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Online First                                                                                                                         Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 1  

Review Article 

A New Path for Drug Delivery by Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

Harshada Rajendra Bafna1, Nitin Rajendra Shirsath2, Vaibhavkumar Arun Jagtap3 

From, 1Assistant Professor, Department of Quality Assurances, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, 3Professor, 

Department of Pharmaceutics, Gangamai College of Pharmacy, Nagaon, Dhule, MH, India 

ABSTRACT  

Innovative delivery system that are helpful in enhancing therapeutic objectives and reducing adverse effects are the focus of 

pharmaceutical research. The advantages of tablets and pellet-filled capsules are combined into a single dose form by MUPS, one of 

the more complex and inventive technologies. Continuous drug distribution into the bloodstream is made possible by the breakdown of 

these pills in the stomach and intestine. The current article examines the potential benefits, desirable pellet characteristics, different 

pelletization methods, MUPS-influencing factors, drug release mechanisms, and pharmaceutical applications, as well as the challenges 

associated with compaction and the crucial elements that must be considered for MUPS production to be successful. 

Key words: MUPS; Innovative delivery system; Multiple Unit Pellet System; Benefits; Process variables 

he acronym for Multiple-Unit Pellet System is MUPS. 

Nonetheless, the term is commonly used to describe 

MUPS that have been compressed into tablets from the 

standpoint of research and the pharmaceutical industry [1]. The 

name "Pellet" has historically been used to refer to a wide 

variety of well-produced, geometrically defined agglomerates 

made from various starting materials under infinite processing 

circumstances [2]. Pellets are typically between 0.5 and 1.5 mm 

in size, though they can be made in a wide range of diameters 

[3]. Pharmaceutical businesses mainly produce pellets for use 

in oral controlled-release dosage forms that can deliver 

medications in site-specific, gastroresistant, or sustained-

release manners. The usage of pellets in dosage form design and 

development has increased as a result of the growing 

advancements in pharmaceutical delivery technology [4].  

Actually, due to its many advantages, a tablet is the solid 

dosage form that is most commonly used for oral 

administration. Similar therapeutic benefits can be obtained via 

controlled release capsules, a kind of solid oral formulation that 

frequently includes a range of coated pellets. Around the world, 

a small number of people and businesses are conducting 

research on the difficult subject of MUPS compaction. 

Microparticles, which can be made of natural or synthetic 

polymers, are tiny, freely-moving particles that range in 

diameter from 1 to 1000 µm. The advances in genetics and 

biotechnology have led to the development of many powerful 

and specialized drugs. Because of a number of problems, 

including the restricted solubility, poor stability, and narrow  

Access this article online 

 

Received –  09th May 2024 

Initial Review –  01st October 2024 

Accepted – 31st December 2024 

Quick Response Code 

therapeutic index of many new medications, safer drug delivery 

is necessary [5–6]. 

The cores of these pellets, granules, sugar seeds, mini-

tablets, powders, and crystals made of ion exchange resin 

particles include pharmaceuticals. It is more typical to load 

multiparticulates into capsule shells rather than compressing 

them into tablets. Because MUPS have better dispersion, 

transportation, and surface area, as well as better bioavailability 

and lower inter-subject variance, they are employed more often 

than unit dose forms [7-8]. MUPS improve medication safety 

because, if a multi-unit dosage form's film covering is 

destroyed, the drug contained in that small subunit will be 

released, altering the release behavior of that particular subunit, 

which makes up a tiny percentage of the entire dose.  

The entire medicine will be discharged into the stomach if 

the enteric coating on a single unit or monolithic is destroyed, 

resulting in irritation or ulceration, dosage dumping, or the loss 

of the full dose. There may be more consequences if one unit 

fails than several units. The pharmaceutical industry as a whole 

started investing money in pellet technology research and, 

whenever possible, buying state-of-the-art equipment suitable 

for pellet production after the advantages of pellets over single 

units became clear. Pellets can be made using a variety of 

production processes, depending on the use and the producer's 

preferences [9]. The methods used for pelletization and 

granulation are almost the same. The most often used methods 

include extrusion, spheronization, solution or suspension 

stacking, and powder layering.  

__________________________________________________ 

Correspondence to: Harshada Rajendra Bafna. Department of 

Quality Assurances, Gangamai College of Pharmacy, Nagaon, 

Dhule, MH, India. 

Email: harshadabafna@gmail.com 

T 

mailto:harshadabafna@gmail.com


Bafna et al.                                                                                                                       Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

Online First                                                                                                                         Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 2  

2. MUPS benefits Over Pellet-Filled Capsules Or 

Conventional Modified-Release Tablets  

They can be divided into the proper dosage strengths without 

changing the composition or the procedure. Pellets containing 

the active drug in liquid, capsule, or dissolving tablet form offer 

significant therapeutic advantages over single unit dose forms. 

For instance, the extrusion-spheronization process was used to 

create pantoprazole pellets for the treatment of peptic ulcers 

[10]. 

 

 

 

Figure 1. Benefits of MUPS 

2.1 Pharmacokinetic advantages 

Micro pellets in MUPS travel from the stomach into the small 

intestine swiftly yet consistently due to their small size, which 

lowers the possibility of localized discomfort, enhances 

uniform absorption of medications, and boosts bioavailability. 

For instance. For both juvenile and geriatric patients, Prevacid 

SoluTab is a mouth-dissolving MUPS with a pleasant taste. 

When using delayed-release formulations, rapid enteric coating 

is encouraged by the consistent evacuation of micro pellets 

from the stomach into the small intestine, drug release and 

degradation, resulting in an early peak time and peak plasma 

concentration (t-max and C-max). There is less potential for 

dose dumping, more constant drug release, and inter-subject 

variance when controlled-release formulations are used [11–

12]. 

2.2 Pharmacodynamic advantages 

Pellets dissolve medications in the gastrointestinal tract more 

rapidly and consistently due to their small size and greater 

surface area, which promotes constant, regulated 

pharmacological action and uniform drug absorption. 

Compared to a traditional pellet-filled capsule, the MUPS 

dosage form has a significantly greater number of pellets, which 

helps to further reduce intra- and inter-subject variability in 

medication absorption and clinical response. Furthermore, 

there is less chance of partial medication release and dose 

dumping (in the stomach) [13]. 

2.3 Patient friendly dosage form 

A mouth-disintegrating medication with a pleasant flavor, 

Prevacid SoluTab is appropriate for older people and children 

who have difficulty in swallowing pills or capsules. The 

orodispersibl MUPS can be taken without water to encourage 

swallowing and salivation, particularly when traveling. Lower 

volume or smaller tablets are more patient-compliant than 

capsules, and they can be divided into the appropriate dosage 

strengths without requiring formulation changes. Additionally, 

they can be employed to produce distinct release properties in 

separate or identical locations of the gastrointestinal system. 

2.4 Processing advantages 

Because of their roughly spherical shape and ease of conversion 

into tablets, MUPS have better flow characteristics than typical 

granules used for tabletting. Furthermore, these formulations 

require less lubrication during the tablet-making process, which 

lowers the cost of MUPS relative to tablets. MUPS offers all 

the advantages of tablets over capsules, including improved 

inert matrix physicochemical and microbiological stability. 

speed of processing using the existing tableting infrastructure 

in comparison to capsules. Lower processing costs since the 

product is more resistant to manipulation and processing is 

completed more quickly. Compression causes fewer dust 

problems than with conventional tablets [14–15].  

2.5 Investigation, Dissection and Assessment 

Pellets offer a high degree of flexibility in designing and 

developing oral dosage forms such as suspension, sachet, tablet, 

and capsules [16]. MUPS offer the chance to examine the 

change in size, shape, and density of pellets after compaction 

by retrieving the pellets from highly lubricated compacts or 

disintegration tubes. 

3. Mechanism of Drug Release from MUPS 

The following are possible mechanisms for drug release from 

MUPS: 

3.1 Diffusion: On contact with aqueous fluids in the 

gastrointestinal tract (GIT), water diffuses into the interior of 

the particle. Drug dissolution occurs and the drug solutions 

diffuse across the release coat to the exterior [17]. 

3.2 Erosion: Certain coatings have the ability to progressively 

dissolve over time, releasing the medication that is inside the 

particle [18]. 

3.3 Osmosis: When the proper conditions are met, allowing 

water to enter can cause an osmotic pressure to build up inside 

the particle [19]. 

4. Factors Influencing Design of MUPS 

Formulation variables: composition, porosity, polymer coating 

size and amount, nature, and tableting excipient size and 

amount are the main formulation variables.  

4.1 Core Pellet: Pellets are a unique type of granulates that have 

a smooth surface, low porosity, extremely regular round shape, 

and a typical size range of 0.2-2 mm. Homogeneous and 



Bafna et al.                                                                                                                       Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

Online First                                                                                                                         Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 3  

inhomogeneous pellets can be distinguished based on the 

medication distribution within them. 

4.1.1 Type and composition: Enteric coated pellets and a 

minimum of one tablet excipient make up the multiple unit 

compositions.  

4.1.2 Pellet size: The size of the pellets has an impact on both 

the drug release from the compacted pellets and the compaction 

properties.  

4.1.3 Pellet shape: The most crucial feature is the pellets' 

sphericity, which can be ascertained using a variety of 

techniques.  

4.1.4 Pellet porosity: This is another important component that 

influences the compaction pattern and, in turn, the integrity of 

the polymer coat during compression. 

4.1.5 Pellet density: Pellet density is very significant, 

particularly if a prolonged gastric stay is desired. Density has 

little to no significance when it comes to modifying the stomach 

residence time of medicinal dose forms (both multiple and 

single units).  

4.1.6 Elasticity: Pellet composition has a direct bearing on 

elasticity. The center of the pellet should be robust and 

somewhat flexible.  

4.2 Coverage: Coating of polymers: When it comes to 

maintaining the integrity of the polymer film during 

compression, the coating's quantity matters. Generally 

speaking, a thicker coating is more resistant to damage than a 

thinner one. 

4.3 Cushioning excipients: Tablet formulations include 

excipients with protecting (cushioning) qualities to preserve the 

integrity of coated pellets. The MUPS produced hard tablets 

with low friability and predictable drug release profiles when 

60–70% cushioning grains were added [20]. 

5. Types of MUPS  

There are two types of MUPS that can exist:  

 MUPS made of coated pellets.  

 MUPS made up of pellets of matrix material.  

While the latter kind of MUPS is less popular than the former, 

it does have certain advantages over compaction of polymer-

coated pellets.  

5.1 MUPS made of coated pellets 

The ability of sustained-release multiparticulates to release the 

medication as planned even after compaction is a challenge. 

Polymer-coated pellets were compressed either alone or in 

conjunction with other excipients to create tablets. 

5.2 MUPS made up of pellets of matrix material 

Pellets that are naturally made of excipients that remain inside 

the pellet structure's matrix and slow down the release of the 

medication are referred to as matrix pellets [21]. 

6. Preparations of MUPS 

MUPS preparation entails the following actions 

6.1 Preparation of pellets: Pelletization is the process of 

combining excipients and active medicinal substances into 

spherical beads known as pellets [22-23]. There are numerous 

methods available for making pellets. Some of the traditional 

coating methods used for pellatization include the following: 

6.1.1 Layering 

The layering method involves covering nuclei—which may be 

inert starting seeds or crystals of the same material—with 

successive layers of pharmacological entities in the form of 

liquid, dry powder, or crystals [24]. They include 

solution/suspension layering and powder layering. Example: 

Omeprazole magnesium is suspended in a micronized state and 

subsequently deposited on 0.250–0.355 mm diameter sugar 

microspheres. To segregate the omeprazole from the 

subsequent enteric coating, these pellets are subcoated. Pellets 

are compressed into tablets, film-coated, and mixed with 

tabletting excipients after a final protective over-coating.  

6.1.2 Extrusion and Spherization 

Extrusion spherization was created as a pelletization technique 

in the early 1960s. Multiparticulates for applications involving 

controlled drug release were its primary use. For oral solid 

dosage forms with controlled release and few or no excipients, 

it is particularly beneficial to make dense granules with a high 

drug loading. Extrusion spheronization is a complicated process 

that uses wet mass extrusion and spheronization to create evenly 

sized spherical particles called spheroids, pellets, beads, or matrix 

pellets, depending on the materials and technique used. The 

primary advantage over alternative methods of creating drug-

loaded spheres or pellets is the ability to incorporate large amounts 

of active components without creating unacceptable large 

particles (i.e., few excipients are required). Despite the wide 

range of potential applications, improved processing and 

controlled medication release are most commonly mentioned 

[25]. The following are the processing steps for pelletization 

and extrusion: 

6.1.2.1 Dry mixing 

All of the ingredients are dry combined to create a consistent 

powder dispersion using a twin shell blender, plane tray mixer, 

high speed mixer, and trumbler mixer. This kind of formulation 

frequently uses lactose monohydrate (LM), microcrystalline 

cellulose, and glyceryl monostearate (GMS). 

6.1.2.2 Wet massing 

Wet mass extrusion spheronization, sometimes referred to as 

cold-mass extrusion spheronization, became the method of 



Bafna et al.                                                                                                                       Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

Online First                                                                                                                         Indian J Pharm Drug Studies | 4  

choice for producing dense, spherical pellets with uniform size 

and shape. Wet massing the powder dispersion produces an 

appropriate plastic mass for extrusion. Wet mixing requires the 

addition of a binding liquid, such as glycerol or water [26]. 

6.1.2.3 Extrusion 

The third step in the process is this. The method of extrusion 

involves pushing a substance through a pre-made hole or 

aperture until the wet substance forms consistently sized rod-

shaped particles. Since it is believed to be a dependable and 

repeatable process that may yield high-quality spheroids with a 

limited size range and plenty of mechanical strength, extrusion-

spheronization is the most widely utilized technology. 

Additional methods for creating pellets include spray 

congealing, rotary processing, high/low shear granulation, 

suspension/solution layering, and powder layering [27]. 

6.1.2.4 Spheronization 

The fourth stage of the process, called spheronization, aims to 

round off the rods produced by extrusion into spherical 

particles. The process of spheronization, which turns rods into 

spheres, occurs in several stages. Only when the mass is really 

dry will the rods change to the same degree as dumbbells, and 

the spheres won't deform. The extrudate rounds into spheres 

due to frictional forces from particle-particle and particle-

equipment collisions. Cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone or 

crospovidone has been successfully used to aid in 

spheronization to produce pellets [28]. 

6.1.2.5 Drying 

To reach the appropriate moisture content, a drying phase is 

needed. The pellets can be dried in a fluidized bed dryer, tray 

drier, or oven at room temperature or at a higher temperature. 

Drying was completed when the exit air reached 50ºC (around 

30 minutes). 

6.1.2.6 Screening 

In order to attain the intended size distribution, screening may 

be required; sieves are employed for this purpose. 

6.2 Selection of Excipients 

Because differing tablet disintegration rates result in varying 

tabletting excipients, there was a little variation in medication 

release [29]. The group of binders, fillers, dissolves, lubricants, 

slip agents, and mixtures there of is used to choose excipients.  

6.3 Compression of MUPS 

Coated pellet compression is a difficult procedure that requires 

modifying formulation and process parameters. After 

compression, it ought should flex and bounce back without 

endangering the coating. The coated pellets' flat surface is 

visible in SEM photos. The fact that the pellets separated from 

the cushioning material at 3 KN [30] indicates that they were 

adequately protected during tableting. There were no obvious 

cracks or indentations on the pellet's surface as an appropriate 

tableting excipient to guard against compression-induced 

damage to coated pellets containing a medication that dissolves 

easily in water.  

7. Troubles in Developing MUPS Tablets 

In order to prevent particle attrition, fragmentation, 

densification, and deformation, the following aspects should be 

taken into account when designing and manufacturing MUPS:  

1. The coated pellets' resilience in preserving the medication 

release profile following compression.  

2. Harmonious mass of pellets and excipients used in tableting 

are compatible.  

3. The tablets' mechanical strength for subsequent processing, 

including film or functional testing.  

4. Packing and coating. 

8. Solutions to Overcome Challenges in MUPS 

8.1 Granulation: Good flow and a limited distribution of 

particle sizes in the tableting mixture inhibit the de-mixing of 

pellets and extra-granular material. If the coated particles are 

large in size, size adaptation (controlled by granulation) could 

be taken into consideration. 

8.2 Pellet shape: For a good, even distribution, the pellets' 

shape should be spherical or almost spherical. Increased 

spherical form deviation is not the result of typical release from 

defects and fractures during compression. 

8.3 Pellet size: To endure compression pressure, the coated 

pellets' maximum size is limited to 2 mm. Because they 

separate with tabletting excipients and expose the transmitted 

force from the upper punch to the lower punch directly, large-

sized pellets cause the coating to burst. Influences the final 

tablet's content consistency as a result. 

8.4 Pellet Density: Compared to pellets with a density of more 

than 2 g/cm3, those with a density of roughly 1.5 g/cm3 exhibit 

faster stomach emptying. Pellets that have a diameter of less 

than 2 mm and a density of less than 2 g/cm3 can pass past the 

pyloric sphincter in both fed and fasted states, similar to how 

liquids pass through the stomach. 

8.5 Pellet core and Core material: Pellets with a low surface to 

volume ratio are better because they can result in a smaller area 

of contact between the particles as they are being consolidated. 

The pellet core should be somewhat flexible in order to 

accommodate this, allowing it to deform during compression 

without damaging the coated film. Microcrystalline cellulose, 

both in powdered and granulated form, has been the subject of 

substantial research by numerous scholars. According to their 

findings, microcrystalline cellulose offers coated particles in 

both powder and granulated form better protection and displays 

plastic deformation when compressed. Dicalcium phosphate 

pellets, for example, should not have a very hard core because 

this could hinder the flow of the pellets. The surface is subjected 



Bafna et al.                                                                                                                       Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

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to compression force in this scenario, which deforms it and 

modifies the release. 

8.6 Porosity: Due to its important role in compression, pellet 

porosity is associated with deformation. Due to their increased 

porosity, which makes them denser when compression force is 

applied and forms as deformed coherent units as a result of non-

interfering excipients, medium and high porous pellets showed 

more deformation than low porous pellets. When fewer porous 

pellets are compacted, the medication releases much more 

quickly. This occurs as a result of the pellets seeing reduced 

deformation and densification. The excipients included in the 

pellets should not alter their medicine release profile. The 

deformed pellets and extra granular material must pack as 

tightly as they can. 

8.7 Polymer coating and Film flexibility: Polyarchy and 

cellulose derivatives are examples of polymers that are 

commonly used to achieve certain release characteristics. 

Cellulose and its derivatives, including HPMC and HPMCP, 

form stiff, brittle films that break under compression, in 

contrast to polyarchy and copolymers of acrylics, which create 

flexible films that deform readily. Plasticizers that help create 

flexible films include triacetin, polyethylene glycol, and triethyl 

citrate. A extremely flexible sheet prevents the coating from 

separating when compressed and ensures elastic properties. 

Polymers like Eudragit provide the required degree of elasticity 

to the film when mixed with triethyl citrate plasticizer. 

8.8 Selection of Solvents: Both aqueous and non-aqueous 

coatings can be applied. Aqueous coating has some drawbacks 

despite its environmental benefits, such as medication 

deterioration from trapped moisture; temperature also 

contributes to this degradation when pellets are dried for 

extended periods of time to eliminate moisture. However, the 

sol-to-gel thixotropy of the polymer solution in non-aqueous 

coatings facilitates coating and causes the solvent to evaporate 

significantly faster than in aqueous solvents. 

8.9 Mechanical resistance: During compression, the elasticity 

of the film mechanically stabilizes the pellets. By avoiding 

particle deformation during compression, high mechanical 

resistance contributes to the preservation of the film's integrity. 

Larger particle sizes reduce film breakdown by increasing 

mechanical stability and reducing interparticle interactions.  

8.10 Coating thickness: The thickness of the coating layer 

correlates with the pellets' mechanical resistance during 

compaction. Below a certain thickness, even very flexible films 

tend to break, although films with more thickness retain their 

elastic properties. The thickness of the coating layer is altered 

by the compaction-induced deformation of the coated pellets, 

which affects the drug's release profile. 

8.11 Extra-granular material and cushioning agents: The 

stability of films during compression is affected by extra-

granular material. Crystalline materials with sharp edges and 

abrasive surfaces may damage the coating as the compression 

force increases. As a result, the characteristics of drug release 

after compaction into tablets are altered. The sort and quantity 

of coating agent, the selection of additives such plasticizers, the 

use of cushioning excipients, and the rate of pressure applied 

must all be closely monitored because the drug release 

properties of the subunits help to protect the film. The optimum 

choice is polyethylene glycol, ideally polyethylene glycol 6000, 

because cushioning materials are naturally waxy. The coated 

pellets are shielded from compaction pressures by selectively 

deforming and/or cracking, or by reorganizing themselves 

inside the tablet structure. Cushioning pellets, which are usually 

made of excipients, are considered to be softer and more porous 

than coated medications. The ratio that is believed to be most 

suitable for reducing coating film damage is 1:3 or 1:4. In 

medicine, the proportion of drug pellets to cushioning 

excipients is crucial. 

8.12 Electrostatic charges: During the tablet compression 

cycle, the pellet surfaces may become electrostatically charged, 

which could disrupt their flow. Typically, talc is added to 

address this issue since it functions as a glidant. Comparative 

dissolving experiments should be carried out while developing 

multiparticulate tablets in order to find any potential variations 

in the release rates of the tablets and the uncompressed 

tabletting mixture. To guarantee consistent medication releases, 

the disparity between the two dissolution profiles must not 

surpass 10% [31-33]. 

9. Process Variables 

9.1 Compression force applied: By increasing the force beyond 

the minimum necessary to create a compact to a specific value 

which varies depending on the formulation film ruptures and 

the rate of dissolution are accelerated Compression force 

modifies the dissolving profile according to the intended 

formulation type and, to a greater extent, causes damage to the 

polymeric functional coating. When a delayed release 

formulation is used, a polymer coat rupture causes the medicine 

to be released into acidic media, which causes the drug to 

degrade. 

9.2 Compression speed: To maintain homogeneity in the final 

mixture during tabletting, the tabletting rate is controlled. The 

pressure used for tabletting is appropriately set. Compression 

speed is most likely the formulation's ideal value. Excessive 

speed can lead to incorrect die fill. Punch heads and 

compression rollers can come into more touch with one another, 

which will stop capping and laminating [34]. 

9.3 Compression velocity: To corresponds more to the dwell 

duration the amount of time the punch head spends in contact 

with the compression roller during the compression cycle. 

MUPS have a higher propensity to cap during compression. 

Increased dwell time inhibits capping and lamination by 

promoting the creation of strong bonds between the compressed 

particles. 



Bafna et al.                                                                                                                       Multiple Unit Pellet System (MUPS) 

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9.4 Variables related to equipment: With a few modifications, 

any tablet compression device can be used to prepare MUPS. 

To create pills and tablets, the Tablet Compression Machine 

uses granulated powder. A die and specific punches work 

together to form a cavity. The powder inside this hollow is 

fused when punches are squeezed with a certain amount of 

power. To compress powder and make tablets, the rotary tablet 

press machine consists of many rotating stations. Tablet 

compression devices basically work on hydraulic pressure. All 

tablet machines require this pressure. Without being reduced, it 

passed through the static fluid. It is appropriate to increase 

pressure since any externally supplied pressure is transmitted in 

the same direction in all directions through static fluid.  

To manufacture a tablet, the granulated powder material 

must be metered into a cavity made by a die and two punches. 

Punches must be pressed firmly together to fuse the material 

together. There are two varieties of tablet presses: single station 

and multi station respectively. In terms of feature requirements 

and production output, these machines function differently. 

They can also manufacture odd-shaped tablets. To lessen 

weight variations between batches, they usually have a high-

pressure system installed. Due to several benefits, single-punch 

tablets are a great choice for small-scale research and 

manufacturing. Single-punch presses are also designed to be as 

silent as feasible. The weight and quantity of tablets in MUPS 

may vary more as a result of the segregation procedure.  

Demixing is usually caused by differences in the sizes, 

forms, surfaces, and densities of the pellet and additional 

granular tabletting excipients. When pellets with a limited size 

distribution are compressed with additives of similar size and 

shape, mass and content uniformity can be achieved. It is 

essential to take into account the excipient-to-pellet ratio in 

addition to the importance of particle and pellet size, shape, and 

density in order to attain the optimal MUPS. Any tabletting 

blend must have a minimum of 50% w/w pellet concentration 

to avoid segregation. For instance, enteric-coated pantoprazole 

pellets were compressed into orodispersible tablets for usage by 

elderly and pediatric patients, and pantoprazole (Multiunit 

Particulate System) pills were made easier to administer [35]. 

10. Disintegration and Dissolution Behaviour of MUPS  

MUPS are anticipated to break down in one of the following 

ways since they are frequently made with particles that have 

modified release characteristics: 

1. Quick disintegration in the mouth, if the MUPS includes 

modified-release or taste-masked coated particles that are 

formulated as a compact in an Oro dispersible base (orally 

dissolving tablets), such as Prevacid SoluTab. 

2. Quick disintegration in the gastrointestinal tract upon 

swallowing or oral administration (Losec MUPS). 

3. Slowly and gradually eroding MUPS in the GIT to release 

particles coated with polymers, like Toprol XL, gradually. 

Individual coated multiparticulates that split out as a result of 

MUPS disintegration exhibit the desired dissolving behavior, 

which is frequently determined by the coating type or pellet 

matrix design [36-38]. 

CONCLUSION 

Multi-particulate pellet compositions are known as MUPS 

(Multiple Unit Pellet Systems). These days, MUPS don't truly 

reflect an easy choice; rather, they represent a formulation of 

first choice. The process of compaction of coated pellets into 

multiunit particles (MUPS) is actually quite intricate, involving 

structural deformation or even rupture of the subunits. The 

increased cohesiveness between the pellets may prevent tablet 

disintegration and/or significantly alter the drug release profile 

of the subunits. Put differently, pellet compacts must possess a 

specific crushing strength in order to endure the mechanical 

shocks that occur throughout the manufacturing, packing, and 

dispensing processes. This technical project article examines 

the benefits, necessary preparations, and relevant literature for 

the manufacturing of MUPS tablets. 

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How to cite this article: Bafna HR, Shirsath NR, Jagtap 

VA. A New Path for Drug Delivery by Multiple Unit Pellet 

System (MUPS). Indian J Pharm Drug Studies. 2024; Online 

First. 

 

Funding: None;                 Conflicts of Interest: None Stated 

 


