Development of supersaturatable self-emulsifying drug delivery system formulations for improving the oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs

The supersaturatable self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) represents a new thermodynamically stable formulation approach wherein it is designed to contain a reduced amount of a surfactant and a water-soluble cellulosic polymer (or other polymers) to prevent precipitation of the drug by generating and maintaining a supersaturated state in vivo. The S-SEDDS formulations can result in enhanced oral absorption as compared with the related self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) formulation and the reduced surfactant levels may minimise gastrointestinal surfactant side effects.     

Lipid-based formulations for oral administration of poorly water-soluble drugs

Lipid-based drug delivery systems have shown great potentials in oral delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, primarily for lipophilic drugs, with several successfully marketed products. Pre-dissolving drugs in lipids, surfactants, or mixtures of lipids and surfactants omits the dissolving/dissolution step, which is a potential rate limiting factor for oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. Lipids not only vary in structures and physiochemical properties, but also in their digestibility and absorption pathway; therefore selection of lipid excipients and dosage form has a pronounced effect on the biopharmaceutical aspects of drug absorption and distribution both in vitro and in vivo. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the different lipid-based dosage forms from a biopharmaceutical point of view and to describe effects of lipid dosage forms and lipid excipients on drug solubility, absorption and distribution.     

Improved intestinal absorption of a poorly water-soluble oral drug using mannitol microparticles containing a nanosolid drug dispersion

A nozzle for a spray dryer that can prepare microparticles of water-soluble carriers containing various nanoparticles in a single step was previously developed in our laboratory. To enhance the solubility and intestinal absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs, we used probucol (PBL) as a poorly water-soluble drug, mannitol (MAN) as a water-soluble carrier for the microparticles, and EUDRAGIT (EUD) as a polymer vehicle for the solid dispersion. PBL–EUD–acetone–methanol and aqueous MAN solutions were simultaneously supplied through different liquid passages of the spray nozzle and dried together. PBL–EUD solid dispersion was nanoprecipitated in the MAN solution using an antisolvent mechanism and rapidly dried by surrounding it with MAN. PBL in the dispersion vehicle was amorphous and had higher physical stability according to powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The bioavailability of PBL in PBL–EUD S-100–MAN microparticles after oral administration in rats was markedly higher (14- and 6.2-fold, respectively) than that of the original PBL powder and PBL–MAN microparticles. These results demonstrate that the composite microparticles containing a nanosized solid dispersion of a poorly water-soluble drug prepared using the spray nozzle developed by us should be useful to increase the solubility and bioavailability of drugs after oral administration.     

Effect of oil-in-water submicron emulsion surface charge on oral absorption of a poorly water-soluble drug in rats

The effect of oil-in-water submicron emulsion (SE) droplet surface charge on absolute bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug (griseofulvin, as model drug) after oral administration was studied in conscious rat. Positively, negatively, and neutrally charged SE were designed and characterized (size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and pH). Three emulsion formulations, whose compositions included 40% oil phase and differed only in the nature of the emulsifying agent, were retained. Only the positively charged SE showed a higher area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0 --> infinity)) in comparison with the tablet and with the other SE.     

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.     

Development of microparticles coated with poly-γ-glutamic acid to improve oral absorption of a poorly water-soluble drug

Novel microparticles coated with poly-γ-glutamic acid (PGA) were developed to improve the oral absorption of indomethacin (IM), a poorly water-soluble drug. Microparticles containing γ-IM (IM_bulk-PGA) or crystal polymorph α-IM (IM_polymorph-PGA) were prepared. Additionally, microparticles were prepared containing α-IM without PGA (IM_polymorph without PGA). IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA exhibited better drug retention properties on mucin disks. Drug release rates from IM_polymorph-PGA and IM_polymorph without PGA were higher than from IM bulk powder, and drug release from IM_bulk-PGA was also improved. Drug release from IM_bulk-PGA could be improved with the use of Tween 80. In addition, PGA may influence the ionization of IM or affect specific molecular interactions. After the microparticles were administered orally to mice, IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA increased the plasma drug concentration more rapidly compared with IM bulk powder, but IM_polymorph without PGA did not increase the plasma drug concentration. It was considered that IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA rapidly reached the intestinal membrane through the mucus layer and IM was absorbed quickly. Because IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA showed a rapid increase in plasma drug concentration, IM_bulk-PGA and IM_polymorph-PGA could be useful preparations to improve the gastrointestinal absorption of IM. Furthermore, IM_bulk-PGA may maintain higher plasma drug concentrations than IM_polymorph-PGA.     

Development of clinical dosage forms for a poorly water-soluble drug II: formulation and characterization of a novel solid microemulsion preconcentrate system for oral delivery of a poorly water-soluble drug

The solution of a poorly water-soluble drug in a liquid lipid-surfactant mixture, which served as a microemulsion preconcentrate, was converted into a solid form by incorporating it in a solid polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix. The solid microemulsion preconcentrates thus formed consisted of Capmul PG8 (propylene glycol monocaprylate) as oil, Cremophor EL (polyoxyl 35 castor oil) as surfactant, and hydrophilic polymer PEG 3350 as solid matrix. The drug (aqueous solubility: 0.17 microg/mL at pH 1-8 and 25 degrees C) was dissolved in a melt of the mixture at 65-70 degrees C and then the hot solution was filled into hard gelatin capsules; the liquid gradually solidified upon cooling below 55 degrees C. The solid system was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal Raman microscopy (CRM), and the dispersion testing in water. It was confirmed that a solid microemulsion preconcentrate is a two-phase system, where clusters of crystalline PEG 3350 formed the solid structure (m.p. 55-60 degrees C) and the liquid microemulsion preconcentrate dispersed in between PEG 3350 crystals as a separate phase. The drug remained dissolved in the liquid phase. In vitro release testing showed that the preconcentrate dispersed readily in water forming a microemulsion with the drug dissolved in the oil particles (<150 nm) and the presence of PEG 3350 did not interfere with the process of self-microemulsification.     

Self-dispersing lipid formulations for improving oral absorption of lipophilic drugs.

The main purpose of this review is to provide a current and general overview of the existing self-dispersing formulations resulting from dilution into emulsions, microemulsions and surfactant dispersions. The systematic approach used and the presentation of the various physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical aspects should facilitate the comprehension of this interesting field and clarify the main considerations involved in designing and characterizing a specific self-dispersing drug delivery system. Studies have shown that the self-emulsification process is specific to the nature of the oil/surfactant pair, surfactant concentration, oil/surfactant ratio and temperature at which self-emulsification occurs. It was suggested that the ease of emulsification could be associated with the ease by which water penetrates into the various liquid crystalline (LC) or gel phases formed on the surface of the droplet. Numerous bioavailability studies carried out in animals and humans, reviewed in the present study, suggest that hydrophobic drugs are better absorbed when administered in self-dispersing lipid formulations (SDLFs). Examples which illustrate the beneficial use of SDLFs for drug absorption enhancement are presented. This review outlines SDLFs as one of the most promising approaches to overcome the formulation difficulties of these hydrophobic/lipophilic drugs.     

Preparation and pharmacokinetics evaluation of oral self-emulsifying system for poorly water-soluble drug Lornoxicam

Abstract

The present work was performed aiming to develop a new solid self-emulsifying system (SMEDDS) for poorly water-soluble drug Lornoxicam and evaluate the bioavailability in Wister rats by oral gavage. Liquid SMEDDS of Lornoxicam was formulated with Labrafil M 1944 CS as oil phase, Kolliphor HS 15 as a surfactant and Transcutol HP as a cosurfactant after screening various vehicles. The microemulsion system selected from the phase diagram and optimized by central composite design (CCD) response surface method was transformed into solid-SMEDDS (S-SMEDDS) by lyophilization using sucrose as cryoprotectant. The formulations were further characterized by the particle size, poly dispersity index (PDI), self-emulsifying time, zeta potential, transmission electron microscope (TEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Results of DSC studies confirmed that the drug was incorporated in the S-SMEDDS. The in vitro drug release from Lornoxicam SMEDDS was found to be greatly higher in comparison with that from the commercial tablets. It was indicated that SMEDDS might be effective in reducing the effect of pH variability of Lornoxicam and improving the release performance of Lornoxicam. HPLC system was applied to study the concentration of Lornoxicam in the plasma of the Wister rats after oral administration of Lornoxicam SMEDDS and Lornoxicam commercial tablets. The pharmacokinetics parameters of the rats were C_max 1065.91?±?224.90 and 1855.22?±?748.25?ngmL^?1, T_max were 2.5?±?0.4?h and 1.8?±?0.5?h, and AUC_0～t were 5316.35?±?323.62 and 7758.07?±?241.57?ngmL^?1?h, respectively. Calculated by AUC_0～∞, the relative bioavailability of Lornoxicam S-SMEDDS was 151.69?±?15.32%. It suggested that this S-SMEDDS could be used as a successful oral solid dosage form to improve the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drug Lornoxicam as well.     

Lipid-based formulations to enhance oral bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble drug anethol trithione: Effects of lipid composition and formulation

This study has explored the use of lipid-based formulations to enhance the oral bioavailability of the poorly water-soluble drug anethol trithione (ATT), and compared the performance of different formulations. Two groups of lipid-based formulations, sub-microemulsion (SME) and oil solution, were prepared using short (SCT), medium (MCT) and long (LCT) chain triglycerides respectively; aqueous suspension was used as the reference formulation. In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to investigate the impact of lipid composition and formulation on drug absorption. In vitro digestion was used to analyze lipid digestion rates and drug distribution/solubilization. After in vitro digestion, the performance rank order for drug solubilization was SCT < MCT < LCT. SME formulations were digested more rapidly in vitro than oil solutions. The bioavailability of the drug from different formulations was investigated in rats. All six lipid-based formulations enhanced drug absorption compared to the aqueous suspension. For the SMEs, which were rapidly digested, in vivo bioavailability increased in accordance with the increase of solubilization data obtained by in vitro digestion, with the rank order SCT-SME < MCT-SME < LCT-SME. For the oil solutions, which were digested more slowly, there was no significant difference in drug bioavailability for the different formulations. In conclusion, lipid-based formulations can enhance the oral bioavailability of ATT, and for this BCS class II drug, both the lipid composition and type of lipid formulation are likely to govern in vivo performance.     

Review of solubilization techniques for a poorly water-soluble drug: carbamazepine

Solubility behavior of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. With the introduction of various solubility improvement techniques it should be possible to overcome solubility-linked issues. Several years of research and various novel techniques for improvement of drug solubility have resulted in only a few marketed products. There are various techniques that were studied in depth to improve carbamazepine (CBZ) solubility. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have shown significant improvement in dissolution and bioavailability of CBZ. This article begins with an overview of the historical background and definitions of the various techniques, including the novel ones. The second part of the article is devoted to the techniques, materials used, procedures, and characterization of various developed formulations. The current review is further extended specifically to drug dissolution in relation to drug crystalline in various solubilization approaches.     

Nanocrystals for enhancement of oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs

Nanocrystals, a carrier-free colloidal delivery system in nano-sized range, is an interesting approach for poorly soluble drugs. Nanocrystals provide special features including enhancement of saturation solubility, dissolution velocity and adhesiveness to surface/cell membranes. Several strategies are applied for nanocrystals production including precipitation, milling, high pressure homogenization and combination methods such as NanoEdge™, SmartCrystal and Precipitation-lyophilization-homogenization (PLH) technology. For oral administration, many publications reported useful advantages of nanocrystals to improve in vivo performances i.e. pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and targeted delivery which were discussed in this review. Additionally, transformation of nanocrystals to final formulations and future trends of nanocrystals were also described.     

Novel lipid-based formulations enhancing the in vitro dissolution and permeability characteristics of a poorly water-soluble model drug, piroxicam

Lipid-based delivery systems are becoming increasingly popular as carriers of drugs due to their ability to overcome barriers to oral absorption. The purpose of this study was to prepare novel lipid-based formulations of a model drug, piroxicam (PXCM), a poorly water-soluble non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) using 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) phospholipid alone, and in combination with polyethylene glycol (PEG 4600). Lipid-based drug delivery systems were prepared using conventional methods of preparation and the following aspects were evaluated (1) in vitro dissolution behavior, (2) absorption via Caco-2 cell monolayers and (3) stability of formulations over a 12-month period. In addition, physical characterization studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were also performed. Formulations of PXCM were prepared using DMPC in the following combinations (A) 1:1 and (B) 2:1 and a mixture of DMPC and PEG 4600 (C) 2:1:1, respectively. Dissolution studies conducted in phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4, 37+/-0.5 degrees C) using the USP type II (paddle) dissolution apparatus showed an increase in dissolution rate and extent of the PXCM from all solid dispersion formulations when compared to the control. As such, the rate of drug release was observed to be fastest with formulation (C) showing the greatest increase of over two-fold compared to the control. Release of PXCM from formulations (A) and (B) was intermediate with the latter showing superior dissolution behavior despite containing lower amounts of the carrier lipid than the former. This observation indicates a possible existence of threshold levels for phospholipids carriers beyond which dissolution could be adversely affected. DSC studies further confirmed the dissolution behavior of these formulations demonstrating different levels of amorphous to crystalline nature. Results of HPLC analysis from Caco-2 cell culture studies showed increase in transport of PXCM from all formulations, with formulation (C) showing the maximum increase followed by formulations (B) and (A), when compared to control. The apparent permeability coefficients (Papp) were calculated to be 7.92x10(-6), 9.48x10(-6), 9.2x10(-6) and 5.6x10(-6)cm/s for formulations (A)-(C) and control, respectively. Overall, permeation appeared to improve for all formulations over the control. Stability studies at various temperatures showed all formulations to have good stability for the first 6 months; then a decline in dissolution rates was observed, especially for PEG-based lipid carrier systems, attributed to the increase in crystalline content of the solid dispersions upon storage.     

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems for improving oral absorption of ginkgo biloba extracts

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are mixtures of oils, surfactants, and cosurfactants, which are emulsified in aqueous media under conditions of gentle stirring and digestive motility that would be encountered in the gastrointestinal tract. We found that SEDDS could efficiently improve oral absorption of the sparingly soluble drugs by rapid self-emulsification and subsequently dispersion in the absorption sites. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) has become a widely used herbal remedy for increasing cognitive function in elderly people. The main purpose of our work is to prepare SEDDS for improving oral absorption of GBE. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the efficient self-emulsification region, and particle size distributions of resultant emulsions were determined. The optimized formulation for bioavailability assessment consisted of 45% Tween 80-Cremophor EL35 (1:1, w/w), 10% 1, 2-propanediol, and 45% ethyl oleate. The mean droplet size distribution of the optimized SEDDS was approximately 100 nm when diluted with 500-fold volume of the distilled water. The in vitro dissolution rates of the active components of GBE SEDDS form were significantly faster than those of the GBE tablets. After single oral administration of 800 mg GBE as SEDDS or tablets to fasted dogs, the relative bioavailability of SEDDS for bilabolide and ginkgolide A and B was 162.1, 154.6, and 155.8% compared with the reference tablets, respectively. Our results suggested the potential and promising use of SEDDS for the efficient delivery of the sparingly soluble drugs or traditional Chinese medicines, such as GBE by oral administration.     

Influence of the intermediate digestion phases of common formulation lipids on the absorption of a poorly water-soluble drug

The influence of different model intestinal phases (modelled on those likely to be produced in vivo after the digestion of commonly used formulation lipids) on the absorption profile of cinnarizine has been studied. Combinations of C8, C12, or C18:1 fatty acid and monoglyceride and simulated endogenous intestinal fluid were formulated to provide examples of liquid (L1), lamellar (L(alpha)), and cubic (C) liquid crystalline phases. Phases containing cinnarizine were dosed intraduodenally and absorption was assessed in an anesthetized rat model. Bile duct ligation was performed to inhibit the effects of digestion/dilution on the phase structure. Absorption from the L(alpha) phases (C8 and C12 lipids) was statistically higher (p < 0.05) than a cinnarizine suspension: however, a statistically significant difference was not observed from the L1 and C phases. The rigid C18:1 C phase showed evidence of providing for sustained drug absorption. Experiments in bile intact rats with the C8 L(alpha) and C18:1 C phase highlighted that the absorption-modifying properties of these phases were influenced by dilution in the endogenous bile milieu, with absorption from L(alpha) phase reducing (possibly through precipitation of solubilized drug) and increasing in the case of the C18:1 C phase, possibly through the coexistence of L1 and C upon dilution permitting more efficient transfer of solubilized drug.     

Overview of milling techniques for improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs

Milling involves the application of mechanical energy to physically break down coarse particles to finer ones and is regarded as a “top–down” approach in the production of fine particles. Fine drug particulates are especially desired in formulations designed for parenteral, respiratory and transdermal use. Most drugs after crystallization may have to be comminuted and this physical transformation is required to various extents, often to enhance processability or solubility especially for drugs with limited aqueous solubility. The mechanisms by which milling enhances drug dissolution and solubility include alterations in the size, specific surface area and shape of the drug particles as well as milling-induced amorphization and/or structural disordering of the drug crystal (mechanochemical activation). Technology advancements in milling now enable the production of drug micro- and nano-particles on a commercial scale with relative ease. This review will provide a background on milling followed by the introduction of common milling techniques employed for the micronization and nanonization of drugs. Salient information contained in the cited examples are further extracted and summarized for ease of reference by researchers keen on employing these techniques for drug solubility and bioavailability enhancement.     

Comparison of different in vitro tests to assess oral lipid-based formulations using a poorly soluble acidic drug

The aim of the current work was to compare different modern in vitro tests using lipid-based formulations of a weakly acidic BCS II drug. Pure indomethacin and the drug-containing SMEDDS were tested using buffers and biorelevant media in a paddle apparatus, a physiologically motivated flow-through cell and a lipolysis test. The results of these dispersion/precipitation tests showed a generally increased solubility of indomethacin in the SMEDDS compared with the solubility of the pure drug. Only the flow-through test and the dispersion in 0.1 N HCl revealed a superior capacity of one SMEDDS in keeping the drug in solution, whereas the lipolysis test did not show similar formulation discrimination. We conclude that a suitable characterization of SMEDDS comprising an acidic drug should involve a physiologically based flow-through test or a dispersion/precipitation test in acidic environment together with a lipolysis test.