Inkjet printing scalable dosage forms capable of increasing the solubility of BCS Class II drugs

Oral drug delivery remains the preferred method of administration but BCS Class II drugs are not ideally suited to this due to their inherent poor solubility. Although a number of methods to increase solubility already exist, there is a need for manufacturing methods which are more flexible to the requirements of the individual patient. The current work aims to increase the solubility of poorly soluble drugs using the innovative manufacturing technique of inkjet printing with a view to creating formulations which are more easily tailored to the needs of the patient. Ultimately it has been established that printing the BCS Class II drug alone results in a crystalline product but on addition of a polymer this crystallinity is reduced and it is possible to print solid dispersions which are fully amorphous. Printing has also allowed greater control over drug distribution, which has allowed improved solubility overall. Additionally, the printer has proved itself capable of producing scalable products with a view to more patient centric dosage form manufacture.