Process and device for preparing a solid dispersion

A melt extrusion process for preparing a solid dispersion comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient, a polymeric binder, and, optionally, one or more auxiliary agents, comprising

• a) in a batch-wise operation, placing a pre-determined amount of the polymeric binder, a pre-determined amount of the active ingredient, and, optionally, a pre-determined amount of the auxiliary agent(s) in a melting vessel;
• melting the polymeric binder in the melting vessel with agitation to disperse the active ingredient in the polymeric binder to obtain a molten pre-dispersion;
• b) feeding the pre-dispersion into an extruder to homogenize the pre-dispersion and release a melt through a die;
• and
• c) allowing the melt to solidify,
• wherein at least one of the active ingredient, the polymeric binder, and the auxiliary agent comprise a component that is semi-solid, tacky or viscous at ambient temperature.