Amorphous solid dispersion technique for improved drug delivery: basics to clinical applications

Solid dispersion has emerged as a method of choice and has been extensively investigated to ascertain the in vivo improved performance of many drug formulations. It generally involves dispersion of drug in amorphous particles (clusters) or in crystalline particles. Comparatively, in the last decade, amorphous drug–polymer solid dispersion has evolved into a platform technology for delivering poorly water-soluble small molecules. However, the success of this technique in the pharmaceutical industry mainly relies on different drug–polymer attributes like physico-chemical stability, bioavailability and manufacturability. The present review showcases the efficacy of amorphous solid dispersion technique in the research and evolution of different drug formulations particularly for those with poor water soluble properties. Apart from the numerous mechanisms of action involved, a comprehensive summary of different key parameters required for the solubility enhancement and their translational efficacy to clinics is also emphasized.