Formulation and characterization of hpmc and hpmcas based solid dispersions of fenofibrate: A comparative study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of novel polymeric carriers and to develop solid dispersion formulation that could improve in vitro profile of Fenofibrate (FB). Methods: Spray drying technique was used to fabricate solid dispersions with hydrophilic carriers, mainly hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS). Solid dispersions in the form of spray-dried powder were characterized with respect to the pure drug and the corresponding physical mixtures by optical microscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Size and morphology of optimized solid dispersion were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, in vitro dissolution comparisons were carried out between the optimized solid dispersion against the pure drug and the physical mixtures. Results: Solubility studies demonstrated that the solubility of FB was not affected by pH change. The transformation of crystalline FB into an amorphous solid dispersion powder has been clearly demonstrated by optical microscopy. The molecular dispersion of drug in the dispersion matrix prepared by spray drying was confirmed in XRD and DSC studies. IR spectroscopy was observed with negligible incompatibility of the drug with polymers. Spherical morphology was observed in SEM with no evidence of FB crystals. The prepared solid dispersions exhibited dissolution improvement as compared to the pure drug and spray dried FB in 0.05 M SLS, with HPMCAS as the superior carrier over HPMC. Conclusion: The present study vouches better in vitro profile of FB from spray-dried HPMCAS based solid dispersions.