Non-linear mixed effects models for the evaluation of dissolution profiles

The use of non-linear mixed effects models to describe dissolution data has been evaluated, A theoretical part is included to introduce this approach to scientists who are not Familiar with this type of statistics. The standard settings of the statistical software package (S-plus) are used as much as possible. Several mathematical functions like the Weibull, logistic, first-order and Gompertz are employed as basis for the non-linear mixed effects models. Examples are given using dissolution data of immediate and extended release tablets, The results are compared with those obtained using linear mixed effects models. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B,V. All rights reserved.