The present study reports an intriguing
case study of agglomeration
of platy crystals into spheroids. Etodolac a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drug is mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis, with emerging applications
in management of prostate cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It
is a BCS class II drug with poor flow and compressibility issues.
Recrystallization using various solvents resulted in platy crystals.
Different polymers like hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose (HPMC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and copolymers
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and Poloxamer
were explored at various concentrations and in different combinations
to provide systematic inputs for the development of spherical agglomerates
with optimal sphericity, dissolution, yield, and mechanical properties
suitable for direct compression. Effects of different process parameters
on agglomeration were studied. Agglomerates obtained were characterized
using SEM, DSC, and P-XRD and were evaluated for enhancements in flow,
compressibility, and dissolution. All the agglomerates have shown
improved flow properties and compressibility. Unlike plain drug, all
spherical agglomerates have shown acceptable plastic behavior during
compression studies resulting in tablets at low pressures. Agglomerates
developed using a unique combination of HPMC, HPC, and PEG has shown
94% drug release in 15 min. The recrystallized spherical agglomerates
can be used as readily compressible material for continuous manufacturing.