Effects of Drug-Polymer Interactions on Tablet Properties During the Development of Abuse-Deterrent Dosage Forms.The objective of the present study is to understand the effects of drug-PEO interactions during the thermal treatment of polyethylene oxide (PEO)-based, directly compressed, abuse-deterrent formulations (ADFs).  Thermal treatment above the melting point of PEO resulted in tablets with higher crushing strength (> 500 N).  It was observed that drug-PEO interactions during thermal treatment (80°C) led to solubilization of the incorporated drug.  Thermal treatment led to a decrease in PEO crystallinity.  In conclusion, although thermal treatment above the melting point of PEO is an efficient manufacturing process in imparting crush-resistant features, drug-PEO interactions during the thermal treatment and the impact of thermal treatment on the properties of formulation components may impact tablet properties and lead to potential performance differences.
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