wwEsterified 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 M 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 M of at least 310 000 Dalton are useful for preparing solid dispersions comprising drugs.