A Review on Solubility Enhancement by Solid Dispersion Method

The issue of poor solubility remains a significant barrier in the targeted drug delivery of many newly developed pharmaceutical compounds. It is estimated that at least 40% of novel drug candidates emerging from pharmaceutical research exhibit poor water solubility which directly impacts their therapeutic effectiveness due to inadequate absorption and low oral bioavailability. Enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of such drugs is, therefore, one of the major challenges faced by formulation scientists today. Among the various formulation approaches available the development of solid dispersions using hydrophilic carriers has proven to be an effective strategy to address these issues. By dispersing the poorly soluble drug in a water-soluble matrix solid dispersions improve the wettability, dissolution rate, and ultimately the bioavailability of the drug. This technique has gained considerable attention as a promising method for enhancing the performance of hydrophobic drugs. This review focuses on the fundamental concepts of solid dispersions, including their types, rationale behind their use, advantages, limitations, and the manufacturing techniques involved. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges associated with the large-scale commercialization of solid dispersion-based formulations and the need for continued research to overcome these limitations.