Optima: A Windows-Based Program for Computer-Aided Optimization of Controlled-Release Dosage Forms

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this work was to develop a computer program that assists optimization of controlled-release devices, both visually and mathematically, using response surface methodology (RSM). A Windows-based computer program, Optima, which interactively implemented a number of subroutines for the optimization procedure, was developed. Optima is an integrated, user-friendly, and graphically oriented program for pharmaceutical dosage form optimization. Central composite design is implemented in the program. First- and second-order models containing up to five variables can be fitted to the data. The user can also choose between linear and exponential individual desirability functions, and use them to construct an overall desirability function that combines all the response variables in a single response. The program can predict the optimum levels of experimental variables, with respect to individual responses and/or the overall desirability. Optima has been successfully used in the development of su...