Poorly water soluble drugs comprise the majority of new drug molecules. Nanoparticle agglomerates, called NanoClusters, can increase the dissolution rate of poorly soluble compounds by increasing particle surface area. Budesonide and danazol, two poorly soluble steroids, were studied as model compounds. NanoCluster suspensions were made using a Netzsch MiniCer media mill with samples collected between 5 and 15 hours and lyophilized. DSC and PXRD were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the powders and BET was used to determine surface area. SEM confirmed NanoClusters were between 1 and 5 μm. NanoCluster samples showed an increase in dissolution rate compared to the micronized stock and similar to a dried nanoparticle suspension. BET analysis determined an increase in surface area of 8 times for budesonide NanoClusters and 10 to 15 times for danazol NanoClusters compared to micronized stock. Melting temperatures decreased with increased mill time of NanoClusters by DSC. The increased surface area of NanoClusters provides a potential micron-sized alternative to nanoparticles to increase dissolution rate of poorly water soluble drugs
