Design and evaluation of nicorandil extended-release tablet

The aim of this study was to design and evaluate extended-release formulations of a model drug, nicorandil, in order to achieve the desired steady-state plasma concentration of drug in vivo. Simulation was employed to estimate optimum dissolution and absorption rate of nicorandil. The dissolution test was employed using pH 1.2, 4.0, 6.8 buffer solution, or water, to measure the in vitro release behaviors of nicorandil formulations. A single dose (15 mg) of each formulation was orally administered to four beagle dogs under fasted conditions, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. The in vitro/in vivo relationship of the extended-release formulation was confirmed using in vitro dissolution profiles and plasma concentrations of drug in beagle dogs. Nicorandil was released completely within 30 min from the immediate-release tablets and released for 24 h from the extended-release tablets. The nicorandil plasma concentration could be modified by adjusting the drug release rate from the extended-release formulation. The release rate of nicorandil was the rate-limiting step in the overall absorption of drug from the extended-release formulations. These results highlight the potential of a nicorandil extended-release formulation in the treatment of angina pectoris.     

Release and Absorption Characteristics of Novel Theophylline Sustained-Release Formulations: In Vitro-in Vivo Correlation

Five new experimental sustained-release (SR) formulations of theophylline, T-l, T-l-A, T-2, T-2-A, and T-2-E, in a matrix tablet form with a protein were developed. The in vitro release of theophylline from these novel experimental formulations and two commercial (Theotrim and Theo-Dur) SR formulations, was studied for 2 hr immersed in simulated gastric fluid TS, followed by an additional 10 hr immersed in simulated intestinal fluid TS. Like Theotrim and Theo-Dur, theophylline release profiles from all the novel experimental formulations were smooth, controlled, and unaffected by changes in the pH and the proteolytic enzyme content of the incubation media. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of T-l, T-l-A, T-2-A, Theotrim, and Theo-Dur was carried out in five dogs and six healthy human volunteers under fasting conditions, using immediate-release aminophylline tablets as controls. Pharmacokinetic analysis by the Wagner–Nelson procedure revealed sustained-release absorption characteristics for all the formulations with the exception of the immediate release aminophylline tablet. For each of the formulations tested, the regression analysis results of the percentage of theophylline absorbed in dogs or humans against the mean percentage released in vitro, at the corresponding times, indicated a high correlation. These data imply that the in vivo release profiles under fasting conditions in the gastrointestinal tract of dogs and humans may be similar to those in the in vitro studies.     

Dosage Form Development, <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">in Vitro</Emphasis> Release Kinetics,and <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">in Vitro–in Vivo</Emphasis> Correlation for Leuprolide Released from an Implantable Multi-reservoir Array

Purpose Implanted multi-reservoir arrays improve dosing control relative to osmotic pumps or polymer depots. The limited reservoir volume requires concentrated formulations. This report describes the development of a stable solid phase formulation of leuprolide acetate for chronic in vivo delivery from a multi-reservoir microchip and examines the correlation between in vitro release kinetics and serum pharmacokinetics. Materials and Methods Concentrated formulations (>10% w/v) were prepared using small volume processing methods. Drug yield, release kinetics, and formulation stability were evaluated in vitro by HPLC. The correlation between in vitro and in vivo kinetic data was determined for a solid formulation by direct comparison of data sets and using absorption kinetics calculated from the Wagner–Nelson equation. Results High yield and the control of release kinetics by altering peptide formulation or reservoir geometry were demonstrated. Lyophilized leuprolide in a soluble solid matrix exhibited reproducible release kinetics and was stable (>95% leuprolide monomer) after 6 months at 37°C. A strong correlation was found between in vitro release kinetics and in vivo absorption by direct comparison of data sets and using the Wagner–Nelson absorption (slopes of 1.01 and 0.91; R² 0.99). Conclusions Reproducible releases of a stable solid leuprolide formulation from a multi-reservoir microchip were achieved in vitro. Chronic pulsatile release was subsequently performed in vivo. Comparison of in vitro and in vivo data reveals that pharmacokinetics were controlled by the rate of release from the device.     

In vitro–in vivo correlation for nevirapine extended release tablets

An in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for four nevirapine extended release tablets with varying polymer contents was developed. The pharmacokinetics of extended release formulations were assessed in a parallel group study with healthy volunteers and compared with corresponding in vitro dissolution data obtained using a USP apparatus type 1. In vitro samples were analysed using HPLC with UV detection and in vivo samples were analysed using a HPLC‐MS/MS assay; the IVIVC analyses comparing the two results were performed using WinNonlin^®. A Double Weibull model optimally fits the in vitro data. A unit impulse response (UIR) was assessed using the fastest ER formulation as a reference. The deconvolution of the in vivo concentration time data was performed using the UIR to estimate an in vivo drug release profile. A linear model with a time‐scaling factor clarified the relationship between in vitro and in vivo data. The predictability of the final model was consistent based on internal validation. Average percent prediction errors for pharmacokinetic parameters were <10% and individual values for all formulations were <15%. Therefore, a Level A IVIVC was developed and validated for nevirapine extended release formulations providing robust predictions of in vivo profiles based on in vitro dissolution profiles. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Estimation of Agitation Intensity in the GI Tract in Humans and Dogs Based on in Vitro/in Vivo Correlation

In this study, we assessed the hydrodynamic flow around a dosage form in the GI tract in humans by comparing the characteristics of in vitro and in vivo release of two different types of controlled release acetaminophen (paracetamol) tablets, A and B. The former tablet showed an agitation speed-dependent release at a high speed range (50–100 rpm), whereas the latter showed this characteristic at a low speed range (10–50 rpm). The mean release amount-time profiles of tablets A and B in humans showed biphasic characteristics, and the first phase of the absorption profiles of A and B was close to their in vitro profiles at a paddle speed of 10 rpm. The in vivo profiles were also superimposable on in vitro dissolution curves obtained by the flow-through cell method at a flow rate of 1 mL/min (velocity 0.89 cm/min) or less. These results indicate that the hydrodynamic flow around the dosage forms in the human GI tract could be extremely low. The in vivo release rate of these tablets in dogs was greater than in humans, and was estimated to be equivalent to the release rate determined by the paddle method at 100 rpm. This indicates that a higher agitation intensity in the GI tract in dogs than in humans may be one cause of the discrepancies between humans and dogs in drug absorption studies.     

Performance of Diltiazem Tablet and Multiparticulate Osmotic Formulations in the Dog

The in vivo performance of two extended-release (ER) osmotic formulations of diltiazem were evaluated in the beagle dog. Both ER formulations had similar bioavailabilities (F) as the diltiazem solution. Although F was somewhat variable following ER administration, this variability may be related to the drug entity since intra- and interanimal variability of orally administered diltiazem solutions was substantial. Deconvolution of the ER plasma diltiazem data with absorption data from the orally administered diltiazem solutions provided an estimate of the in vivo drug release from the ER formulations. The two ER formulations, designed with different in vitro release profiles, reflected these differences in vivo, with nearly identical respective in vivo and in vitro release profiles.     

In-vivo/in-vitro correlation of four extended release formulations of pseudoephedrine sulfate

An in-vivo/in-vitro correlation was established for four formulations of pseudoephedrine sulfate modified release tablets exhibiting different in-vivo and in-vitro release rate and absorption characteristics. In-vitro release rate data were obtained for 12 individual tablets of each formulation using the USP Apparatus 2 paddle stirrer at 50 rev min⁻¹ in 1000 ml 0.1 N hydrochloric acid for the first hour followed by 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 7.5 for hours 2–16. Inspection of the individual and mean release rate data indicated that the in-vitro release rate of pseudopehedrine sulfate was consistent with the intended design of the four extended release formulations. The in-vivo bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these formulations were evaluated in 20 healthy volunteers under fasted conditions. Wagner-Nelson analyses of the in-vivo data revealed extended release absorption profies for all four formulations. Linear regression analyses of the mean percentage of dose absorbed versus the mean in-vitro release resulted in statistically significant correlations (r² > 0.99, p < 0.0001) for each formulation. Qualitative rank order correlations were observed among all combinations of in-vivo and in-vitro parameters. These data support a Level A correlation between in-vivo absorption profiles and in-vitro release rates of four pseudoephedrine sulfate extended release formulations determined in fasted healthy volunteers.     

In vitro/in vivo correlation of prolonged release dosage forms containing diltiazem HCl

Six preparations were considered: three multiple unit dosage forms (micropellets in capsules) (D, E and G) and one matrix tablet (B) were experimental prolonged release formulations, two non-disintegrating tablets (A and C) were commercial products. The in vitro dissolution behaviour of the differing formulations was investigated using the USP XXII paddle apparatus. The in vivo study was effected on a panel of 12 healthy volunteers. The two commercial tablets (A and C) showed mean dissolution time (MDT) of 1.34 and 1.44 h and t_d of 91 and 92 min, respectively; for prolonged release formulations (B, E, D, and G) MDT ranged between 2.28 and 4.23 h and t_d between 149 and 291 min. The mean residence time (MRT) was 8.68 and 6.47 h for tablets A and C, respectively; it ranged between 9.62 and 10.24 h for the multiple unit formulations E, D, and G and was 11.27 h for matrix B. Formulation B also showed the higher apparent elimination half-life t_1/2 (7.12 h), while apparent t_1/2 for all the other formulations were very similar, ranging between 5.04 and 5.28 h. High variability between the various formulations was found for C_max and AUC values, and no relationships could be established with the type of formulation. An in vitro/in vivo correlation was found for all the formulations examined on the basis of analogous parameters (MDT and MRT); (r = 0.83, p <0.05). In a few cases the Wagner-Nelson deconvolution method was applied to individual plasma level versus time curves and the corresponding absorption curves were obtained. In these cases the in vitro/in vivo correlation was tested on the basis of the comparison of the in vivo absorption curves with the in vitro dissolution profiles. This was accomplished using the ‘Levy's plot’ (per cent released versus per cent absorbed) approach and provided further support for the correlation found.     

In Vivo/in Vitro Correlation of Experimental Sustained-Release Theophylline Formulations

A novel multiparticulate sustained-release theophylline formulation, which consisted of spherical drug pellets coated with a rate-controlling membrane, was evaluated in vivo. Two preparations that differ solely in the coat thickness, and hence rate of in vitro drug release, were studied in comparison with a solution of the drug. Both preparations produced serum concentration profiles that are reflective of a slow and sustained rate of absorption. The in vivo release versus time profiles calculated using a deconvolution procedure showed that the two preparations differed in the rate but not the extent of drug release. Satisfactory correlation was also obtained between the in vivo and the in vitro results. When the two preparations were further compared using the parameters, time to reach peak concentration (T _p), peak concentration (C _p), and total area under the serum concentration versus time curves (AUC), a statistically significant difference was observed in the T _p and C _p values but not the AUC values, suggesting that the preparations differed in the rate but not the extent of absorption. In addition, the extent of absorption from both preparations was comparable to that obtained with the drug solution.     

THEOPHYLLINE CONTROLLED-RELEASE FORMULATIONS: IN VIVO--IN VITRO CORRELATIONS

Four experimental controlled-release oral solid dosage formulations were developed and the in vitro dissolution characteristics of theophylline from these formulations were studied in USP apparatus I. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of these formulations was carried out in eight beagle dogs under fasting conditions. Theophylline in a 5% dextrose injection USP, oral solution, and Slo-Phyllin® were used as controls to estimate the in vivo dissolution of these four formulations in the GI tract. The percentage cumulative amounts of drug absorbed and the percentage cumulative amounts of drug released into the GI tract from these four controlled-release formulations were obtained by numerical deconvolution methods. The in vivo and in vitro dissolution data demonstrated good correlation indicating that in vitro dissolution tests can be used to optimize the further design of controlled drug release oral solid dosage formulations for theophylline.     

A case study on the in silico absorption simulations of levothyroxine sodium immediate-release tablets

The aim of this case study was to develop a drug‐specific absorption model for levothyroxine (LT4) using mechanistic gastrointestinal simulation technology (GIST) implemented in the GastroPlus? software package. The required input parameters were determined experimentally, in silico predicted and/or taken from the literature. The simulated plasma profile was similar and in a good agreement with the data observed in the in vivo bioequivalence study, indicating that the GIST model gave an accurate prediction of LT4 oral absorption. Additionally, plasma concentration–time profiles were simulated based on a set of experimental and virtual in vitro dissolution data in order to estimate the influence of different in vitro drug dissolution kinetics on the simulated plasma profiles and to identify biorelevant dissolution specification for LT4 immediate‐release (IR) tablets. A set of experimental and virtual in vitro data was also used for correlation purposes. In vitro–in vivo correlation model based on the convolution approach was applied in order to assess the relationship between the in vitro and in vivo data. The obtained results suggest that dissolution specification of more than 85% LT4 dissolved in 60 min might be considered as biorelevant dissolution specification criteria for LT4 IR tablets. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

布洛芬片剂生物利用度的研究

本文试制出新处方布洛芬片剂,选择山东新华制药厂三种片剂:市售处方A、新处方片剂B和C,以及英国Boots公司的片剂D,进行体外溶出速率和人体生物利用度试验,并测定了生产A,B(和C),D片剂的布洛芬原料A′,B′,D′的粒度,比较了A′,D′的晶型。实验表明,国内外原料晶型相同,A′,B′,D′平均粒径分别为130.0,36.6,56.6μm。A与D生物不等效,B和C与D生物等效。提高国产片剂生物利用度的因素主要与原料粒度、处方组成和制备工艺有关。     

硝苯地平缓释片体内外相关性模型的建立与评估

目的 建立和评价硝苯地平缓释片体内外相关性(IVIVC)的模型. 方法 筛选不同处方片剂的体外释放条件,采用高效液相色谱(HPLC)法测定其累积释放百分率(Fd);液相色谱串联-质谱(LC-MS/MS)法测定健康志愿者单剂量口服两种不同释放速率的硝苯地平缓释片后的血药浓度,利用Wagner-Nelson方程计算累积吸收百分率(Fa). 结果两种制剂体外释放与体内累积吸收相关性均良好,用与硝苯地平控释片生物等效的制剂,创建IVIVC模型： Fa＝0.831 4 Fd＋0.005 2,r＝0.980 8(P<0.01);用另一种制剂对其模型进行外部预测能力的评估：AUC_0～24和 C_max的预测误差分别为3.2%,3.5%. 结论 IVIVC模型具有良好的预测硝苯地平缓释片体内吸收的能力,为硝苯地平缓释片质量标准制订提供依据.     

兰索拉唑肠溶片体内外相关性研究

目的考察兰索拉唑肠溶片的体外释放与在beagle犬体内吸收间的相关性。方法利用紫外分光光度法测定肠溶片体外释放度;利用高效液相色谱法测定beagle犬口服给药后的体内血药浓度;以Wagner-Nelson法计算其体内吸收分数,考察体内吸收与体外释放的相关性。结果兰索拉唑肠溶片的体内吸收分数fa与体外释放速率ft的关系为:fa=0.812 2ft–9.874 6,r=0.956 8。结论兰索拉唑肠溶片的体外释放与在犬体内吸收相关性良好。     

Imperatorin sustained-release tablets: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and pharmacokinetic studies

We prepared and evaluated imperatorin (IMP) sustained-release tablets. IMP is an active compound in Angelica dahuricae, a Chinese herbal medicine. We used different polymers, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M, K15M, and K100M), carbopol 934P, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and their combinations to prepare the matrix tablets and achieve the desired sustained release profile. The in vitro release profiles of these formulations were examined and fit to various kinetic release models. We also tested the effects of polymer combination ratios on the in vitro release rate. In vivo studies were performed for the optimized formulation in six beagle dogs, and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared with plain IMP tablets. IMP sustained-release tablets exhibited a more sustained plasma concentration than the plain tablets, with a relative bioavailability of 127.25%. The in vitro releases rates and in vivo absorption correlated for the initial 8 hours. These results demonstrate that the sustained-release tablet system can effectively control the release of IMP.     

An in Vitro/in Vivo Correlation for the Disintegration and Onset of Drug Release from Enteric-Coated Pellets

An empirical mass-transfer model for enteric-coating dissolution that uses in vitro dissolution data to characterize the pH-dependent solubility properties of the polymer film and a mass-transfer coefficient determined from in vivo dissolution or disintegration studies is developed. Once the in vivo mass- transfer coefficient has been evaluated, it can be used in conjunction with in vitro dissolution data from other formulations to predict the in vivo time to disintegration and onset of drug release. Results of in vitro dissolution experiments using the USP basket dissolution apparatus and in vivo disintegration experiments using gamma scintigraphy with four enteric-coated pellet formulations are presented. The good agreement among the in vivo mass-transfer coefficients that were determined supports the validity of the model.     

IN VIVO/IN VITRO CORRELATIONS FOR FOUR DIFFERENTLY DISSOLVING KETOROLAC TABLETS

This study assesses whether in vitro immediate release ketorolac tablet dissolution profiles (utilizing the recently proposed USP dissolution test for ketorolac tablets) can be correlated with in vivo plasma pharmacokinetic parameters. Four batches of ketorolac tablets were utilized: a ketorolac tablet batch that demonstrated a rapid dissolution rate during USP in vitro dissolution testing, two tablet batches that were manufactured such that they dissolved at moderate rates, and a tablet batch that was manufactured such that it dissolved at a distinctly slow rate. The single-dose mean pharmacokinetic characteristics and relative bioavailability of the four different 10 mg ketorolac tromethamine tablets were evaluated in 12 healthy volunteers in a randomized study of Latin square design. The amount dissolved of the various tablets at 10, 20, and 30 min was in the order of fast-dissolving tablets > medium-1-dissolving tablets=medium-2-dissolving tablets > slow-dissolving tablets. In general, the profiles of the average plasma concentrations for ketorolac were similar for the fast- and the two medium-dissolving tablet batches (even though a statistically significant difference was found between the t_max of the fast-dissolving tablet and one of the medium-dissolving tablet batches). The mean plasma concentrations for the slow-dissolving tablet, however, reached peak levels much later, with the peak also being significantly smaller. There were no statistically significant differences in the total AUC or in the mean plasma half-lives among the four formulations. Good correlations were obtained for mean t_max versus the percentage dissolved at 20, 30, and 45 min. Correlations were generally weaker for percentage dissolved versus C_max or percentage bioavailability. This indicates that in vitro dissolution testing for immediate release ketorolac tablets can be a useful indicator of in vivo time to maximum plasma concentration when comparing similarly formulated tablets. Further, the proposed USP dissolution test and specification would have appropriately failed the slow-dissolving tablet batch, which demonstrated a significantly slower rate of absorption as per t_max and C_max.     

Development and in vivo evaluation of novel monolithic controlled release compositions of galantamine hydrobromide as against reservoir technology

The objective of this study is to develop and in vivo evaluation of novel monolithic matrix mini tablets approach to control the release of galantamine hydrobromide (GAH) in comparison with desired release profile to the Innovator formulation Razadyne^® ER capsules. The direct compression method was employed for preparation of matrix mini tablets as against reservoir multiparticulate pellets of innovator formulation. The matrix swellings, dissolution similarity, mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency of formulations were evaluated. It was found that increase in the concentration of high viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) results reduction in release rate. The drug release was shown to be pH dependent with faster rate at lower pH. The release of GAH followed first order shifting to dissolution dependent by increase of HPC content. The formulation showed stability of drug release. In vivo prediction was done by Wagner–Nelson method. Prediction errors were estimated for C_max and area under curve (AUC) and found to be not exceeding 15%. In vivo study in human volunteers confirmed the similarity between test and innovator formulations and pharmacokinetic values were comparable between actual and predicted. These results suggest that novel monolithic matrix approach could be suitable technique to formulate controlled release GAH.     

Development and in Vitro-in Vivo Evaluation of a Multiparticulate Sustained Release Formulation of Diltiazem

Purpose. To develop and evaluate the in vitro/in vivo performance of diltiazem sustained release pellets that were prepared by the Wurster column process. Methods. Pellets containing diltiazem were prepared by spraying a slurry of micronized diltiazem hydrochloride, pharmaceutical glaze and alcohol onto an appropriate mesh fraction of nonpareil seeds using the Wurster column. A two-step drug layering process was used to increase drug loading from 60% to 75%. The oven-dried diltiazem basic pellets were coated with eth-ylcellulose/dibutyl sebacate coating solution to yield diltiazem sustained release pellets. An open, randomized Latin square, three-way crossover clinical study was used to evaluate the in vivo performance of the coated product. Results. Altering the mesh fraction of the starting nonpareil seeds for this layering process was found to affect the release characteristics of drug from the pellets. An oven-drying step was required to stabilize the diltiazem basic pellets. The thicker the drug loading layer the longer the oven drying is needed to stabilize the pellets. The diltiazem sustained release pellets produced by these methods displayed sustained release dissolution profiles both in vitro and in vivo. Diltiazem basic pellets coated with a 0.6% ethylcellulose/dibutyl sebacate coating showed a different rate of absorption (lower C _max and higherT _max) and the same extent of absorption as compared to Cardizem^® tablets. Conclusions. Clinical data confirmed that this formulation approach is an effective means to produce a diltiazem sustained release product.