New generation of orally disintegrating tablets: modified and sustained release

Dysphagia is a medical case where the ability to swallow diminishes in some children and adults. In adult patients the aging process is related with a decrease in the swallowing function [1]. New pharmaceutical formulations such as orodispersible tablets (ODTs) were developed and introduced to the market to overcome dysphagia. There is a growing interest in developing sustained and modified release ODTs. However, the incorporation of particulate systems; nano/micro particles and pellets usually fails because of the high compression pressure applied during the manufacturing process.

The aim of the current project is to design a multiple-unit ODTs, this PhD project will evaluate the effect of excipients, cushioning layers on the compaction behaviours of pharmaceutical pellets. The cushioning layers will provide protection for the incorporated pellets whilst excipients such as plasticizers will affect the pellets’ elastic properties and their ability to withstand compression and subsequently prevent dose dumping. The compaction properties and morphology of the compressed pellets will be evaluated together with the drug release kinetics for the ODTs.