Use of highly compressible Ceolus™ microcrystalline cellulose for improved dosage form properties containing a hydrophilic solid dispersion.

The development of amorphous solid dispersions containing poorly soluble drug substances has been well-documented; however, little attention has been given to the development of the finished dosage form. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of Ceolus(™) microcrystalline cellulose, a highly compressible excipient, for the production of rapidly disintegrating tablets containing a hydrophilic solid dispersion of a poorly soluble drug, indomethacin. Solid dispersions of indomethacin and Kollidon(®) VA64 were prepared by hot melt extrusion and characterized for amorphous nature. Milled dispersion particles at 500 mg/g drug loading were shown to be amorphous by differential scanning calorimetry and provided rapid dissolution in sink conditions. Physical characterization of the milled extrudate showed that the particle size of the intermediate was comparable with Ceolus(™) PH-102 and larger than the high compressibility grades of microcrystalline cellulose selected for the trial (Ceolus(™) KG-802, Ceolus(™) UF-711). Preliminary tableting trials showed that dissolution performance was significantly reduced for formulations at dispersion loadings in excess of 50%. Using a mixture design of experiments (DOE), the levels of PH-102, KG-802, UF-711, and PH-301 were optimized. Trials revealed a synergistic relationship between conventional grades (PH-102 and PH-301) and highly compressible grades (KG-802 and UF-711) leading to improved compression characteristics and more rapid dissolution rates. The formulation and resulting compressibility were also shown to have an impact on in vitro supersaturation indicating tablet formulation could impact oral bioavailability. Through the use of highly compressible microcrystalline cellulose grades such as Ceolus(™) KG-802 and UF-711, it may be possible to maximize the bioavailability benefit of amorphous solid dispersions administered as tablet dosage forms.