Polymers to enhance oral drug solubility
Poor solubility has been a major challenge in the formulation development for oral solid dosage form (OSDF) pharmaceuticals, a preferred route for pharmaceutical consumption. Various methods have been researched to improve solubility of poorly soluble API and among these the use of polymers for solubility enhancement in solid dispersions is among the most popular.
According to global consulting and research firm Kline & Company in its comprehensive study on Polymers for Solubility Enhancement in Pharmaceutical Oral Solid Dosage Forms: Global Market Analysis and Opportunities, oral administration is a natural means of consumption and is best for chronic drug therapy. In addition, the manufacturing of OSDF can be an advantage compared to other dosage forms; positively impacting the price of pharmaceutical products.
Nikola Matic, Industry Manager at Kline’s Chemicals & Materials practice, says, “After having pushed in the direction of OSDFs for many years, the pharmaceutical industry now faces a dilemma stemming from the poor solubility of an increasing number of new drugs. Furthermore, of about 80-90% of products in the research and development pipeline are reported to be poorly soluble in water. As a result, this triggers low oral bioavailability and could in turn jeopardize the development of new drugs.”
Solubility is growing in importance and those who are able to capitalize on the potential that these enhancers bring to the table will see its inherent value. “Solubility enhancement is becoming a must for pharmaceutical companies and an area representing vast growth potential for chemical suppliers since tomorrow’s block-busters will most likely make use of one of the possible technologies to increase dissolution rate,” adds Matic.
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