Evaluation of Process Parameters in the Development of Ternary Ketoprofen Amorphous Solid Dispersions via Hot Melt Extrusion

Background/Objectives: Poor aqueous solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a critical barrier to effective oral formulation. This study investigated the production of ketoprofen amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) via hot melt extrusion (HME) using hydrophilic carriers and surfactants to enhance solubility and dissolution. Methods: ASDs were prepared by the fusion method employing mannitol or polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 hydrophilic carriers and further modified by addition of poloxamer 188 or poloxamer 407 as surfactants. Solubility was evaluated, and the best performing formulations were selected for HME to assess the effect of extrusion parameters (temperature, screw speed and re-extrusion) on API solubility and dissolution. Selected ASD extrudates were formulated into tablets and capsules and further tested. Results: Ternary ASDs exhibited higher solubility than their binary counterparts. The combinations of high-concentration hydrophilic carrier (mannitol or PEG 4000) and poloxamer 407 proved the most effective. The HME-produced ASDs showed superior solubility compared to the simple fusion method, with temperature being the most critical processing parameter, while screw speed and re-extrusion were carrier dependent, enhancing solubility for mannitol-based ASDs but not for PEG 4000; re-extrusion also led to mild color changes and technological issues preventing further processing. The selected ASD extrudates were successfully formulated into tablets and capsules with good physical characteristics and dissolution profiles. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the need to further investigate the potential of re-extrusion strategies and surfactant-enhanced ASD systems for improving the oral delivery of poorly soluble drugs.