Particle Size Reduction: Identifying the Potential & Benefits for Micronization
Summary: Bioavailability is a constant topic in pharmaceutical development; one that has several technology options to choose from when developing a poorly soluble compound. Molecules within DCS Class IIa have a slow dissolution rate that limits their solubilization and absorption. Micronization technologies such as air jet milling reduce particle size to overcome this limitation. Air jet milling is widely adopted in the industry because it can be easily scaled from lab to commercial supplies, can be used for heat sensitive drugs, and the micronized product can be filled into capsules or made into tablets. Characterization of the micronized drug is important to understand its bulk properties and design downstream processes and manufacturing approaches. Co-micronization, wherein an excipient is blended with an API prior to micronization, results in a micronized drug product with decreased agglomeration potential, enhanced hydrophilic character and solubility, enhanced dissolution rate, and better flow properties.