Solid Dispersion by Fluidized Bed Processing: A Platform for Enhancement of Dissolution Rate of Simvastatin Poorly Water-Soluble Drug

Aim: The aim of this study was to study the solubility and dissolution kinetics of poorly water-soluble drugs simvastatin from its solid dispersion with different carriers by using fluidized bed processing technique. Methods: The effect of different surfactants such as Gelucire (R) 44/14, PVP- K30 and Poloxamer188 on solid dispersion dissolution and solubility of simvastatin was investigated. Solid dispersion is formed using various techniques with polymeric carrier to potentially enhance the solubility and dissolution rate such as fluidized bed processing, it will extend drug absorption, therefore the objectives were to make a comparative evaluation among different solid dispersions. Results: The simvastatin solid dispersion prepared by fluidized bed processing significantly enhanced in vitro dissolution and solubility relative to that of the unprocessed form. The dissolution profiles were correlated using various mathematical models such as Zero order, first order, Higuchi and Hixon Crowell model and the Zero order kinetics model gave better correlation results than the other models. Conclusion: Dissolution profile of simvastatin was significantly improved via complexation with Gelucire 44/14 as compared with the pure drug and other carriers using FBP processing is a highly effective strategy for enhancing the solubility and dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs.