Comparison of the Effect of Bioadhesive Polymers on Stability and Drug Release Kinetics of Biocompatible Hydrogels for Topical Application of Ibuprofen

The study is focused on formulation of biocompatible hydrogels with a poorly soluble drug ibuprofen (5%) and comprehensive evaluation and comparison of effect of different bioadhesive polymers on their suitability for application on skin, physical stability during the accelerated and natural aging tests (by performing centrifugation test, light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, rheological and pH measurements), and in vitro drug release kinetics. Hydrogels, formulated with xanthan gum 1% (XIB), sodium carboxymethylcellulose 5% (CMCIB), poloxamer 407 16% (PIB), and carbomer 1% (KIB), were soft pseudoplastic semisolids with thixotropy and biocompatible pH. The type of the polymer significantly affected apparent viscosity of the hydrogels and miscibility rate with artificial sweat, their physical stability, and shape, size, and aggregation of the drug crystals and degree of crystallization. The drug release in all investigated hydrogels was diffusion-controlled in accordance with the Higuchi model and sustained for 12 h, with the drug release rate and the amount of drug released depended on the polymer. The described formulation approach enabled discrimination of the hydrogels with unsatisfactory application properties (CMCIB) and physical stability (KIB), and selection of the hydrogel with promising characteristics in terms of all investigated aspects (XIB) which could be considered for further evaluation.     

The "bubble point" for validation of drug release or simulated absorption tests for ointments

The aim of the present study was to design a test to ascertain the behaviour and reliability of a membrane used in drug release and simulated absorption tests in order to arrive at useful indications for simulating topical as well as gastro-intestinal absorption. The membrane can be used in two different conditions: a) as a simple porous membrane placed between the ointment and an accepting liquid phase, generally water phase; b) as a membrane soaked in a lipophilic liquid phase to simulate the horny layer between the ointment and accepting water phase. In this study the "bubble point test" was used to test the integrity of the soaking film as well as the membrane, during and after drug release and simulated absorption tests with different types of ointment. In the case of a drug release test from an ointment, the bubble point test may determine the test conditions, that is the ointment applied to either a dry or hydrated membrane. Only the use of a previously hydrated membrane can guarantee constant conditions in the in vitro model. Use of a dry membrane may lead to infiltration of liquid components of the ointment base, thus altering the contact conditions between the two phases of the cutaneous compartment model (lipogel and W/O creams). The use of a hydrated membrane may also lead to interactions between the two phases of the compartment, with osmotic exchanges between the acceptor phase and ointment sample (hydrogel, PEG gel, O/W creams). The hydrated membrane is therefore reliable only for comparison between lipophilic base ointments. In a simulated absorption test, determination of the bubble point makes it possible to ascertain the physical integrity of the lipoid liquid film immobilized by capillary action in the inner microporous structure of the membrane during the test. This condition is essential to maintain a balance between the parameters regulating the diffusion process between the different compartments of the system. The use of a lipoid-soaked membrane makes it possible to avoid interactions between the ointment sample and an aqueous acceptor phase, such as hydrosoluble bases. Since the diffusion across a lipoid film immobilised within a porous membrane depends on the drug release rate from the ointment base, the test allows a contextual evaluation of the release kinetics as well as an indication of the drug absorption possibilities through an in vitro model of the cutaneous compartment.     

Model based design and analysis of phase II HIV-1 trials

This work explores the advantages of a model based drug development (MBDD) approach for the design and analysis of antiretroviral phase II trials. Two different study settings were investigated: (1) a 5-arm placebo-controlled parallel group dose-finding/proof of concept (POC) study and (2) a comparison of investigational drug and competitor. Studies were simulated using a HIV-1 dynamics model in NONMEM. The Monte-Carlo Mapped Power method determined the sample size required for detecting a dose–response relationship and a significant difference in effect compared to the competitor using a MBDD approach. Stochastic simulation and re-estimation were used for evaluation of model parameter precision and bias given different sample sizes. Results were compared to those from an unpaired, two-sided t test and ANOVA (p ≤ 0.05). In all scenarios, the MBDD approach resulted in smaller study sizes and more precisely estimated treatment effect than conventional statistical analysis. Using a MBDD approach, a sample size of 15 patients could be used to show POC and estimate ED₅₀ with a good precision (relative standard error, 25.7 %). A sample size of 10 patients per arm was needed using the MBDD approach for detecting a difference in treatment effect of ≥20 % at 80 % power, a 3.4-fold reduction in sample size compared to a t test. The MBDD approach can be used to achieve more precise dose–response characterization facilitating decision making and dose selection. If necessitated, the sample size needed to reach a desired power can potentially be reduced compared to traditional statistical analyses. This may allow for comparison against competitors already in early clinical studies.     

Comparison of the enthalpy recovery and free volume of polyvinylpyrrolidone during anomalous glassy to rubbery transition.

Previous studies confirmed that along with the structural changes of the amorphous binder, that of the polyvinylpyrrolidone, the tensile strength and consequently, the dissolution behaviour of its tablets changed significantly during the storage period. Structural formation during the glassy to rubbery transition of polyvinylpyrrolidone was followed by the changes in the free volume and enthalpy recovery values of the polymer. The results suggest that the apparent structure formation of water and polymer under glassy to rubbery transition is interrelated in a dynamic and complex manner which can be tracked by the combination of enthalpy recovery studies and positron lifetime measurements. Positron lifetime measurements more sensitively react to the structural rearrangements than enthalpy recovery, thus it can be recommended as a sensitive tool for stability tests during the formulation phase of drug development.     

An alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonist, atipamezole, facilitates behavioral recovery after focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Previous studies suggest that enhanced noradrenergic neurotransmission promotes functional recovery following cerebral lesions. The present study investigated whether systemic administration of an alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonist, atipamezole, facilitates recovery following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. The effect of atipamezole therapy on recovery from ischemia was compared with the effect of enriched-environment housing in rats. Ischemia was induced by occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) for 120 min using the intraluminal filament model. Daily atipamezole treatment (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) was started on day 2 after ischemia induction and drug administration stopped after 10 days. Another group of rats was housed in an enriched environment from day 2 following ischemia induction until the end of the experiment. Several different behavioral tests were used to measure functional recovery during the 26 days following the induction of focal cerebral ischemia. There was improved performance in the limb-placing test from the beginning of atipamezole treatment to day 8, and in wheel-running in the foot-slip test on days 2 and 4. Enriched-environment housing facilitated recovery in the foot-slip test in a later phase of the test period (days 8 to 10). Discovery of a hidden platform in a water-maze task was also facilitated in rats housed in the enriched environment, but this was probably due to the increased swimming speed of these rats. The present data suggest that the alpha(2)-adrenergic antagonist, atipamezole, facilitates sensorimotor recovery after focal ischemia, but has no effect on subsequent water-maze tests assessing spatial learning and memory, when assessed 11 days after the cessation of drug administration.     

Evaluation of different tests based on observations for external model evaluation of population analyses

To evaluate by simulation the statistical properties of normalized prediction distribution errors (NPDE), prediction discrepancies (pd), standardized prediction errors (SPE), numerical predictive check (NPC) and decorrelated NPC (NPC_dec) for the external evaluation of a population pharmacokinetic analysis, and to illustrate the use of NPDE for the evaluation of covariate models. We assume that a model M_B has been built using a building dataset B, and that a separate validation dataset, V is available. Our null hypothesis H₀ is that the data in V can be described by M_B. We use several methods to test this hypothesis: NPDE, pd, SPE, NPC and NPC_dec. First, we evaluated by simulation the type I error under H₀ of different tests applied to the four methods. We also propose and evaluate a single global test combining normality, mean and variance tests applied to NPDE, pd and SPE. We perform tests on NPC and NPC_dec, after a decorrelation. M_B was a one compartment model with first order absorption (without covariate), previously developed from two phase II and one phase III studies of the antidiabetic drug, gliclazide. We simulated 500 external datasets according to the design of a phase III study. Second, we investigated the application of NPDE to covariate models. We propose two approaches: the first approach uses correlation tests or mean comparisons to test the relationship between NPDE and covariates; the second evaluates NPDE split by category for discrete covariates or quantiles for continuous covariates. We generated several validation datasets under H₀ and under alternative assumptions with a model without covariate, with one continuous covariate (weight), or one categorical covariate (sex). We calculated the powers of the different tests using simulations, where the covariates of the phase III study were used. The simulations under H₀ show a high type I error for the different tests applied to SPE and an increased type I error for pd. The different tests present a type I error close to 5% for the global test appied to NPDE. We find a type I error higher than 5% for the test applied to classical NPC but this test becomes close to 5% for NPC_dec. For covariate models, when model and validation dataset are consistent, type I error of the tests are close to 5% for both effects. When validation datasets and models are not consistent, the tests detect the correlation between NPDE and the covariate. We recommend to use NPDE over SPE for external model evaluation, since they do not depend on an approximation of the model and have good statistical properties. NPDE represent a better approach than NPC, since in order to perform tests on NPC, a decorrelation step must be applied before. NPDE, in this illustration, is also a good tool to evaluate model with or without covariates.     

酒石酸美托洛尔片仿制与原研的溶出度比较

目的：对酒石酸美托洛尔片国产仿制药与原研药进行体外溶出度比较,为质量一致性评价提供依据。方法参照中国药典2010版二部酒石酸美托洛尔片的质量标准,选取50mg规格样品,采用4种不同的溶出介质对国内8家企业生产的仿制药和原研药进行体外溶出行为考察,并采用差异因子f1法、相似因子f2法和直接比较法来评价仿制药与原研药溶出行为的一致性。结果8家仿制药溶出行为参差不齐,按直接比较法只有1家仿制药在四种溶出介质中的溶出曲线均与原研药一致,只在两种或一种溶出介质中的溶出曲线与原研药一致的情况较多。结论国内企业生产的酒石酸美托洛尔片仿制药与原研药存在体外溶出行为不一致性,处方、制剂工艺、辅料的选用方面需要进一步研究,以达到仿制药与原研药体外溶出行为一致性和质量一致性。同时,要结合生物等效性试验,对该品种的国产仿制药和原研药的一致性作出综合的评价。     

Enhancing drug incorporation into tetracycline-loaded chitosan microspheres for periodontal therapy

Purpose: To identify optimal formulation parameters for enhancing the incorporation of tetracycline hydrochloride into chitosan microspheres for periodontal therapy.

Methods: Tetracycline-loaded chitosan microspheres were prepared by ionotropic gelation. Various formulation parameters (salt form of drug, aqueous phase pH, anion structure, inorganic salts and electrolytes, preparation method) were investigated for their influence on drug incorporation efficiency. Microspheres were assessed in terms of drug entrapment and content, microsphere recovery, particle size and morphology.

Results: Although drug incorporation efficiency was increased marginally, the use of a dihydrate form of the drug was not considered feasible due to the lowered microsphere recovery and higher costs. A decrease in the aqueous pH from 9 to 6 enhanced drug incorporation efficiency without an adverse effect on microsphere morphology. The use of inorganic salts/electrolytes and other approaches of microsphere preparation did not significantly enhance drug incorporation efficiency and these approaches also adversely affected microsphere morphology. The ionotropic preparation method in terms of the drug loading technique significantly affected drug incorporation efficiencies.

Conclusions: This study has shown that formulation variables can be exploited in order to enhance the incorporation of a water soluble drug into chitosan microspheres using the ionotropic gelation technique. Based on a comparison of all results obtained with the different approaches, the modification of the aqueous phase to pH 6 was identified as the most feasible approach.     

Formulation and characterisation of tetracycline-containing bioadhesive polymer networks designed for the treatment of periodontal disease

This study described the drug release, rheological (dynamic and flow) and textural/mechanical properties of a series of formulations composed of 15% w/w polymethylvinylether-co-maleic anhydride (PMVE-MA), 0-9% w/w polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and containing 1-5% w/w tetracycline hydrochloride, designed for the treatment of periodontal disease. All formulations exhibited pseudoplastic flow with minimal thixotropy. Increasing the concentration of PVP sequentially increased the zero-rate viscosity (derived from the Cross model) and the hardness and compressibility of the formulations (derived from texture profile analysis). These affects may be accredited to increased polymer entanglement and, in light of the observed synergy between the two polymers with respect to their textural and rheological properties, interaction between PVP and PMVE-MA. Increasing the concentration of PVP increased the storage and loss moduli yet decreased the loss tangent of all formulations, indicative of increased elastic behaviour. Synergy between the two polymers with respect to their viscoelastic properties was observed. Increased adhesiveness, associated with increased concentrations of PVP was ascribed to the increasing bioadhesion and tack of the formulations. The effect of increasing drug concentration on the rheological and textural properties was dependent on PVP concentration. At lower concentrations (0, 3% w/w) no effect was observed whereas, in the presence of 9% w/w PVP, increasing drug concentration increased formulation elasticity, zero rate viscosity, hardness and compressibility. These observations were ascribed to the greater mass of suspended drug in formulations containing the highest concentration of PVP. Drug release from formulations containing 6 and 9% PVP (and 5% w/w drug) was prolonged and swelling/diffusion controlled. Based on the drug release, rheological and textural properties, it is suggested that the formulation containing 15% w/w PMVE-MA, 6% w/w PVP and tetracycline hydrochloride (5% w/w) may be useful for the treatment of periodontal disease.     

Drug release from semisolid dosage forms: a comparison of two testing methods

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to extend our previous in-vitro drug release studies using semisolid dermatological bases with non-impregnated cellulose acetate membranes. A comparison of the performances of two apparatuses, the more commonly used Franz cell and the new modified USP (mini paddle with ointment holding cell) systems were applied to this work. Five different semisolid as well as two marketed preparations containing 1% diclofenac sodium were used. Complex, slightly non-linear release curves indicating sink conditions were found. This was explained by the co-diffusion of excipients modifying the characteristics of the membrane and the receiving medium dynamically. Although our test model is, as a rule, not suitable to establish an in-vivo–in-vitro correlation, good qualitative as well as quantitative correlations were found within some types of dermatological bases. The correlation between the results of the two in-vitro methods also depends on the type of semisolids studied. The release curve characteristics and the amount of diclofenac sodium released at 6?h were measured. Their repeatability and reproducibility were calculated. The slopes and Q-values were correlated with in-vivo data. In general, the modified USP method provided more precise results than the Franz cell method.     

Mucoadhesive microspheres for nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide: in-vitro/ex-vivo studies

Microparticulate delivery systems designed for the nasal administration of an antiemetic drug, metoclopramide hydrochloride, were prepared. Microspheres composed of sodium alginate, chitosan hydrochloride, or both, were obtained using a spray-drying method; some batches of drug-free microparticles were prepared as a comparison. The morphology, in-vitro swelling behaviour, mucoadhesive properties and drug release from microparticles were evaluated. Ex-vivo drug permeation tests were carried out using sheep nasal mucosa; permeation test of the drug solution was performed as comparison. During ex-vivo permeation tests, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were carried out on the nasal mucosa to study the morphological changes of epithelial cells and tight junctions, while the change in microsphere morphology was examined using photostereo microscopy (PM). Spray-dried microparticles had a mean diameter (d(vs)) in the range of about 3-10 microm. They showed good in-vitro mucoadhesive properties. In-vitro release profiles and swelling behaviour depended on their composition: the drug release occurred in 1-3 h. Ex-vivo studies showed that drug permeation through the mucosa from microparticles based on chitosan was higher than from those consisting of alginate alone. This can be related to the penetration enhancing properties of chitosan. Complexation of chitosan with alginate led to a control of the drug release. Microscopy observation of microspheres during the permeation tests revealed that microparticles swelled and gelled, maintaining their shape. TEM analyses of the mucosa after exposure to the microparticles consisting of alginate/chitosan showed opened tight junctions. This preliminary study shows that alginate/chitosan spray-dried microspheres have promising properties for use as mucoadhesive nasal carriers of an antiemetic drug.     

国产洛伐他汀片溶出度质量评价

目的通过考察国内不同药品生产企业洛伐他汀片的溶出情况评价药品质量。方法溶出方法采用桨法,以1.0%十二烷基硫酸钠的磷酸盐溶液900mL为溶出介质,转速为50r.min-1。采用f2因子法,考察国内8家公司的洛伐他汀片与参比公司的洛伐他汀片溶出度的差异。结果 3个公司的洛伐他汀片f2值大于50,溶出度与参比公司制剂相似。其他5个公司的洛伐他汀片f2值小于50,溶出度与参比公司制剂存在明显差异。结论不同公司的洛伐他汀片溶出度有显著差异,仿制药品的质量有待提高。     

Development of an oral microemulsion formulation of alendronate: effects of oil and co-surfactant type on phase behaviour

This study aimed to prepare a water-in-oil microemulsion formulation of alendronate. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed by using different oils and co-surfactants. The final formulation was decided to be prepared with Captex 200, lecithin, propylene glycol and bidistilled water. Rheological behaviour, phase stability and type of the microemulsion formulation were investigated by Brookfield viscosimeter, centrifugation test and dye method, consequently. Phase behaviour of the formulation was found to be Newtonian. No precipitation was observed in the stressed conditions and formulation was W/O. The physical characterization of the formulation (physical appearance, viscosity, refractive index, conductivity, density and turbidity) was investigated at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C during 6 months while droplet size was investigated for 3 months. Droplet size of the formulation was between 224-280 nm while viscosity was between 89.9-99.5 mPa.S. The release of alendronate from the microemulsion formulation was examined by dialysis method and found to be 97.2% at the end of 7 h. None of the parameters except refractive index changed significantly during the determined periods. This study succeeded in preparing a stable microemulsion formulation of alendronate.     

Topical hydrogels with escin β-sitosterol phytosome and escin: Formulation development and in vivo assessment of antihyperalgesic activity

The physicochemical properties, stability, in vivo antihyperalgesic activity, and skin irritation potential of the carbomer hydrogels with the new chemical entity escin β-sitosterol (ES) phytosome were characterized and compared with those containing escin. Physicochemical characterization of the hydrogels (performed 48 hr after preparation) included organoleptic examination, pH measurement, light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and rheological tests. The obtained results showed that increasing concentration of the active substances within 1–5% affected the appearance (color and transparency) of the hydrogels, their pH, consistency, and rheological behavior. Unlike acidic escin, which was dissolved in the liquid phase of the pseudoplastic hydrogels E1–E5 and reduced their maximal apparent viscosity (η_max), minimal apparent viscosity (η_min), and hysteresis area (H) in comparison to the plain carbomer hydrogel, amphiphilic ES-enhanced η_max, η_min, and thixotropy of the hydrogels ES1–ES5, which is favorable for prolonged retention at skin surface. Evaluation of in-use stability of the hydrogels showed that organoleptic characteristics, flow behavior, and pH values could be preserved for 3 months under ambient conditions. The rat ear test results suggested that the hydrogels are safe to be used on human skin. Both escin and ES-loaded hydrogels exerted significant, concentration-dependent antihyperalgesic effect in inflammatory pain model in rats. ES-loaded hydrogels were significantly more effective than those loaded with escin. This is a first report on the antihyperalgesic effect of topically applied escin as well as ES in a model of inflammatory pain.     

A high throughput platform for understanding the influence of excipients on physical and chemical stability

The present study puts forward a miniaturized high-throughput platform to understand influence of excipient selection and processing on the stability of a given drug compound. Four model drugs (sodium naproxen, theophylline, amlodipine besylate and nitrofurantoin) and ten different excipients were selected. Binary physical mixtures of drug and excipient were transferred to a 96-well plate followed by addition of water to simulate aqueous granulation environment. The plate was subjected for XRPD measurements followed by drying and subsequent XRPD and HPLC measurements of the dried samples. Excipients with different water sorbing potential were found to influence distinctly on the phase transformation behaviour of each drug. Moreover, the amount of water addition was also a critical factor affecting phase transformation behaviour. HPLC analysis revealed one of the drug:excipient pairs with a tendency for chemical degradation. The proposed high-throughput platform can be used during early drug development to simulate typical processing induced stress in a small scale and to understand possible phase transformation behaviour and influence of excipients on this.     

银杏内酯B注射液无菌检查方法验证试验

目的探讨银杏内酯B注射液（一类新药）的无菌检查方法，考察银杏内酯B有无抑菌活性及其测定方法的可行性。方法采用直接接种法，通过无菌验证试验确定无菌检查方法的有效性。结果含供试品各容器中的试验菌均生长良好，3次独立平行试验的回收率均大于70％。结论通过验证试验的无菌检查方法可行，所得结果可靠。     

Efficacy of cerebrolysin in cerebral hemorrhage model in rats

The pharmacological efficacy of cerebrolysin (a brain-derived peptidergic drug) was studied in rats with a unilateral hemorrhagic stroke model. Cerebrolysin produces a neuroprotective effect, which is manifested by a decrease in the number of degenerated neurons in the vicinity of hematoma region in acute period and by a reduction of the neuronal loss in the early recovery phase. Besides, the administration of cerebrolysin improves the functional state as judged from the results of neurological and behavioral tests (open field, paw licking, and passive avoidance). A decrease in the hyperactivity in the open field test and the conservation of latent avoidance in the passive avoidance test demonstrate the drug influence on the maintenance of inhibitory processes deteriorated in stroke.     

Development of an oral microemulsion formulation of alendronate: Effects of oil and co-surfactant type on phase behaviour

This study aimed to prepare a water-in-oil microemulsion formulation of alendronate. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed by using different oils and co-surfactants. The final formulation was decided to be prepared with Captex 200®, lecithin, propylene glycol and bidistilled water. Rheological behaviour, phase stability and type of the microemulsion formulation were investigated by Brookfield viscosimeter, centrifugation test and dye method, consequently. Phase behaviour of the formulation was found to be Newtonian. No precipitation was observed in the stressed conditions and formulation was W/O. The physical characterization of the formulation (physical appearance, viscosity, refractive index, conductivity, density and turbidity) was investigated at 4°C and 25°C during 6 months while droplet size was investigated for 3 months. Droplet size of the formulation was between 224–280 nm while viscosity was between 89.9–99.5 mPa.S. The release of alendronate from the microemulsion formulation was examined by dialysis method and found to be 97.2% at the end of 7 h. None of the parameters except refractive index changed significantly during the determined periods. This study succeeded in preparing a stable microemulsion formulation of alendronate.     

Development of Novel Nonaqueous Ethylcellulose Gel Matrices: Rheological and Mechanical Characterization

No HeadingPurpose. This study reports the rheological and mechanical characterization of novel non-aqueous ethylcellulose gel matrices intended for topical drug delivery. An attempt was also made to explain the molecular interaction within the gel systems from a molecular conformational approach.Methods. Nonaqueous gel matrices were prepared from three fine particle grades of ethylcellulose and propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate. Continuous and oscillatory shear rheometry was performed using a cone-and-plate rheometer and mechanical characterization was performed using a universal tensile tester.Results. The gel matrices exhibited prominent viscoelastic behaviour, yield stress and thixotropy. Rheological and mechanical properties showed significant upward trends with increased polymeric chain length and polymer concentrations. Good linear correlations were obtained between rheological and mechanical properties. The solvent molecular conformation was found to play a role in affecting the formation of gel networks via intermolecular hydrogen bonding between ethylcellulose polymer chains.Conclusions. Ethylcellulose was successfully formulated as a nonaqueous gel with propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate. The novel nonaqueous gel exhibited rheological profiles corresponding to a physically cross-linked three dimensional gel network, with suitable mechanical characteristics for use as a vehicle for topical drug delivery. Molecular conformation of the solvent was found to influence the molecular interactions associated with formation of ethylcellulose gel networks.