A QBD WITH THE FRACTIONAL FACTORIAL DESIGN WAS USED TO MATCH THE SIMILARITY BETWEEN RANOLAZINE EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS 500 MG AND 1000 MG

Abstract

Objective: Formulation and development of Ranolazine extended-release Tablets 500 mg and 1000 mg by using QBD with Fractional factorial design to match the similarity with Branded formulation (RANEXA®). Methods: Ranolazine extended-release tablets were developed by using various polymers, Polyquid PA100 and ETHOCEL TMstandard 7 premium and Hypromellose with a wet granulation process. QBD (Quality by Design) approach was used to identify the formulation and process variables that may affect the CQAs (critical quality attributes). Excipient compatibility studies were conducted to identify the interaction between API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) and selected excipients. Additionally, using a two-level, fractional factorial (22+3) design, the DOE (design of experiments) was employed to confirm the impacts of key process factors (fluid uptake and kneading time) on the formulation's ability to match the dissolution (f2) compared to RLD (reference listed drug) and establish a stable formulation. Results: Initial risk assessment was carried out to identify the various attributes such as API flow properties, solubility, PSD, Hygroscopicity, formulation, and process variables to impact the quality of the drug product. Flow properties of API indicate poor flow. Drug and excipients compatible study results indicate that excipients used in the compatibility study are considered compatible with the active ingredient. As per the saturation solubility studies and sink conditions, dissolution media was selected. Significant differences were found among the drug release profile by examining the various levels of polymers and binders. Using a two-level, fractional factorial (22+3) design, optimum process parameters were identified with selected formulation to match the dissolution (f2) similarity with the reference listed drug (RLD); finally, XRD (X-ray diffraction) studies confirm that the crystalline polymorphic forms (Form 1) peaks in optimum formulation (F07) comparable to the reference listed drug. Conclusion: Optimized formulation and process were established with QbD (quality by design) that provides the consistent drug release to match the f2 similarities with the extended-release tablets of RANEXA®(Ranolazine) 500 mg and 1000 mg.