Most drugs are taken orally in tablet form, but a high proportion requires to be split to tailor the right dose and meet the needs of patients, especially those diagnosed with dysphagia. A potential solution lies in the development of mini-tablets ( < 3 mm) that enable easier swallowing and provide flexible dosing without damaging the integrity of the drug. The aim of this study was to explore the manufacture of mini-tablets with high drug loading content that retain the bioequivalence of the original product. Two APIs from different BCS classes were chosen as model drugs. Mini-tablets with a diameter of 1.5 and 2 mm were produced on a multi-tip press machine. Tableting excipients were carefully selected, and various process-related parameters were optimized in order to obtain the required dissolution behavior and convenient mechanical properties. The combination of mini tablets in to personalised capsules by means of a robotic compounding systems has been successfully demonstrated.
Learning Objectives:
to learn about the benefits of mini-tablets over conventional tablets
to learn about different approaches in the manufacture of mini-tablets
to learn about different analytical methods for characterization of mini-tablets
to learn about robotic compounding system for the manufacturing personalised formulations
to learn about the effect of polypharmacy on patient compliance
