The Pulmonary Absorption of Aerosolized and Intratracheally Instilled rhG-CSF and monoPEGylated rhG-CSF

Purpose. The objective of this study was to highlight differences in the pulmonary absorption of a monoPEGylated rhG-CSF and rhG-CSF after intratracheal instillation and aerosol delivery. Methods. Male Sprague Dawley rats (250 g) were anesthetized and intratracheally instilled (IT) with protein solution or were endotracheally intubated and administered aerosol for 20 min via a Harvard small animal ventilator. A DeVilbiss Aerosonic nebulizer containing 5 ml of protein solution at 3 mg/ml was used to generate aerosol. The volume of protein solution deposited in the lung lobes was estimated to be 13 µl after delivery of Tc-99m HSA solutions. The PEGylated proteins consisted of a 6 kDa (P6) or 12 kDa PEG (PI2) linked to the N-terminus of rhG-CSF. rhG-CSF also was administered IT in buffers at pH 4 and pH 7 and in dosing volumes ranging from 100 to 400 µl. Blood samples were removed at intervals after dosing and the total white blood cell counts (WBC) were determined. Plasma was assayed for proteins by an enzyme immuno assay. Results. The plasma protein concentration v. time profiles were strikingly different for aerosol v. IT delivery. The C _max values for rhG-CSF and P12 after aerosol delivery were greater than found after IT (Aerosol: 598 ± 135 (ng/ml) rhG-CSF; 182 ± 14 P12 v. IT: 105 ± 12 rhG-CSF; 65.9 ± 5 P12). Similarly, T_max was reached much earlier after aerosol administration (Aerosol: 21.7 ± 4.8 (min) rhG-CSF; 168 ± 31 P12 v. IT: 100 ± 17 rhG-CSF; 310 ± 121 P12). Estimated bioavailabilities (F_lung %) were significantly greater via aerosol delivery than those obtained after IT (Aerosol: 66 ± 14 rhG-CSF; 12.3 ± 1.9 P12 v. IT: 11.9 ± 1.5 rhG-CSF; 1.6 ± 0.1 P12). An increase in circulating WBC counts was induced by all proteins delivered to the lungs. The rate and extent of absorption of rhG-CSF was not influenced by the pH employed nor the instilled volume. Conclusions. Estimates of bioavailability are dependent upon the technique employed to administer drug to the lungs. Aerosol administration provides a better estimate of the systemic absorption of macromolecules.     

Evaluation of the AERx Pulmonary Delivery System for Systemic Delivery of a Poorly Soluble Selective D-1 Agonist,ABT-431

Purpose. ABT-431 is a chemically stable, poorly soluble prodrug that rapidly converts in vivo to A-86929, a selective dopamine D-1 receptor agonist. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of the AERx pulmonary delivery system to deliver ABT-431 to the systemic circulation via the lung. Methods. A 60% ethanol formulation of 50 mg/mL ABT-431 was used to prepare unit dosage forms containing 40 L of formulation. The AERx system was used to generate a fine aerosol bolus from each unit dose that was collected either onto a filter assembly to chemically assay for the emitted dose or in an Andersen cascade impactor for particle size analysis. Plasma samples were obtained for pharmacokinetic analysis after pulmonary delivery and IV dosing of ABT-431 to nine healthy male volunteers. Doses from the AERx system were delivered as a bolus inhalation(s) (1, 2, 4, and 8 mg) and intravenous infusions were given over 1hr (5 mg). Pharmacokinetic parameters of A-86929 were estimated using noncompartmental analysis. Results. The emitted dose was 1.02 mg (%RSD = 11.0, n = 48). The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the aerosol was 2.9 ± 0.1 m with a geometric standard deviation of 1.3 ± 0.1 (n = 15). T_max (mean ± SD) after inhalation ranged from 0.9 ± 0.6 to 11.5 ± 2.5. The mean absolute pulmonary bioavailibility (as A-86929) based on emitted dose ranged from 81.9% to 107.4%. Conclusions. This study demonstrated that the AERx pulmonary delivery system is capable of reproducibly generating fine nearly monodisperse aerosols of a small organic molecule. Aerosol inhalation utilizing the AERx pulmonary delivery system may be an efficient means for systemic delivery of small organic molecules such as ABT-431.     

Aerosolization of Low Phase Transition Temperature Liposomal Tobramycin as a Dry Powder in an Animal Model of Chronic Pulmonary Infection Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Eradication of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an animal model of chronic pulmonary infection has been previously demonstrated following the intratracheal administration of Fluidosomes, a low phase transition temperature (low T_c) liposomal tobramycin preparation administered in liquid form (Beaulac et al., Antimicrob. Agents Chemother., 40, 665–669, 1996). In the present work, the same liposomal formulation was administered as a dry powder aerosol to an animal model of chronic pulmonary infection in view of a possible clinical development in cystic fibrosis patients. Chronic infection was established by intratracheal administration of 10⁵ cfu of a mucoid variant of P. aeruginosa, PA 508, prepared in agar beads. Sixteen hours after one aerosol treatment, the cfu counts performed on lungs (pair) treated with liposomal tobramycin were of 4.31 × 10⁵ cfu/lungs comparatively to 1.32 × 10⁸ and 3.02 × 10⁸ cfu/lungs respectively in untreated and in lungs treated with free antibiotic. Considering the quantity of liposome-tobramycin that has reached the lungs, the results suggest that aerosolization of low T_c liposomal tobramycin used as a dry powder preparation could be an effective way of treating chronic pulmonary infection caused by Pseudomonas.     

Population Pharmacokinetic/ Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Cetrorelix,a Novel LH-RH Antagonist,and Testosterone in Rats and Dogs

Purpose. Population models for thepharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship for cetrorelix (CET), a luteinising hormone-releasinghormone (LH-RH) antagonist, and the pharmacodynamic response ontestosterone production were investigated in rats and dogs. Methods. The plasma concentrations of CET and testosterone weredetermined after intravenous and subcutaneous injections. Thepopulation PK/PD-models were developed using P-PHARM software. Results. Absolute bioavailability of cetrorelix was 100% in rats and97% in dogs. In rats, the pharmacokinetics was explained by atwo-compartment model with saturable absorption, while athree-compartment model was used in dogs. Testosterone suppression in both specieswas described by a sigmoid E_max model with maximum effect (E_max)considered as total hormonal suppression. The duration of testosteronesuppression in rats was longer at higher doses. The populationelimination half-lifes after iv-dose were 3.0 h in rats and 9.3 h in dogs.Population mean estimates of IC₅₀ were 1.39 and 1.24 ng/ml in ratsand dogs, respectively. Conclusions. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed toexplain the dissolution rate limited absorption from the injection site.The suppression of testosterone could be described by an indirectinhibitory sigmoid E_max model. In both species 1-2 ng/ml CET inplasma was necessary to suppress testosterone production.     

Low density,good flowability cyclodextrin-raffinose binary carrier for dry powder inhaler: anti-hygroscopicity and aerosolization performance enhancement

Background: The hygroscopicity of raffinose carrier for dry powder inhaler (DPI) was the main obstacle for its further application. Hygroscopicity-induced agglomeration would cause deterioration of aerosolization performance of raffinose, undermining the delivery efficiency.

Methods: Cyclodextrin-raffinose binary carriers (CRBCs) were produced by spray-drying so as to surmount the above issue. Physicochemical attributes and formation mechanism of CRBCs were explored in detail. The flow property of CRBCs was examined by FT4 Powder Rheometer. Hygroscopicity of CRBCs was elucidated by dynamic vapor sorption study. Aerosolization performance was evaluated by in vitro deposition profile and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of CRBC based DPI formulations.

Results: The optimal formulation of CRBC (R₄) was proven to possess anti-hygroscopicity and aerosolization performance enhancement properties. Concisely, the moisture uptake of R₄ was c.a. 5% which was far lower than spray-dried raffinose (R₀, c.a. 65%). R₄ exhibited a high fine particle fraction value of 70.56 ± 0.61% and it was 3.75-fold against R₀. The pulmonary and plasmatic bioavailability of R₄ were significantly higher than R₀ (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CRBC with anti-hygroscopicity and aerosolization performance enhancement properties was a promising approach for pulmonary drug delivery, which could provide new possibilities to the application of hygroscopic carriers for DPI.     

Biphasic Testosterone Delivery Profile Observed with Two Different Transdermal Formulations

Purpose. Our long-term goal is to develop formulations for pulsatile testosterone (T) delivery. T has been reported earlier to show biphasic pharmacokinetics in humans by Mazer et al, as well as biphasic permeation across excised rat skin by our group. We examined two kinds of formulations to evaluate their delivery profiles and to assess whether differences in the formulation approach affect pharmacokinetics in animal models. Methods. One formulation consisted of T and a polymer blend dissolved in isopropanol; administered by dispensing the solution on the skin to cast a film in situ. The other was an adhesive-dispersion patch. In vitro release from the patch was evaluated using a flow-through cell interfaced with an HPLC pump and UV detector. Single dose pharmacokinetics were evaluated in castrated Wistar rats and bonnet monkeys immunized against gonadotropin-releasing hormone to deplete endogenous T. Results. Two maximas were observed in the T release profile from the patch and in serum concentration versus time profiles in both animal models on application of either formulation. The relative magnitudes of the two maximas and the time interval separating them were different in the case of each formulation. Conclusions. Both formulations result in biphasic pharmacokinetics of T in the animal models studied. Discrete maximas presumably correlate with 'burst' and 'sustained' phases of drug release.     

Ultrasonic Nebulization of Cationic Lipid-Based Gene Delivery Systems for Airway Administration

Purpose. This study relates to the development of gene therapies for the treatment of lung diseases. It describes for the first time the use of ultrasonic nebulization for administration of plasmid/lipid complexes to the lungs to transfect lung epithelial cells. Methods. Plasmid complexed to cationic liposomes at a specific stoichiometric ratio was nebulized using an ultrasonic nebulizer. We assessed: (i) the stability of plasmid and plasmid/lipid complexes to ultrasonic nebulization, (ii) the in vitro activity of plasmid in previously nebulized plasmid/lipid complex, (iii) the in vivo transgene expression in lungs following intratracheal instillation of nebulized plasmid/lipid formulations compared to un-nebulized complexes, (iv) the emitted dose from an ultrasonic nebulizer using plasmid/lipid complexes of different size, and (v) the transgene expression in lungs following oral inhalation of aerosolized plasmid/lipid complex generated using an ultrasonic nebulizer. Results. Integrity of plasmid formulated with cationic lipids, and colloidal stability of the plasmid/lipid complex were maintained during nebulization. In contrast, plasmid alone formulated in 10% lactose was fragmented during nebulization. The efficiency of transfection of the complex before and after nebulization was comparable. Nebulization produced respirable aerosol particles. Oral exposure of rodents for 10 minutes to aerosol produced from the ultrasonic nebulizer resulted in transgene expression in lungs in vivo. Conclusions. The performance characteristics of the ultrasonic nebulizer with our optimized plasmid/lipid formulations suggests that this device can potentially be used for administering gene medicines to the airways in clinical settings for the treatment of respiratory disorders.     

The AERX™ Aerosol Delivery System

Purpose. We describe the AER_X aerosol delivery system, a new, bolus inhalation device that is actuated at preprogrammed values of inspiratory flow rate and inhaled volume. We report on its in vitro characterization using a particular set of conditions used in pharmacokinetic and scintigraphic studies. Methods. Multiple doses of aerosol were delivered from single use collapsible plastic containers containing liquid formulation. The aerosol was generated by forcing the formulation under pressure through an array of 2.5 micron holes. Air was drawn through the device at 70 LPM, and the aerosol was collected onto a filter or Andersen cascade impactor. The emitted dose was quantified from the filter collection data, and the particle size distribution was obtained from the best fit log-normal distribution to the impactor data. Results. 57.0 ± 5.9% of the dose of drug placed as an aqueous solution in the 45 L collapsible container was delivered as an aerosol (n = 40). The best fit size distribution had an MMAD = (2.95 ± 0.06) m and a geometric standard deviation _g = 1.24 ± 0.01 (n = 6). Conclusions. The AER_X aerosol delivery system generates a nearly monodisperse aerosol with the properties required for efficient and repeatable drug delivery to the lung.     

Inhaled gene delivery: a formulation and delivery approach

Introduction: Gene therapy is a potential alternative to treat a number of diseases. Different hurdles are associated with aerosol gene delivery due to the susceptibility of plasmid DNA (pDNA) structure to be degraded during the aerosolization process. Different strategies have been investigated in order to protect and efficiently deliver pDNA to the lungs using non-viral vectors. To date, no successful therapy involving non-viral vectors has been marketed, highlighting the need for further investigation in this field.

Areas covered: This review is focused on the formulation and delivery of DNA to the lungs, using non-viral vectors. Aerosol gene formulations are divided according to the current delivery systems for the lung: nebulizers, dry powder inhalers and pressurized metered dose inhalers; highlighting its benefits, challenges and potential application.

Expert opinion: Successful aerosol delivery is achieved when the supercoiled DNA structure is protected during aerosolization. A formulation strategy or compounds that can protect, stabilize and efficiently transfect DNA into the cells is desired in order to produce an effective, low-cost and safe formulation. Nebulizers and dry powder inhalers are the most promising approaches to be used for aerosol delivery, due to the lower shear forces involved. In this context it is also important to highlight the importance of considering the ‘pDNA-formulation-device system’ as an integral part of the formulation development for a successful nucleic acid delivery.     

Lung Deposition and Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine After Aerosolization in Lung Transplant Patients

Purpose. Aerosolized cyclosporine (aCsA) has proven to be an effective therapy for refractory acute and chronic rejection in lung transplant (LTx) patients. The objective of this study is to evaluate the lung deposition and systemic absorption of aCsA after aerosolized cyclosporine administration in LTx patients in the immediate postoperative period. Methods. Cyclosporine (CsA) was administered intravenously (1.0 mg/kg) to eight LTx patients, and multiple blood samples were collected over 24 h. At least 24 h later, aCsA (300 mg in propylene glycol) was administered to the same patients using nebulization and multiple blood samples were obtained again. Five patients had an additional inhalational gamma scintigraphy study with aCsA and 99MTc-labeled albumin to measure drug deposition. Results. Peak blood concentrations of CsA after aerosol administration ranged from 119-402 ng/ml, and concentrations at 24 h ranged from 9-48 ng/ml. The rate of decline in drug concentration in blood in the apparent elimination phase was notably slower after administration of aCsA than after IV infusion. Terminal disposition half life (t_1/2 z) values ranged from 4.1-9.9 h (mean 6.5 h) following IV administration and from 23.1 to 65.2 h (mean 40.7 h) following pulmonary administration, suggesting that drug absorption occurred throughout the 24-h sampling period following pulmonary administration. Deconvolution analysis indicated biphasic absorption of CsA from the lung in all patients, characterized by rapid initial absorption (absorption half-life 0.73 ± 0.38 h) over the first 4 to 6 h followed by slower, sustained absorption throughout the remainder of the sampling period (absorption half-life 16.2 ± 13.2 h). The absolute bioavailability of CsA after aerosol administration ranged from 5.4-11.2% (mean 8.2%) of the dose placed in the nebulizer. The total dose delivered to the lung estimated from scintigraphy ranged from 17.8-39.3 mg, and was in approximate agreement with the amount of drug absorbed, estimated using deconvolution. Essentially all drug deposited in the lungs was systemically absorbed. Conclusions. This study documents that cyclosporine can be effectively delivered by aerosolization to the lung of transplant patients in the early postoperative period. Part of the cyclosporine deposited in the lung is absorbed rapidly into systemic circulation and a portion is absorbed slowly but completely over a prolonged period.     

Pretreatment with a Water-Based Surfactant Formulation Affects Transdermal Iontophoretic Delivery of R-Apomorphine in Vitro

Purpose. To further increase the transdermal transport rate of R-apomorphine, a nonocclusive pretreatment with an aqueous surfactant formulation in combination with iontophoresis was explored in vitro. Methods. The human stratum corneum was pretreated nonocclusively with formulations composed of laureth-3 oxyethylene ether (C₁₂EO₃), laureth-7 oxyethylene ether (C₁₂EO₇), and cholesterol sulfate (CSO₄) prior to iontophoresis. The effect on the flux of the following parameters was examined: the composition, the charge, and the applied amount of surfactant formulations. Results. The iontophoretic flux of R-apomorphine was appreciably increased by pretreatment with surfactant formulations. A formulation containing C₁₂EO₃/C₁₂EO₇/CSO₄ at a molar ratio of 70:30:5 was very stable and increased the iontophoretic flux of R-apomorphine from 92.2 ± 13.9 nmol/cm²*h to 181.5 ± 22.6 nmol/cm²*h. When further increasing the negative charge of this formulation the iontophoretic transport rate was slightly inhibited. A dose of 40 L/cm² of the formulation with a total surfactant concentration of 5% (w/w) was sufficient for a maximum enhancing effect. Conclusions. The results obviously show that nonocclusive pretreatment with the surfactant formulation enhances the iontophoretic transport of R-apomorphine, and is a promising approach to achieve therapeutic concentrations of R-apomorphine.     

Testosterone reinforcement: intravenous and intracerebroventricular self-administration in male rats and hamsters

Rationale Anabolic steroids are drugs of abuse. However, the potential for addiction remains unclear. Testosterone induces conditioned place preference in rats and oral self-administration in hamsters.Objectives To determine if male rats and hamsters consume testosterone by intravenous (IV) or intracerebroventricular (ICV) self-administration.Methods With each nose-poke in the active hole during daily 4-h tests in an operant conditioning chamber, gonad-intact adult rats and hamsters received 50 g testosterone in an aqueous solution of -cyclodextrin via jugular cannula. The inactive nose-poke hole served as a control. Additional hamsters received vehicle infusions.Results Rats (n=7) expressed a significant preference for the active nose-poke hole (10.0±2.8 responses/4 h) over the inactive hole (4.7±1.2 responses/4 h). Similarly, during 16 days of testosterone self-administration IV, hamsters (n=9) averaged 11.7±2.9 responses/4 h and 6.3±1.1 responses/4 h in the active and inactive nose-poke holes, respectively. By contrast, vehicle controls (n=8) failed to develop a preference for the active nose-poke hole (6.5±0.5 and 6.4±0.3 responses/4 h). Hamsters (n=8) also self-administered 1 g testosterone ICV (active hole:39.8±6.0 nose-pokes/4 h; inactive hole: 22.6±7.1 nose-pokes/4 h). When testosterone was replaced with vehicle, nose-poking in the active hole declined from 31.1±7.6 to 11.9±3.2 responses/4 h within 6 days. Likewise, reversing active and inactive holes increased nose-poking in the previously inactive hole from 9.1±1.9 to 25.6±5.4 responses/4 h. However, reducing the testosterone dose from 1 g to 0.2 g per 1 l injection did not change nose-poking.Conclusions Compared with other drugs of abuse, testosterone reinforcement is modest. Nonetheless, these data support the hypothesis that testosterone is reinforcing.     

Production and Characterization of a Budesonide Nanosuspension for Pulmonary Administration

Purpose. This study describes the production of a budesonide nanosuspension by high-pressure homogenization for pulmonary delivery from 40 mL up to 300 mL. The aim was to obtain a nanosuspension that can be nebulized and is also long-term stable. Methods. The nanosuspension was produced by high-pressure homogenization. Particle size analysis was performed by laser diffraction and photon correlation spectroscopy. For further particle characterization, zeta potential was determined. To investigate the aerosolization properties, the nanosuspension was nebulized and afterward analyzed on particle size. Results. It was possible to obtain a long-term stable budesonide nanosuspension. Mean particle size of this nanosuspension was about 500-600nm, analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy. Analysis by laser diffraction showed that the diameters 95% and 99% were below 3 m. Budesonide nanosuspension showed a long-term stability; no aggregates and particle growth occurred over the examined period of 1 year. The PCS diameter before and after aerosolization did not change, and the LD diameters increased negligibly, showing the suitability for pulmonary delivery. The scale-up from 40 mL up to 300 mL was performed successfully. Conclusions. High-pressure homogenization is a production method to obtain nanosuspensions with budesonide for pulmonary application.     

Influence of Different Fat Emulsion-Based Intravenous Formulations on the Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Propofol

Purpose. The influence of different intravenous formulations on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol was investigated using the effect on the EEG (11.5-30 Hz) as pharmacodynamic endpoint. Methods. Propofol was administered as an intravenous bolus infusion (30 mg/kg in 5 min) or as a continuous infusion (150 mg/kg in 5 hours) in chronically instrumented male rats. Propofol was formulated as a 1% emulsion in an Intralipid 10%^®-like fat emulsion (Diprivan-10^®, D) or as a 1%- or 6% emulsion in Lipofundin^® MCT/LCT-10% (Pl% and P6%, respectively). EEG was recorded continuously and arterial blood samples were collected serially for the determination of propofol concentrations using HPLC. Results. Following bolus infusion, the pharmacokinetics of the various propofol emulsions could adequately be described by a two-compart-mental pharmacokinetic model. The average values for clearance (Cl), volume of distribution at steady-state (V_d,ss) and terminal half-life (t_{1/2, 2}) were 107 ± 4 ml/min/kg, 1.38 ± 0.06 l/kg and 16 ± 1 min, respectively (mean ± S.E., n = 22). No significant differences were observed between the three propofol formulations. After continuous infusion these values were 112 ± 11 ml/min/kg, 5.19 ± 0.41 l/kg and 45 ± 3 min, respectively (mean±S.E., n = 20) with again no statistically significant differences between the three propofol formulations. Comparison between the bolus- and the continuous infusion revealed a statistically significant difference for both V_d,ss and t_{1/2, 2} (p < 0.05), whereas Cl remained unchanged. In all treatment groups infusion of propofol resulted in a burst-suppression type of EEG. A profound hysteresis loop was observed between blood concentrations and EEG effect for all formulations. The hysteresis was minimized by a semi-parametric method and resulted in a biphasic concentration-effect relationship of propofol that was described non-parametrically. For P6% a larger rate constant onset of drug effect (t,_{1/2, keo}) was observed compared to the other propofol formulations (p<0.05). Conclusions. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of propofol are not affected by to a large extent the type of emulsion nor by the concentration of propofol in the intravenous formulation.     

Pulmonary Delivery of Detirelix by Intratracheal Instillation and Aerosol Inhalation in the Briefly Anesthetized Dog

Pulmonary delivery of the decapeptide detirelix was studied in briefly anesthetized dogs and the pharmacokinetics were examined following intravenous administration, intratracheal instillation, and aerosol inhalation. Detirelix administrations to the lung gave plasma profiles that were extended over two days, and that differed markedly from those of similarly sized peptides. Absorption from the lung after instillation was slow (T_max= 6.5 ± 3.6 h) with a relative bioavailability of 29 ± 10%. Administration of detirelix-containing aerosols resulted in similar plasma profiles as for administration by instillation. Compartmental and non-compartmental methods of pharmacokinetic analysis indicated no faster absorption from aerosols than from instilled solutions; an absorption rate limiting process may be an explanation. Plasma profiles were not affected by the use of detirelix liquid crystal favoring formulations or destabilizing formulations, and suggested that in situ liquid crystal formation was not an explanation for the slow absorption. No significant changes in pharmacokinetics or systemic uptake were observed during the five-month period of repeated pulmonary administrations. Histopathologic examination revealed the lungs to be essentially normal.     

Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Transdermal Oxybutynin: In Vitro and in Vivo Performance of a Novel Delivery System

Purpose. The purpose of this work was to characterize in vitro/in vivo delivery and pharmacokinetics of oxybutynin (OXY) and its active metabolite, N-desethyloxybutynin (DEO), by a novel matrix transdermal system (TDS). Methods. Two in vivo, randomized, three-way crossover trials examined single/multiple OXY TDS doses. Abdomen, buttock, and hip application sites were compared and dose proportionality was evaluated. Model independent pharmacokinetics, elimination rate constants, and metabolite/drug ratios were derived from both plasma OXY and DEO concentrations. Results. Single/multiple applications of the OXY TDS to the abdomen yielded mean C _max OXY concentrations of 3.4 ± 1.1/6.6 ± 2.4 ng/mL and median t _max of 36/10 h, with steady state achieved during the second application. Plasma OXY and DEO concentrations decreased gradually after C _max until system removal. Buttock and hip applications resulted in bioequivalent OXY absorption. AUC ratios of DEO/OXY were 1.5 ± 0.4 (single dose) and 1.3 ± 0.3 (multiple dose). Mean in vitro OXY skin absorption (186 g/h) was comparable to the estimated in vivo delivery (163 g/h) over 96 h. Conclusions. Sustained delivery over 4 days and multiple sites allow a convenient, well-tolerated, twice-weekly OXY TDS dosing. A low incidence of anticholinergic side effects is expected during clinical use because of the avoidance of presystemic metabolism and low DEO plasma concentrations. The consistent delivery, absorption, and pharmacokinetics should result in an effective treatment of patients with overactive bladder.     

Aerosol Electrostatics I: Properties of Fine Powders Before and After Aerosolization by Dry Powder Inhalers

Purpose. To evaluate the dependence of fine particle dose charge (FPD charge) generated from powder inhalers on physico-chemical properties of the inhalation powder, inhaler type, deaggregation mechanism, dose number and/or retained powder. Methods. Electrostatic charges were determined on micronized powders and aerosolized fine particle doses withdrawn from two, high efficiency, multidose powder inhalers, Turbohalerand prototype Dryhaler. The behavior of terbutaline sulfate, budesonide, albuterol (sulfate and base), beclomethasone dipropionate and lactose was assessed before and after aerosolization. Results. Both inhalers conferred triboelectric FPD charges during aerosolization in the range –400 pC through +200 pC. Specific charges (charge/unit mass) on the fine particle doses of budesonide from Dryhaler were significantly less than those from Turbohaler (p < 0.01). Electrostatic charges on the potentially respirable cloud of terbutaline sulfate generated by Bricanyl Turbohaler were positive and/or negative and unpredictable. With Pulmicort Turbohaler, FPD charges on budesonide were always positive. Dryhaler was used to determine the chemical dependence of fine particle triboelectrification during the aerosolization of pure materials. A triboelectric series was constructed from the Dryhaler results ranking the powders from positive to negative as budesonide > lactose > albuterol sulfate > terbutaline sulfate albuterol beclomethasone dipropionate. Conclusions. While there was no evidence of FPD charge dependence upon dose number with either inhaler, FPD charges were dependent upon the powder under investigation, as well as the construction and deaggregation mechanism of the inhaler. The specific charge on the fine particle dose of budesonide from Turbohaler corresponded to approximately 200 electronic charges per particle, a value which is known to affect both total and regional aerosol deposition in the human lung. Electrostatic charge effects may be important determinants of aerosol behavior and should not be neglected.     

Extensive Biliary Excretion of the Model Opioid Peptide [D-PEN2,5] Enkephalin in Rats

Purpose. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the enzymatically stable opioid peptide, [D-pen^2,5] enkephalin (DPDPE), is excreted extensively into bile. Methods. Following an i.v. bolus dose of DPDPE (10 mg/kg) to rats, concentrations of DPDPE in serum, bile, liver homogenate and urine were measured by a novel capillary zone electrophoresis method. Data were analyzed to recover the fundamental pharmacokinetic parameters (volumes of distribution; distribution and elimination rate constants governing DPDPE systemic and biliary disposition). Parallel in vitro experiments were performed to evaluate the partitioning of DPDPE between erythrocytes and plasma, as well as to assess the degree of binding of DPDPE to serum proteins. Results. The majority of the administered dose (~80%) was recovered from bile as intact peptide. DPDPE disposition was best described by a two-compartment model with Michaelis-Menten elimination (K_m: 37.5 ± 11 g/ml; V_max: 1143 ± 368 g/min/kg) from the central compartment into bile, suggestive of an active hepatic transport system. DPDPE was associated with a distributional space of 486 ± 62 ml/kg. In vitro incubation of DPDPE with whole blood showed that ~65% of the peptide was associated with erythrocytes. The difference between concentrations of DPDPE in erythrocytes and plasma was statistically significant (29.2 ± 4.9 vs. 18.1 ± 3.1 g/ml, p < 0.05), but not between whole blood and plasma (21.3 ± 2.8 vs. 18.1 ± 3.1 g/ml, p > 0.05). Concentration-independent binding of DPDPE to serum proteins was evidenced between 10 and 100 (g/ml, with an unbound fraction of 0.517 ± 0.182. Conclusions. DPDPE undergoes extensive biliary excretion after i.v administration in rats. The apparent nonlinearity in the biliary excretion of DPDPE revealed by the pharmacokinetic modeling strongly suggests the existence of an active transport system(s) in hepatocytes which may mediate the rapid disappearance of DPDPE from the systemic circulation.     

Freeze-Dried Mannitol for Superior Pulmonary Drug Delivery via Dry Powder Inhaler

Purpose

To show for the first time the superior dry powder inhaler (DPI) performance of freeze dried mannitol in comparison to spray dried mannitol and commercial mannitol.

Methods

Different mannitol powders were sieved to collect 63–90 μm particles and then analyzed in terms of size, shape, surface morphology, solid state, density, flowability. Salbutamol sulphate-mannitol aerosol formulations were evaluated in terms of homogeneity, SS-mannitol adhesion, and in vitro aerosolization performance.

Results

Freeze dried mannitol demonstrated superior DPI performance with a fine particle fraction believed to be highest so far reported in literature for salbutamol sulphate under similar protocols (FPF?=?46.9%). To lesser extent, spray dried mannitol produced better aerosolization performance than commercial mannitol. Freeze dried mannitol demonstrated elongated morphology, α-+β-+δ- polymorphic forms, and poor flowability whereas spray dried mannitol demonstrated spherical morphology, α-+β- polymorphic forms, and excellent flowability. Commercial mannitol demonstrated angular morphology, β- polymorphic form, and good flowability. Freeze dried mannitol demonstrated smoother surface than spray dried mannitol which in turn demonstrated smoother surface than commercial mannitol. FPF of SS increased as mannitol powder porosity increase.

Conclusions

Freeze drying under controlled conditions can be used as a potential technique to generate aerodynamically light mannitol particles for superior DPI performance.     

Hollow Porous Particles in Metered Dose Inhalers

Purpose. To assess the physical stability and aerosol characteristicsof suspensions of hollow porous microspheres (PulmoSpheres) inHFA-134a. Methods. Cromolyn sodium, albuterol sulfate, and formoterol fumaratemicrospheres were prepared by a spray-drying method. Particle sizeand morphology were determined via electron microscopy. Particleaggregation and suspension creaming times were assessed visually,and aerosol performance was determined via Andersen cascadeimpaction and dose uniformity studies. Results. The hollow porous particle morphology allows the propellantto permeate freely within the particles creating a novel form ofsuspension termed a homodispersion, wherein the dispersed and continuousphases are identical, separated by an insoluble interfacial layer of drugand excipient. Homodispersion formation improves suspension stabilityby minimizing the difference in density between the particles andthe medium, and by reducing attractive forces between particles. Theimproved physical stability leads to excellent dose uniformity. Excellentaerosolization efficiencies are also observed with PulmoSpheresformulations, with fine particle fractions of about 70%. Conclusions. The formation of hollow porous particles provides anew formulation technology for stabilizing suspensions of drugs inhydrofluoroalkane propellants with improved physical stability, contentuniformity, and aerosolization efficiency.