The main objective of the present study was to apply QbD methodology in the development of once-a-day sustained release quetiapine tablets. The quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined after the pharmaceutical properties and kinetic release of the innovator product, Seroquel XR 200 mg. For the D-optimal experimental design, the level and ratio of matrix forming agents and the type of extragranular diluent were chosen as independent inputs, which represented critical formulation factors. The critical quality attributes (CQAs) studied were the cumulative percentages of quetiapine released after certain time intervals. After the analysis of the experimental design, optimal formulas and the design space were defined. Optimal formulas demonstrated zero-order release kinetics and a dissolution profile similar to the innovator product, with f 2 values of 74.53 and 83.74. It was concluded that the QbD approach allowed fast development of sustained release tablets with similar dissolution behavior as the innovator product.Keywords: quality by design, design of experiments, sustained release, hydrophilic matrix, quetiapineIn the past years, the main goal of antipsychotic drug development has been to develop molecules with higher efficacy and fewer side effects usually associated with the classic antipsychotic medications. The newly developed agents, called atypical antipsychotics, are successfully used in the treatment of both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia and are associated with fewer neurological and endocrine side effects compared to older medications (1). Quetiapine is a recently introduced atypical antipsychotic, which has an excellent risk/benefit ratio and is indicated as the first-line option for the treatment of psychotic disorder manifestations and schizophrenia (2). Quetiapine is available as fumarate salt in immediate as well as in sustained released formulations, the innovative product being Seroquel. The sustained release formulation was introduced several years ago and its primary objective is to release the drug slowly over an extended ALEXANDRU GAVAN