Abstract: Provided herein are slow release pharmaceutical compositions and methods of preparing slow release pharmaceutical compositions comprising mixing an unhydrated cellulose polymer with a hydrophobic substance to form a dry mixture; adding a granulating liquid to the dry mixture to form a wet mixture; and drying the wet mixture to obtain a blend suitable for use in a slow release pharmaceutical composition. The methods may be carried-out in the absence of a melting step for the hydrophobic substance. Also provided herein is a slow release composition comprising a cellulose polymer and a hydrophobic compound wherein the composition is provided in the substantial absence of a molecular coordination complex formed between the cellulose polymer and the hydrophobic substance. The slow release compositions may comprise a cellulose polymer and a hydrophobic compound in the substantial absence of a higher aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: Provided herein are slow release pharmaceutical compositions and methods of preparing slow release pharmaceutical compositions comprising mixing an unhydrated cellulose polymer with a hydrophobic substance to form a dry mixture; adding a granulating liquid to the dry mixture to form a wet mixture, and drying the wet mixture to obtain a blend suitable for use in a slow release pharmaceutical composition. The methods may be carried-out in the absence of a melting step for the hydrophobic substance. Also provided herein is a slow release composition comprising a cellulose polymer and a hydrophobic compound wherein the composition is provided in the substantial absence of a molecular coordination complex formed between the cellulose polymer and the hydrophobic substance. The slow release compositions may comprise a cellulose polymer and a hydrophobic compound in the substantial absence of a higher aliphatic alcohol.