Dapivirine, formerly known as TMC 120, is a poorly-water soluble anti-HIV drug, 
currently being developed as a vaginal microbicide. The clinical use of this 
drug has been limited due to its poor solubility. The aim of this study was to 
design solid dispersion systems of Dapivirine to improve its solubility. Solid 
dispersions were prepared by solvent and fusion methods. Dapivirine release from 
the solid dispersion system was determined by conducting in-vitro dissolution 
studies. The physicochemical characteristics of the drug and its formulation 
were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray 
Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning 
Electron Microscopy (SEM). A significant improvement in drug dissolution rate 
was observed with the solid dispersion systems. XRD, SEM and DSC results 
indicated the transformation of pure Dapivirine which exists in crystalline form 
into an amorphous form in selected solid dispersion formulations. FTIR and HPLC 
analysis confirmed the absence of drug-excipient interactions. Solid dispersion 
systems can be used to improve the dissolution rate of Dapivirine. This 
improvement could be attributed to the reduction or absence of drug 
crystallinity, existence of drug particles in an amorphous form and improved 
wettability of the drug.