Formulation Design of pH Adjusted Rebamipide Solid Dispersions for Improved Solubility

Rebamipide is a drug mainly used for gastric protection. However, due to low solubility and bioavailability, it is classified as Biopharmaceutical Classification System IV. In this study, to improve the solubility and bioavailability of rebamipide, a solid dispersion was prepared by encapsulating the drug in HPMC, a hydrophilic polymer, using a spray drying method. In addition, the pH-dependent solubility of rebamipide was improved by adjusting the pH of the solid dispersion and adding various surfactants. Chemical changes in the drug were confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, morphological changes were confirmed through scanning electron microscopy and crystallinity and saturation of the drug were confirmed through differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffractometer. Lastly, the release behavior of the drug was confirmed through solubility evaluation of the solid dispersion and dissolution test of the formulation, confirming the possibility of developing a formulation with improved solubility.