Esterified cellulose ethers which comprise (i) groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA or (ii) a combination of aliphatic monovalent acyl groups and groups of the formula —C(O)—R—COOA, wherein R is a divalent aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group and A is hydrogen or a cation, which have a viscosity of up 50 mPa·s, measured as a 10 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in acetone at 20° C., and a weight average molecular weight Mw of at least 220,000 Dalton, or which have a viscosity of up 100 mPa·s, measured as a 10 wt % solution of the esterified cellulose ether in acetone at 20° C., and a weight average molecular weight Mw of at least 310,000 Dalton are useful for preparing solid dispersions comprising drugs.