Solubility enhancement of valsartan using modified porous starch as a carrier

The objective of this research was to improve the solubility and dissolution profile of VAL using modified porous starch as a carrier for formulation strategies and to formulate a dosage form, evaluate it and study its release pattern. Solid dispersions of VAL were successfully developed by solvent evaporation method using modified porous starch as a carrier in various proportions. Further, the prepared solid dispersion was characterized for particle size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, compatibility studies (FTIR), DSC, SEM and stability studies. The prepared solid dispersion was discrete and free-flowing. The mean particle size ranged from 646.3±10.2 m to 910.0±6.56 m and the entrapment efficiency ranged from 80% to 98%. Entrapment efficiency of solid dispersion was increased by increasing drug to carrier ratio but to a certain extent. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the with discrete smaller particles than the pure drug and no visible cracks of optimized formulation MPS4. The FTIR study confirmed the stable nature of Valsartan in the drug-loaded solid dispersion. To differentiate between VAL and solid dispersions in which the drug may become amorphous or have reduced crystallinity which were confirmed by XRD studies. The dissolution profile showed that above 50% of the drug was dissolved in 20 minutes and there was marked increase in the dissolution of drug in formulations compared to the pure form. Stability studies were carried out for the best formulation MPS4 indicates that there is no change in entrapment efficiency and % cumulative release of the formulation. The findings of the study suggest that a stable formulation with enhanced dissolution of Valsartan has been successfully developed. This study further opens the chance of studying many other poorly water-soluble drugs, using the concept of modified porous starch if chemical stability of the drug remains unaffected and if drug is compatible with carrier used in this strategy.