Pelletization by Extrusion-Spheronization- A detailed review

Abstract

Oral multiparticulate drug system (e.g. pellets, granules) in comparison to single unit dosage form offer biopharmaceutical advantages in terms of more even and predictable drug distribution in enteric system. Extrusion spheronization is one of the most commonly used techniques in the formulation of such multiparticulate beads and pellets providing sustained and controlled release or modified release drug delivery. This review outlines the various steps involved in the extrusion spheronization process, the excipients used in such formulations along with some modifications and various processing variables affecting the quality of pellets formed. In addition, an overview of the methods available for the quality check of the pellets is reviewed.