Formulation and Evaluation of Vildagliptin Sustained Release Microspheres

The purpose of this research was to develop and evaluate sustained release microspheres of Vildagliptin, an anti-diabetic drug. The sustained release approach allows the drug to be released gradually into the body. Microspheres were prepared using the ionic gelation technique with sodium alginate as the polymer, calcium chloride as the cross-linking agent, along with Sustained release excipients such as Metalose 90SH-100SR, Metalose 90 SH-4000SR, Natrosol 250 (Avoids the burst release of API). The spherical shape of the microspheres was obtained through the injection method. The prepared formulations were subjected to various evaluation parameters including physical appearance, percentage yield, flow properties, swelling index, drug content, entrapment efficiency, in vitro dissolution studies, particle size analysis, and drug–excipient compatibility studies (FTIR). Among the formulations, F6 demonstrated a sustained drug release for up to 12 hours. Based on drug content and dissolution profiles, F6 was identified as the optimized formulation. Further, release kinetics of F6 formulation were studied.