A flexible technology for modified-release drugs: Multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS)

Oral modified-release multiple-unit dosage forms have always been more effective therapeutic alternative to conventional or immediate release single-unit dosage forms. With regards to the final dosage form, the multiparticulates are usually formulated into single-unit dosage forms such as filling them into hard gelatin capsules or compressing them into tablets. There are many relevant articles and literature available on the preparation of pellets and coating technology. However, only few research articles discuss the issue of compaction of pellets into tablets. This review provides an update on this research area and discusses the phenomena and mechanisms involved during compaction of multiparticulate system and material and/or process-related parameters influencing tableting of multiparticulates to produce multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) or pellet-containing tablets, which are expected to disintegrate rapidly into individual pellets and provide drug release profile similar to that obtained from uncoated pellets.