PAMPA–Excipient Classification Gradient Map

The effect of excipients on the artificial membrane permeability (Double-Sink PAMPA) properties of eight sparingly soluble drugs was studied. Quantities of excipient were selected to match the concentrations expected in the gastrointestinal fluid under clinically relevant conditions. Over 1,200 measurements were performed. To correct for the effects of the aqueous boundary layer and determine the intrinsic permeability, precisely measured ionization constants were used. The intrinsic permeability of weak acids was enhanced (up to 100 fold) but that of weak bases depressed (up to 270 fold) by the excipients: mefenamic acid > glybenclamide > progesterone > griseofulvin > clotrimazole > astemizole > dipyridamole > butacaine. Excipient enhancement ranked: 3 mM NaTC > 0.24% PEG400 > 0.2 M KCl > 0.24% NMP > 5% PEG400 > 0.24% PG > 1% PEG400 > 0.1M KCl > 1% PG > 1% NMP > 5% PG > 0.24% HP-β-CD > 1% HP-β-CD > 15 mM NaTC. The study clearly indicates that the method is suitable for use in preclinical development to assess the effect of excipients on the permeability of sparingly soluble drug candidates. The method is quick, cost-effective, and reasonably accurate. The self-rank-ordered PAMPA-Mapping may be a helpful visualization tool for delivery screening.Contribution number 21 in the PAMPA—a Drug Absorption in vitro Model series from pION. (14) is part 17 in the series. Double-Sink™, Gut-Box™, and PAMPA-Mapping™ are trademarks of pION INC.     

Pharmaceutical Amorphous Nanoparticles

There has been a tremendous revolution in the field of nanotechnology, resulting in the advent of novel drug delivery systems known as nanomedicines for diagnosis and therapy. One of the applications is nanoparticulate drug delivery systems which are used to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble compounds. This is particularly important because most of the molecules emerging from the drug discovery pipeline in recent years have problems associated with solubility and bioavailability. There has been considerable focus on nanocrystalline materials; however, amorphous nanoparticles have the advantage of synergistic mechanisms of enhancing dissolution rates (due to their nanosize range and amorphous nature) as well as increasing supersaturation levels (due to their amorphous nature). An example of this technology is Nanomorph^TM, developed by Soliqus/Abbott, wherein the nanosize drug particles are precipitated in an amorphous form in order to enhance the dissolution rate. This along with other simple and easily scalable manufacturing techniques for amorphous nanoparticles is described. In addition, the mechanisms of formation of amorphous nanoparticles and several physicochemical properties associated with amorphous nanoparticles are critically reviewed.     

Understanding peroral absorption: regulatory aspects and contemporary approaches to tackling solubility and permeability hurdles

Oral drug absorption is a process influenced by the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of the drug and its inter-relationship with the gastrointestinal tract. Drug solubility, dissolution and permeability across intestinal barrier are the key parameters controlling absorption. This review provides an overview of the factors that affect drug absorption and the classification of a drug on the basis of solubility and permeability. The biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) was introduced in early 90׳s and is a regulatory tool used to predict bioavailability problems associated with a new entity, thereby helping in the development of a drug product. Strategies to combat solubility and permeability issues are also discussed.