Preparation and evaluation of solid dispersion of atorvastatin calcium with soluplus® by spray drying technique

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Soluplus® on the solubility of atorvastatin calcium and to develop a solid dispersion formulation that can improve the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin calcium. We demonstrated that Soluplus® increases the aqueous solubility of atorvastatin calcium. Several solid dispersion formulations of atorvastatin calcium with Soluplus ® were prepared at various drug: carrier ratios by spray drying. Physicochemical analysis demonstrated that atorvastatin calcium is amorphous in each solid dispersion, and the 2:8 drug: carrier ratio provided the highest degree of sustained atorvastatin supersaturation. Pharmacokinetic analysis in rats revealed that the 2:8 dispersion significantly improved the oral bioavailability of atorvastatin. This study demonstrates that spray-dried Soluplus ® solid dispersions can be an effective method for achieving higher atorvastatin plasma levels.