Solid dispersions: a strategy for poorly aqueous soluble drugs and technology updates

Introduction: Present article reviews solid dispersion (SD) technologies and other patented inventions in the area of pharmaceutical SDs, which provide stable amorphous SDs. Areas covered: The review briefly compiles different techniques for preparing SDs, their applications, characterization of SDs, types of SDs and also elaborates the carriers used to prepare SDs. The advantages of recently introduced SD technologies such as RightSize™, closed-cycle spray drying (CSD), Lidose® are summarized. Stability-related issues like phase separation, re-crystallization and methods to curb these problems are also discussed. A patented carrier-screening tool for predicting physical stability of SDs on the basis of drug–carrier interaction is explained. Applications of SD technique in controlled drug delivery systems and cosmetics are explored. Review also summarizes the carriers such as Soluplus®, Neusilin®, SolumerTM used to prepare stable amorphous SD. Expert opinion: Binary and ternary SDs are found to be more stable and provide better enhancement of solubility or dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. The use of surfactants in the carrier system of SD is a recent trend. Surfactants and polymers provide stability against re-crystallization of SDs, surfactants also improve solubility and dissolution of drug.