Abstract: A method produces a coatable core for a modified release drug formulation for oral administration. The coatable core has a high drug load of at least 70 wt % based on the total weight of the coatable core. The method involves the steps of granulating a composition containing a drug and at least one binder to form granules; blending the granules with a pharmacologically acceptable disintegrant and optionally, one or more additional pharmacologically acceptable excipients, to form a compression blend, wherein the disintegrant is present in an amount from about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the total weight of the coatable core; and compressing the compression blend using an external lubrication compression method to form a coatable core.