Formulation
Understanding pharmaceutical pellets and multiparticulate systems
Jai Lara Technical Team · 2 min read · Last reviewed 2026-10-08
A multiparticulate formulation distributes drug across many small units. Layered pellets are one possible architecture: an active-containing layer is deposited onto a starter core, with a functional coat added where required.
Start with the product target
The intended dosage form, strength and release behaviour guide development. Material compatibility, manufacturing choices and quality attributes should be evaluated together. Core materials, layers and coatings are selected for each active ingredient.
What MUPS means
MUPS stands for multiple-unit pellet system. In a MUPS tablet, pellets are compressed with suitable tableting excipients. The term does not require several active ingredients or different pellet populations.
Compression can damage a functional pellet coating and change release. A published study assessed coating integrity, dissolution and tablet mechanical properties, highlighting the importance of evaluating the finished tablet.
Questions for a technical brief
- What active ingredient, strength and final dosage form are intended?
- Which drug-content, uniformity and dissolution criteria are relevant?
- What evidence supports the selected materials, process and storage conditions?
Sources: ICH Q8(R2): pharmaceutical development · ICH Q6A: specifications and testing
For a specific Jai Lara product, ask our technical team about composition, specifications and supporting data. Performance and regulatory equivalence require product-specific evidence.