Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Melt Extrusion

**Semantic type:** Laboratory Procedure

**Definition:** A process that involves melting and mixing API and an excipient (generally a polymer) using low or high shear kneading screws followed by cooling and then milling into granules. Thermal energy for melting is usually supplied by the electric/water heater placed on the barrel. Materials are either premixed or fed into an extruder separately. Melt extruder subclasses primarily are distinguished by the configuration of the screw.

**Synonyms:** - Melt Extrusion