Sustained Release Ibuprofen Pellet

Formulation Impact on Sustained Release Pellet Matrix and Drug Release

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Drug formulation is one of the key factors for generic drug developers in reproducing and improving upon the efficacy of the brand-name reference listed drug (RLD). For this study, we applied correlative imaging to study the microstructures of sustained release pellets in RLD and generic ibuprofen drug products. Dual energy X-ray tomography was used to reveal primary structures (sugar core, coating, and void space) and FIB-SEM to study secondary structures (API particles and microporosity matrix).

Controlled sustained release ibuprofen pellet microporosity RLD brand name
FIB-SEM reveals a rich microporosity network within a sustained release pellet.

Cross section imaging using FIB-SEM and a proprietary sample preparation protocol revealed microstructural differences of four generic samples, which are linked to an explanation of the differences in their release performance and failure to meet a pharmacopeia performance guidelines. In particular, differences in the tightness of the microporosity matrix was correlated with the release performance of the sustained release pellets. This study demonstrated that FIB-SEM cross sectioning and 3D imaging as important methodologies to study micro and nano-scale structural features resulting from different drug formulations and manufacturing conditions.

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