Hypromellose in Modern Pharmaceutics: From Advanced Drug Delivery to Process Optimization and Quality Control

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Physical Pharmacy and Formulation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2026 | Viewed by 996

Special Issue Editor


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Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: preformulation; polymorphism; PAT; controlled drug delivery
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Hypromellose (HPMC) is a versatile hydrophilic polymer widely utilized in the pharmaceutical industry for its unique properties that enhance the performance of various drug delivery systems, including as a film-forming agent, tablet binder, and controlled release matrix. It plays a pivotal role in the development of advanced drug delivery systems, process optimization, and quality control, ensuring the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical products. This Special Issue is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted applications of Hypromellose in modern pharmaceuticals, encompassing innovative formulations, manufacturing processes, and analytical techniques.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Advanced drug delivery systems utilizing Hypromellose for targeted and controlled release;
  2. Novel formulations and applications of Hypromellose in oral, transdermal, and other drug delivery routes;
  3. Process optimization strategies for Hypromellose-based pharmaceutical products;
  4. Quality control and analytical methods for ensuring the consistency and stability of Hypromellose formulations;
  5. Case studies and real-world applications of Hypromellose in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Prof. Dr. Franc Vrečer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • hypromellose excipient formulations
  • manufacturing processes
  • quality by design
  • drug delivery systems

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

41 pages, 3872 KB  
Article
Influence of Selected Hypromellose Functionality-Related Characteristics and Soluble/Insoluble Filler Ratio on Carvedilol Release from Matrix Tablets
by Tadej Ojsteršek, Grega Hudovornik and Franc Vrečer
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(10), 1358; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17101358 - 21 Oct 2025
Viewed by 473
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study investigated how selected functionality-related characteristics (FRCs) of hypromellose (HPMC)—namely viscosity, hydroxypropoxy substitution, particle size, and the ratio of water-soluble (FlowLac® 100) to water-insoluble (Avicel® PH-102) fillers— affect the release of carvedilol from matrix tablets. Methods: Using a Central [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study investigated how selected functionality-related characteristics (FRCs) of hypromellose (HPMC)—namely viscosity, hydroxypropoxy substitution, particle size, and the ratio of water-soluble (FlowLac® 100) to water-insoluble (Avicel® PH-102) fillers— affect the release of carvedilol from matrix tablets. Methods: Using a Central Composite Design (CCD) Design of Experiments (DoE), mixtures of HPMC QbD samples were prepared to achieve target HPMC FRC levels. Within the CCD, levels of FlowLac® 100 and Avicel® PH-102 were also varied. The mean and standard deviation of carvedilol release at each analyzed time point of the release profile were used as target variables for individual multiple linear regression (MLR) models. Results: Lactose, the water-soluble filler, significantly accelerated carvedilol release, whereas the water-insoluble MCC slowed and stabilized release by improving gel integrity. Among the HPMC FRCs, particle size had the strongest influence during the early release phase, while HPMC viscosity and hydroxypropoxy substitution degree became more important in later phases. Analysis of the results using optimized multiple linear regression (MLR) models revealed key interaction effects, particularly between HPMC viscosity and lactose content, and between viscosity and particle size, demonstrating their combined role in modulating release kinetics. Conclusions: These findings provide valuable insight into how controlling HPMC’s FRCs and filler composition can reduce interbatch variability in drug release and support the rational design of robust controlled release formulations. Full article
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