Preparation and characterization of sustained-release mini-tablets incorporating ticagrelor nanosuspension

Sung Ho Lee – Graduate Student, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University; Ji Hyun Bang – Graduate Student, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University; Young Ju Jo – Graduate Student, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University; Samuel Lee – Graduate Student, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University; Cheong-Won Cho – Professor, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University; Young-Guk Na – Professor, College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University

Introduction:

Ticagrelor (TCG), classified as a BCS class IV drug, exhibits poor aqueous solubility and limited intestinal permeability, leading to low oral bioavailability and the need for twice-daily dosing. To improve dissolution and absorption, a nanosuspension-based formulation approach was adopted. TCG nanosuspension (TCG-NSP) was spray dried to obtain a solid powder and subsequently incorporated into a hydrophilic matrix to prepare sustained-release mini-tablets (TCG-NSP@SMT). This study focused on formulation development and characterization aimed at improving oral bioavailability through controlled drug release during gastrointestinal transit.