Oral fast-melt formulation of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

Abstract

A process is provided for preparing an oral fast-melt composition of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory drug, the process comprising (a) a step of wet granulating the drug together with a binding agent comprising a saccharide of high moldability, and (b) a step of blending with the drug a saccharide of low moldability, wherein the above steps (a) and (b) occur in any order or simultaneously to result in formation of granules. The process optionally incorporates means to inhibit agglomeration of the drug, for example addition of a wetting agent. Optionally the process further comprises (c) a step of blending the granules with at least one of a lubricant, a sweetening agent and a flavoring agent to form a tableting blend, and (d) a step of compressing the tableting blend to form oral fast-melt tablets. Also provided is a composition prepared by such a process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.