Elucidation of processing parameters for the reverse engineering of tablets

Abstract

Reverse engineering can assist in decoding the formula and manufacturing parameters employed in innovator formulations. Generic pharmaceutical industries use it to develop generic cheaper versions of innovator tablets. Herein, we report the systematic application of reverse engineering in determining the manufacturing process utilized by innovators to prepare tablet formulations. The outcome inferred that the critical information such as the granulation and solvent type in the innovator formulation could be identified by systematic analysis via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and sieve and texture analysis. Furthermore, critical investigation of the levels of fines generated during sieve analysis could reveal the tablet manufacturing process. It was observed that the maximum amount of fines was generated in the case of post-compression granules obtained by tablets prepared by direct compression. The hardness of granules is yet another major factor that could help to delineate the type of drying technique used in innovator manufacturing. Granules obtained from crushing a tablet prepared by wet granulation with tray drying were harder than those prepared by drying on a fluidized bed dryer (FBD). The outcome of this investigation may be helpful for formulation scientists working on the development of generic formulations.