20:80 CBD:NaSt) achieved a fine particle fraction (FPF) >50% and MMAD of 5.08 μm.
- Drug release increased over threefold compared to raw CBD due to amorphous dispersion and micellization.
- Improved amorphous state retention, drug content, and reduced oxidative degradation were observed.
Conclusions:
- The NaSt-based spray-dried formulation enhanced CBD's aerosol deposition, dissolution, and stability.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for pulmonary delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds.
- The formulation could facilitate the clinical use of CBD for respiratory disorders.
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