Formulation studies of a poorly water-soluble drug in solid dispersions to improve bioavailability

To improve the bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug, RP 69698 (1), solid dispersion formulations were investigated in beagle dogs. The formulations were prepared by a melting method with water-soluble carriers in which 1 is highly soluble. When incorporated into a solid dispersion formulation composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, Transcutol and Labrasol, the bioavailability of 1 was determined to be 11.8%. This represented about 2-fold improvement over 6% bioavailability observed previously with an aqueous suspension of the drug in 0.5% methylcellulose. When the formulation contained only Labrasol, in which 1 was completely solubilized, the bioavailability of 1 was 12.9%. Addition of a surfactant, polysorbate 80, at a strength of 10% to the dispersion with PEG 3350 and Labrasol as carriers increased the bioavailability of 1 from 11.8 to 27.6%. This result was attributed to the ability of the surfactant to increase the wettability and spreadability of the drug in a solubilized state once released in the gastrointestinal medium. Increase in the concentration of the surfactant did not further increase the bioavailability of 1. DSC and powder XRD data demonstrated that the major fraction of drug was dissolved in the carrier. A possible explanation for the maximum achievable bioavailability of about 25% with solid dispersion preparation may be that once released, a significant fraction of drug may precipitate in the GI tract. Re-solubilization of the precipitated drug for the absorption is likely to be difficult due to its very low aqueous solubility.     

Amorphous solid dispersions and nano-crystal technologies for poorly water-soluble drug delivery

Poor water-solubility is a common characteristic of drug candidates in pharmaceutical development pipelines today. Various processes have been developed to increase the solubility, dissolution rate and bioavailability of these active ingredients belonging to BCS II and IV classifications. Over the last decade, nano-crystal delivery forms and amorphous solid dispersions have become well established in commercially available products and industry literature. This article is a comparative analysis of these two methodologies primarily for orally delivered medicaments. The thermodynamic and kinetic theories relative to these technologies are presented along with marketed product evaluations and a survey of commercial relevant scientific literature.     

Use of compressed gas precipitation to enhance the dissolution behavior of a poorly water-soluble drug: generation of drug microparticles and drug-polymer solid dispersions

The classical anticonvulsant drug phenytoin (5,5-diphenyl hydantoin, C(15)H(12)N(2)O(2)) has been used as a model compound to investigate the possibility of enhancing the dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs using dense gas antisolvent techniques. In a first step, microcrystals of neat phenytoin have been generated using the gas antisolvent (GAS) and precipitation with compressed antisolvent (PCA) processes, thereby assessing process performances and elucidating similarities and differences between the two techniques. In a second step, the PCA process has been used to generate solid dispersions of phenytoin in the hydrophilic polymer poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone)-K30 (PVP). In vitro dissolution results reveal a substantially better performance of the PCA-processed co-formulations compared to unprocessed phenytoin and to GAS- and PCA-precipitates of neat drug crystals. A comparison of the product quality of phenytoin-PVP co-formulations with solid dispersions obtained by spray drying convincingly underlines the potential of dense gas antisolvent techniques for the production of pharmaceutical formulations with enhanced oral bioavailability.     

Studies on dissolution enhancement and mathematical modeling of drug release of a poorly water-soluble drug using water-soluble carriers.

Role of various water-soluble carriers was studied for dissolution enhancement of a poorly soluble model drug, rofecoxib, using solid dispersion approach. Diverse carriers viz. polyethylene glycols (PEG 4000 and 6000), polyglycolized fatty acid ester (Gelucire 44/14), polyvinylpyrollidone K25 (PVP), poloxamers (Lutrol F127 and F68), polyols (mannitol, sorbitol), organic acid (citric acid) and hydrotropes (urea, nicotinamide) were investigated for the purpose. Phase-solubility studies revealed AL type of curves for each carrier, indicating linear increase in drug solubility with carrier concentration. The sign and magnitude of the thermodynamic parameter, Gibbs free energy of transfer, indicated spontaneity of solubilization process. All the solid dispersions showed dissolution improvement vis-à-vis pure drug to varying degrees, with citric acid, PVP and poloxamers as the most promising carriers. Mathematical modeling of in vitro dissolution data indicated the best fitting with Korsemeyer-Peppas model and the drug release kinetics primarily as Fickian diffusion. Solid state characterization of the drug-poloxamer binary system using XRD, FTIR, DSC and SEM techniques revealed distinct loss of drug crystallinity in the formulation, ostensibly accounting for enhancement in dissolution rate.     

固体分散体在提高难溶性药物口服生物利用度中的应用

固体分散体在提高难溶性药物溶出度和口服生物利用度中的应用引起了药学工作者的关注,本文综述了固体分散体常用载体、常用的溶剂、提高难溶性药物溶出速率的机制和制备方法以及其他替代的方法,以期将难溶性药物制备为固体分散体提供参考。     

Improvement of dissolution characteristics and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs by novel cogrinding method using water-soluble polymer

A novel cogrinding method for improving dissolution characteristics of poorly water-soluble drugs was developed. A coground mixture of nifedipine (NP)-polyethylene glycol 6000-hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose system prepared in the presence of small amount of water showed remarkable effect with respect to NP dissolution and its apparent solubility. Although the performance of the coground mixture was superior to that of spray-dried powder with the same composition, the X-ray diffraction pattern indicated the mixture did not change to amorphous state. In addition, the transmission electron microscopy revealed that NP seemed to exist in coacervate-like fine particles (50–200 nm) in water. This cogrinding method was also effective for other poorly water-soluble drugs such as griseofluvin and indomethacin. Some drug–polymer interactions through hydroxypropoxyl groups seemed to participate in the mechanism of the improvement of dissolution characteristics, because the content of the functional group affected the extent of solubility-enhancing effect. Furthermore, the addition of small amount of water in cogrinding was especially effective, because it promoted the interactions. The coground mixture showed the same plasma concentration as NP solution of PEG 400 when it was orally administered to beagle dogs. From these results, it is clear that the present cogrinding method is very effective for improvement of bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.     

不同载体材料改善难溶性药物乙烷硒啉溶出性能的实验研究

目的:改善水不溶性药物乙烷硒啉的溶出性能,以提高乙烷硒啉固体制剂的药物溶出度.方法:以聚维酮(polyvinylpyrrolidone,简称PVP)、枸橼酸、酒石酸、羟丙基-β-环糊精(hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin,简称HP-β-CD)等辅料为载体材料,以溶剂溶解与分散法制备乙烷硒啉固体颗粒及其物理混合物,并进行体外溶出度试验.利用差示扫描量热法(Differential Scanning Calorimetry,简称DSC)和X-射线衍射法来验证药物的存在状态.结果:以PVP为载体材料所制固体颗粒的体外溶出行为显著优于其他载体材料,且载体材料的比例越大,药物溶出越快.结论:DSC和X-射线衍射图实验证明,PVP载体材料改变了乙烷硒啉的存在状态与亲水性,溶出性能得到显著改善.     

The mechanisms of drug release from solid dispersions in water-soluble polymers.

Solid dispersions in water-soluble carriers have attracted considerable interest as a means of improving the dissolution rate, and hence possibly bioavailability, of a range of hydrophobic drugs. However, despite the publication of numerous original papers and reviews on the subject, the mechanisms underpinning the observed improvements in dissolution rate are not yet understood. In this review the current consensus with regard to the solid-state structure and dissolution properties of solid dispersions is critically assessed. In particular the theories of carrier- and drug-controlled dissolution are highlighted. A model is proposed whereby the release behaviour from the dispersions may be understood in terms of the dissolution or otherwise of the drug into the concentrated aqueous polymer layer adjacent to the solid surface, including a derivation of an expression to describe the release of intact particles from the dispersions. The implications of a deeper understanding of the dissolution mechanisms are discussed, with particular emphasis on optimising the choice of carrier and manufacturing method and the prediction of stability problems.     

Effect of particle size on the dissolution behaviors of poorly water-soluble drugs

This study examined the effects of the particle size of various poorly water-soluble drugs on their dissolution behavior through physicochemical and mathematical analysis. As model drugs, hydrochlorothiazide, aceclofenac, ibuprofen and a discovery candidate were selected. The materials were crystallized using an evaporation method and milled without transformation behavior of crystal forms. The particles were sieved and divided into four size groups (< 45 μm, 45～150 μm, 150～250 μm, and 250～600 μm). The specific surface area with regard to the particle size was measured using a BET surface area measurement. The specific surface area increased with decreasing particle size of the drug, resulting in an increase in dissolution rate. During the initial period of the dissolution study, significant differences in dissolution rate were observed according to the particle size and specific surface areas. On the other hand, in the later stages, the surface-specific dissolution rate was almost consistent regardless of the particle size. These observations were evaluated mathematically and the results suggested that the dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs is strongly related to the particle size distribution. Moreover, physicochemical analysis helped explain the effect of particle size on the dissolution profiles.     

Effect of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) on the release profiles and bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug from tablets prepared using macrogol and HPMC

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC-2208), used as an excipient for controlled release of drug, on the release profiles and bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble nifedipine (NP) from a tablet prepared using macrogol 6000 (PEG) and HPMC. The crushing tolerance of the NP tablet prepared using PEG and HPMC (NP-PEG-HPMC tablet) was markedly increased with increasing compression force used during the preparation from 20 to 200 MPa. The values reached their maximal levels (approximately 13 kg for the NP-PEG-HPMC tablet and 8 kg for the PEG tablet) at the compression force of 100 MPa. Although NP is a poorly water-soluble drug, it was rapidly dissolved from the NP-PEG tablet (without HPMC) due to the improvement of its dissolution rate in the presence of PEG. NP dissolution was complete at the latest within 1 h. On the other hand, dissolution of NP from the NP-PEG-HPMC tablet was significantly delayed with an increase in the concentration of HPMC in the tablet. The dissolution of NP from the NP-PEG-HPMC tablet containing 50% HPMC-2208 was markedly delayed as the viscosity of HPMC also increased. Interestingly, the same peak plasma NP concentration (C(max)) and the area under the plasma NP concentration-time curve (AUC(0-10)) were observed for both the NP-PEG tablet and NP-PEG-HPMC tablets, however, the time to C(max) (t(max)) for the NP-PEG-HPMC tablet was significantly higher when the NP-PEG-HPMC tablet was orally administered to rabbits. We describe here a preparation method of a new sustained-release NP-PEG-HPMC tablet using a mixture of NP-PEG granules (prepared with PEG) and HPMC.     

Encapsulation of poorly water-soluble drugs into organic nanotubes for improving drug dissolution

Hydrocortisone (HC), a poorly water-soluble drug, was encapsulated within organic nanotubes (ONTs), which were formed via the self-assembly of N-{12-[(2-α,β-d-glucopyranosyl) carbamoyl]dodecanyl}-glycylglycylglycine acid. The stability of the ONTs was evaluated in ten organic solvents, of differing polarities, by field emission transmission electron microscopy. The ONTs maintained their stable tubular structure in the highly polar solvents, such as ethanol and acetone. Furthermore, solution-state ¹H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed that they were practically insoluble in acetone at 25 °C (0.015 mg/mL). HC-loaded ONTs were prepared by solvent evaporation using acetone. A sample with a 3/7 weight ratio of HC/ONT was analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, which confirmed the presence of a halo pattern and the absence of any crystalline HC peak. HC peak broadening, observed by solid-state ¹³C-NMR measurements of the evaporated sample, indicated the absence of HC crystals. These results indicated that HC was successfully encapsulated in ONT as an amorphous state. Improvements of the HC dissolution rate were clearly observed in aqueous media at both pH 1.2 and 6.8, probably due to HC amorphization in the ONTs. Phenytoin, another poorly water-soluble drug, also showed significant dissolution improvement upon ONT encapsulation. Therefore, ONTs can serve as an alternative pharmaceutical excipient to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.     

提高难溶性药物尼群地平溶出率和口服生物利用度的研究

目的通过制剂手段提高难溶性药物尼群地平的体外溶出率和家犬体内的相对生物利用度。方法用共研磨法制备研磨混合物,并用差热分析法、X射线衍射法、显微镜法鉴别药物在共研磨混合物中的存在状态,在此基础上采用直接压片法制备口腔速崩片,测定体外溶出速率,所有试验均以物理混合物为参照进行比较;用HPLC法测定3只健康家犬分别口服尼群地平口腔速崩片(受试制剂)、市售普通片(参比制剂)后不同时间血浆中尼群地平的浓度,计算药物代谢动力学参数及相对生物利用度。结果共研磨混合物中尼群地平的粒径远小于物理混合物,并以微晶状态存在;以共研磨混合物制备的口腔速崩片的溶出速度和程度均大于以物理混合物制备的口腔速崩片;在家犬体内受试制剂和参比制剂的tmax分别为1.5 h和4.25 h,ρmax分别为176.54μg.L-1和111.12μg.L-1,AUC0-t分别为903.78μg.h.L-1和651.99μg.h.L-1,AUC0-∞分别为1 030.46μg.h.L-1和903.68μg.h.L-1,受试制剂的相对生物利用度为138.5%;受试制剂的体内吸收和体外溶出速率均高于参比制剂。结论通过制备共研磨混合物和口腔速崩片的方法,提高了尼群地平的体外溶出度和家犬体内的相对生物利用度。     

Nanocomposite formation between alpha-glucosyl stevia and surfactant improves the dissolution profile of poorly water-soluble drug

The formation of a hybrid-nanocomposite using α-glucosyl stevia (Stevia-G) and surfactant was explored to improve the dissolution of flurbiprofen (FP). As reported previously, the dissolution amount of FP was enhanced in the presence of Stevia-G, induced by the formation of an FP and Stevia-G-associated nanostructure. When a small amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was present with Stevia-G, the amount of dissolved FP was extremely enhanced. This dissolution-enhancement effect was also observed with the cationic surfactant of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, but not with the non-ionic surfactant of n-octyl-β-D-maltopyranoside. To investigate the dissolution-enhancement effect of Stevia-G/SDS mixture, the pyrene I(1)/I(3) ratio was plotted versus the Stevia-G concentration. The pyrene I(1)/I(3) ratio of Stevia-G/SDS mixture had a sigmoidal curve at lower Stevia-G concentrations compared to the Stevia-G solution alone. These results indicate that the Stevia-G/SDS mixture provides a hydrophobic core around pyrene molecules at lower Stevia-G concentrations, leading to nanocomposite formation between Stevia-G and SDS. The nanocomposite of Stevia-G/SDS showed no cytotoxicity to Caco-2 cells at a mixture of 0.1% SDS and 1% Stevia-G solution, whereas 0.1% SDS solution showed high toxicity. These results suggest that the nanocomposite formation of Stevia-G/SDS may be useful way to enhance the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs without special treatment.     

Influence of rapeseed phospholipids on ibuprofen dissolution from solid dispersions

The dissolution profiles of ibuprofen (IB) from solid dispersions prepared by the solvent evaporation method, containing the rapeseed lecithin ethanol soluble fraction (LESF) or rapeseed phosphatidylcholine (RPC) have been determined. The effect of incorporation of PEG 4,000 or PEG 8,000 in the solid dispersions on the controlled-release of IB was also investigated. Dissolution studies conducted in double-distilled water using the paddle dissolution apparatus showed that the initial dissolution rate (IDR) within the first 5 min and the maximum percent of dissolved IB of IB/LESF were double of those of IB/RPC (both in ratio 4:1 w/w). The low amounts of LESF markedly increased dissolution of IB. Increasing of LESF concentration from 0 to 10 and 20% in solid dispersions produced 60 and 100% improvement of IB maximum dissolution level respectively, to compare with that of IB alone. PEG 4,000 caused the slightly decreasing in IB dissolution rate, while PEG 8,000 markedly improved the dissolution of IB in examined conditions.     

Effect of particle dissolution rate on ocular drug bioavailability

Aqueous ophthalmic drug solutions typically exhibit low bioavailability due to various loss processes such as drainage, tear turnover, nonproductive absorption, and protein binding. Suspensions may improve bioavailability, but because of a short residence time and a low corneal permeability rate constant, the dissolution rate of the drug and its intrinsic solubility must be considered. The relationship between the various parameters affecting the relative dissolution rate have not heretofore been examined with respect to the eye. In the present study, a kinetic model that predicts ocular tissue drug levels for suspensions has been developed and tested using a steroid, fluorometholone, as the test drug suspension. The proposed model is able to predict the effects of particle size, concentration, and changes in drainage rate such that a reasonable a priori prediction of drug levels can be made.     

Microemulsions as drug delivery systems to improve the solubility and the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

Importance of the field: Microemulsions have been studied extensively as potential drug delivery vehicles for poorly water-soluble drugs. An understanding of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characteristics of the microemulsions according to administration routes will provide guidance for designing the formulations of microemulsions.

Areas covered in this review: In this paper, the use and the characteristics of microemulsions as drug delivery vehicles are reviewed. As the formulations of the microemulsion always include a great amount of surfactant and co-surfactant, which may cause hemolysis or histopathological alterations of the tissue, the potential toxicity or the irritancy of microemulsions is also discussed in this paper.

What the reader will gain: Developments of microemulsions for poorly water-soluble drugs in recent years are included in this review. Several factors limiting the commercial or clinical use of microemulsions are also discussed.

Take home message: Considering the potential in enhanced drug uptake/permeation and facing the limitations, their unique properties make microemulsions a promising vehicle for poorly water-soluble drugs.