Spray drying has become one of the most successful particle engineering technologies for improving drug bioavailability through the amorphous solid dispersion platform.

Spray drying is a continuous process that can be used for multiple applications. Over the last 19 years, the technology has been used for the production of solid dispersions and is the fastest growing platform to overcome the solubility issues related to oral drugs, it is also relevant to inhalable particles, specialty excipients and for the isolation of thermally labile products.

Spray Drying Contract Manufacturing large capacity | Hovione

How it works

The feed (a solution, emulsion or suspension) is atomized into hot nitrogen leading to flash (rapid) drying and particle formation. The particles are then separated in a cyclone and/or filter bag.

 

Applications

 

  • Solid dispersions

Amorphous materials (drug + polymer) used to overcome solubility limitations of BCS class 2 and 4 drugs. Both drug and polymer need to dissolve in the solvent system.

  • Microencapsulated particles

Crystalline drug encapsulated with a coating polymer. For example, enteric polymers can be used to protect the drug from the gastric conditions or for enhanced delivery to the site of maximum absorption. Similar approaches can be used for taste masking and for protecting the drug from physical environments (e.g. light, moisture).

Ability to control particle size, morphology and other properties with direct effect in Fine Particle Fraction (FPF) and lung deposition.

Spray drying is also the method of choice for materials that cannot withstand abrasion or shearing, like biologics. Hence, it is the preferred option for new the generation of inhaled formulations for biologics.

  • Isolation of thermally labile materials

Due to the gentle nature of the process it can be used to isolate materials that degrade during conventional isolation processes.

 

Learn more about Spray Drying and how to improve your drug solubility with the comprehensive three-part webinar series:

"Amorphous Solid Dispersions by Spray Drying: From Early Formulation to Commercial Lifecycle Management" 

 

As an experienced manufacturer of ASDs by spray drying for the pharmaceutical industry, Hovione will be able to share its extensive knowledge and experience.

 

Learn more about Spray Drying, with the following article by Hovione's experts:

 

Contact us

 
 

Related files

Modeling by CFD
pdf (3.89 MB)
Download
One minute reading - Spray Drying
pdf (3.32 MB)
Download

Also in Technologies

Hot melt extrusion

Hot melt extrusion is a fast growing technology platform thas is utilized to solve difficult formulation challenges, primarily in the area of solubilization.

Page

Jet milling

Jet milling is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry and remains the leading technology for particle size reduction and is most commonly used for having consistent and uniform particles during formulation.

Page

Nanoparticles

At Hovione we have both top-down and bottom-up technologies to produce pharmaceutical nanoparticles for oral delivery.

Page

Spray congealing

Spray congealing, also known as spray cooling, is a solvent free process that transforms a melt into well defined spherical particles.

Page

Wet Polishing

This is a proprietary Hovione technology for addressing complex particle reduction challenges.

Page