Formulation Development

Abstract

What is a formulation? Basically it is a carefully chosen combination of the active drug substance together with various other pharmacologically inert substances (but with useful physical properties). These latter substances enable the active ingredient to be delivered to the recipient and ensure it is available to the body for the intended use. Therefore the early establishment and development of an effective formulation is critical to the product’s progress since the later clinical work will depend upon it. The formulation may also have an influence on the eventual success of the new medicine when it is marketed, since if it is unattractive for any reason the patient may not take it.