OSD
The importance of granulation in effective solid dose development
Developing reliable oral solid dosage forms (OSD) demands a deep understanding of how powders behave during processing. Many APIs present challenges that limit flow, compressibility and uniformity, which can undermine formulation performance.
Granulation provides a proven way to engineer powders into structures that support consistent drug product development and dependable solid dose manufacturing.
Strengthening formulation performance
Granulation allows formulators to convert fine powders into robust, free flowing granules that are easier to process and more predictable in production. This can support:
- Improved flow behaviour for smoother handling and reduced risk of segregation
- Enhanced compressibility to achieve consistent tablet strength
- More uniform blending that supports accurate dosing
- Reduced dust generation for safer and more efficient manufacturing
These improvements form a strong foundation for effective drug product formulation, particularly when working with powders that do not perform well in direct compression.
Supporting dissolution and bioavailability
Granulation also plays a critical role in drug performance. For APIs with low solubility or poor wettability, engineered granules can help deliver:
- Increased surface area and porosity to support faster dissolution
- Improved wettability through binder selection
- More controlled release behaviour that supports therapeutic performance
- Choosing the right granulation approach
Both wet and dry granulation offer distinct advantages. The choice depends on API properties, development goals and manufacturing constraints. Careful evaluation early in oral solid dosage development supports smoother scale up and more reliable commercial performance.
The full article explores these themes in greater depth. Read the expert perspective from Balasubramaniam Jagdish, Vice President Formulation Development at Recipharm, in Tablets & Capsules magazine
