Downstream processing of amorphous solid dispersions into tablets

Amorphous solid dispersions have gained tremendous attention as a commercially viable solubility enhancement technique for poorly water-soluble drugs. However, poor drug loading associated with poor drug-polymer miscibility is a major challenge in the downstream processing of ASDs. While many downstream techniques are available for converting ASDs into final dosage forms, oral solids remain the most commercially viable. The type of excipients used in the conversion of ASDs into tablets are very similar to the excipients used in conventional tablets. For example, the binders used in conventional tablets are widely used as polymeric carriers in case of ASDs. The physical properties of ASDs manufactured using spray drying or hot melt extrusion pose major challenge in converting ASDs into oral tablets. The current review focuses on various challenges associated with converting ASDs into tablets and provide a comprehensive review on various excipients used in manufacturing tablets using ASDs.