Formulating Spray Dried Dispersions Into Tablets

In this article, Upperton interviewed Dr. Ian Lafferty, our Chief Technical Officer, to discuss the development of spray-dried dispersions (SDDs) into tablet form. With 25 years of experience in early-phase pharmaceutical development, Ian brings extensive technical and operational expertise to the table. His career has spanned formulation design, process optimization, and manufacturing for a wide variety of dosage forms, including oral solids and spray-dried dispersions.

Ian’s focus has been on addressing the challenges of formulating difficult-to-develop molecules, with particular expertise in enabling technologies like spray drying. This technique is particularly valuable for improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug substances and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Throughout the interview, Ian shares his insights into the process of transforming SDDs into effective tablet formulations, discussing key considerations in formulation design and the role of spray drying in overcoming solubility and absorption challenges. His deep understanding of these processes positions him as a leader in advancing pharmaceutical development for complex drug candidates.