Context Ketoprofen lysinate (KL) is one of the most widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in the symptomatic treatment of some chronic inflammatory diseases. Compared to ketoprofen, KL shows better pharmacokinetics and tolerability. However, due to its short half-life of 1-2 h, a multiple dose regimen is required for oral administration. Thus, the present work deals with its encapsulation in a hydrogel-based system by prilling in order to prolong its activity.

Objective In this paper, we propose alginate and pectin as carriers and release tailoring agent for the development of hydrogel-based beads for KL retarded and sustained release.

Materials and methods. Beads were produced by a Nisco Encapsulator® using alginate or pectin. Operative variables were optimized to produce beads with desired morphology and size. Solid state properties were analyzed by SEM and DSC. Drug release performance was studied by Pharmacopoeia pH-change assay to simulate gastrointestinal environment.

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