Apixaban Orally Disintegrating Composition for Consistent Dissolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apixaban formulations face challenges with inconsistent dissolution and absorption due to particle size and manufacturing process, particularly for patients with dysphagia, leading to reduced patient compliance and less than optimal exposure.

Innovation Solution

Development of an orally disintegrating tablet formulation comprising specific ratios of apixaban with mannitol, starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, magnesium stearate, and peppermint flavor, achieving consistent dissolution and absorption, with disintegration times under 3 minutes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If immediate release tablet formulation is used, then dissolution rate can be improved, but particle size control and manufacturing process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution rateVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the particle size parameter of apixaban to D90 ≤ 89 μm through micronization, which directly improves dissolution rate. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving faster dissolution without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the fine particles can be directly compressed into tablets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary micronization of apixaban particles before formulation to achieve the required D90 ≤ 89 μm size. This preliminary action ensures consistent dissolution rate is achieved upfront, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing process controls during tablet production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If orally disintegrating dosage form is developed, then patient compliance can be improved, but formulation stability becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient complianceVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite formulation containing apixaban, mannitol, starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, and other excipients. This composite material approach achieves both oral disintegration for improved patient compliance and formulation stability through the synergistic effects of multiple components that maintain structural integrity while enabling rapid disintegration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates superdisintegrants like crospovidone and starch in specific proportions (5-10% and 20-30% respectively) to create local disintegration zones within the tablet. This local quality approach ensures the tablet remains stable during storage but disintegrates rapidly upon contact with saliva, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If finer apixaban particles are used, then dissolution consistency can be improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adopts the particle size specification (D90 ≤ 89 μm) that has been proven effective in previously approved apixaban formulations. By copying this established parameter, the patent achieves dissolution consistency without incurring excessive manufacturing costs, as the micronization process is already optimized in the industry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses direct compression of micronized particles without requiring complex granulation or coating processes. This approach treats the tablet formulation as a simple compressed powder mixture, eliminating the need for expensive manufacturing equipment and processes while maintaining dissolution consistency through particle size control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulation provides bioequivalent pharmacokinetic parameters to immediate release tablets, ensuring consistent drug exposure and improved patient compliance by allowing administration without water, suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties.

Implementation Method 1

orally disintegrating tablet formulation... with disintegration times under 3 minutes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

crospovidone, starch... disintegrating excipients

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwelling:

Implementation Method 3

mannitol, starch, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose... fillers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 4

sodium lauryl sulfate... surface active agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 5

magnesium stearate... lubricant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP3946277B1Orally disintegrating pharmaceutical compositions of apixaban
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 UNISON PHARM PVT LTD
  • EP3946277B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3946277B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3946277B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an orally disintegrating pharmaceutical dosage forms of apixaban or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof. The present invention specifically relates to a stable orally disintegrating pharmaceutical composition comprising apixaban and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Further, the present invention relates to an orally disintegrating dosage form comprising apixaban, at least one disintegrating excipient and optionally one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for treatment of disorders associated with Factor Xa.