In vitro-in vivo correlation exemplified by sustained release formulations of suprofen.

To evaluate some prototype oral sustained release formulations of the analgesic drug suprofen (alpha-methyl-4-(2-thienyl-carbonyl)phenylacetic acid, Suprol) in vitro-in vivo correlations were performed. Numerical deconvolution led to hypothetical in vivo absorption curves which were in close agreement with the in vitro dissolution profiles. Furthermore, a linear correlation was obtained between the in vivo and in vitro mean residence times calculated from the blood level data.