Capsules with prolonged action. II. Capsule filling by a gelation process

A new formulation for manufacturing sustained-release soft gelatin capsules was investigated. It consists of a gel solid formed by ethylcellulose and sesame oil and 20 to 35% polyethylene glycol 400 for the enhancement of drug release. Citric acid triethylester (Citroflex-2) makes it possible to combine sesame oil with polyethylene glycol. By recording the rheological behavior at various temperatures, the thixotropic properties of the mixture that leads to the gel-forming process were ascertained. The ideal temperature for filling into soft gelatin capsules can also be determined by this method. The release profile of codeine dissolved or suspended in the mixture shows the typical matrix-type release. In contrast, a high amount of theophylline suspended in the carrier system yields an erodible matrix with an almost-constant release rate.     

Development of a Colon Delivery Capsule and the Pharmacological Activity of Recombinant Human Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor (rhG-CSF) in Beagle Dogs

A peroral dosage form was examined to deliver recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) to the colon in beagle dogs. A new gelatin capsule with its inside surface coated with ethylcellulose was prepared for this purpose. RhG-CSF was dissolved with propylene glycol and was filled in the capsule. Several kinds of ethylcellulose-gelatin capsules with an ethylcellulose layer of thickness 46 to 221 mm were used. The capsule was filled with propylene glycol solution containing fluorescein as an absorption marker, castor oil derivative and citric acid. The hardness of the capsule was tested after the gelatin layer was dissolved using a hardness tester and was dependent on the thickness of the ethylcellulose layer of the capsule. The time, T_max, at which plasma fluorescein level reaches its maximum following oral administration of ethylcellulose capsules was used as a parameter for the in-vivo disintegration time of the ethylcellulose capsule into the colon. Capsules of thickness 84 mm with a T_max of 4–6 h were filled with rhG-CSF solution containing fluorescein and were administered to dogs. After administration, blood samples were collected for 96 h and the blood total leucocyte (BTL) counts were measured as a pharmacological index of rhG-CSF. The maximum BTL count appeared at 10 h then gradually decreased and returned to its normal level at 48 h. These results suggest the usefulness of ethylcellulose capsules for the delivery of rhG-CSF to the colon and the possibility of a new oral rhG-CSF dosage form has been elucidated.     

Challenges and opportunities in the encapsulation of liquid and semi-solid formulations into capsules for oral administration

The encapsulation of liquids and semi-solids provides solutions for convenient delivery through improved oral absorption of poorly water-soluble drugs. In addition, low dose (content uniformity), highly potent (containment), low melting point drugs, those with a critical stability profile and those for which a delayed release is required are candidates for liquid or semi-solid formulations. Both hard and soft capsules can be considered and in each case the capsule wall may comprise gelatin or some other suitable polymer such as hypromellose. The choice of a hard or soft capsule will depend primarily on the components of the formulation which provides the best absorption characteristics as well as on the physical characteristics, such as the viscosity of the formulation and the temperature at which the product needs to be filled. Numerous excipients are available for formulation of lipid-based systems and their compatibilities with hard gelatin capsules have been tested. The availability of new enhanced manufacturing equipment has brought new opportunities for liquid-filled hard capsules. Filling and sealing technologies for hard capsules, provides the formulator with the flexibility of developing formulations in-house from small scale, as required for Phase I studies, up to production.     

Analysis of coating structures and interfaces in solid oral dosage forms by three dimensional terahertz pulsed imaging

Three dimensional terahertz pulsed imaging (TPI) was evaluated as a novel tool for the nondestructive characterization of different solid oral dosage forms. The time-domain reflection signal of coherent pulsed light in the far infrared was used to investigate film-coated tablets, sugar-coated tablets, multilayered controlled release tablets, and soft gelatin capsules. It is possible to determine the spatial and statistical distribution of coating thickness in single and multiple coated products using 3D TPI. The measurements are nondestructive even for layers buried underneath other coating structures. The internal structure of coating materials can be analyzed. As the terahertz signal penetrates up to 3 mm into the dosage form interfaces between layers in multilayered tablets can be investigated. In soft gelatin capsules it is possible to measure the thickness of the gelatin layer and to characterize the seal between the gelatin layers for quality control. TPI is a unique approach for the nondestructive characterization and quality control of solid dosage forms. The measurements are fast and fully automated with the potential for much wider application of the technique in the process analytical technology scheme.     

Controlled release reservoir mini tablets approach for controlling the drug release of Galantamine Hydrobromide

The objective of this study is to explore and investigate the reservoir mini tablets approach to control the release of Galantamine Hydrobromide in comparison to desired release profile to the Innovator formulation Razadyne ER capsules as disclosed in US Patent 7,160,559 which is granted to Janseen Pharmaceutica NV. The core mini tablets were prepared using the direct compression and wet granulation methods. These core mini tablets were further coated with Galantamine Hydrobromide in two different portions; 70% as controlled release and 30% as immediate release and then filled in empty hard gelatin capsule shells. The dissolution profiles of each formulation were compared to those of Razadyne ER capsules and the mean dissolution time (MDT), dissolution efficiency (DE%) and dissolution similarity (f2 factor) were calculated. It was observed that core formulation plays an important role in controlling the drug release as well as maintaining pH independent drug release profile. The release mechanism of GAH from reservoir mini tablet formulation follows Higuchi and first order. These results imply that controlled release reservoir mini tablets which further filled into empty hard gelatin capsule shells can be a suitable method to formulate controlled release Galantamine hydrobromide.     

Preparation and biopharmaceutical evaluation of microcapsules of amoxicillin

Two methods of microencapsulation of amoxicillin, an orally administered antibiotic, were studied. One is based on dispersion of gelatin-amoxicillin mixture in liquid paraffin followed by drying and hardening with formalin-isopropanol treatment; the other is based on dispersion of ethylcellulose-amoxicillin mixture in purified water containing sodium lauryl benzene sulphonate. The microcapsules were recovered as discrete, free-flowing fine granules with a particle diameter of about 250-1000 microns. Dissolution of amoxicillin from ethylcellulose microcapsules was suppressed considerably with a zero-order dissolution pattern in solutions of various pH. Gastric-emptying-controlled rabbits were used for the in vivo evaluation of gelatin and ethylcellulose microcapsules. The ethylcellulose microcapsule containing 25 per cent amoxicillin showed a significantly sustained release pattern of amoxicillin. To establish a suitable design and for the evaluation of the sustained release microcapsules, a nomogram was made using pharmacokinetic parameters obtained after administration of a conventional formulation. It is advantageous for the preparation of sustained release microcapsules to chose pharmaceuticals having over about 2 as the ratio of the elimination rate constant, k10, to the release/absorption rate constant, kr, in the rabbit.     

Comparison of WHO and US FDA biowaiver dissolution test conditions using bioequivalent doxycycline hyclate drug products

Objectives The dissolution characteristics of immediate‐release doxycycline hyclate products with certified in‐vivo bioequivalence to the innovator product were tested with a view to possible application of biowaiver‐based approval. Methods Five products were tested using US Pharmacopeia Apparatus 2: Antodox 100 mg hard gelatin capsules, Doxycyclin AL 100 T tablets, Doxycyclin‐ratiopharm 100 soft gelatin capsules, Doxycyclin STADA 100 mg tablets and Doxy‐Wolff 100 mg tablets. Three compendial buffers were used as dissolution media: simulated gastric fluid without pepsin, pH 1.2, acetate buffer, pH 4.5, and simulated intestinal fluid without pancreatin, pH 6.8. Results were obtained at two paddle speeds recommended for biowaiver applications: 75 rpm (World Health Organization; WHO) and 50 rpm (US Food and Drug Administration; US FDA). Key findings The results for the tablets and hard gelatin capsules indicate that a paddle speed of 75 rpm is more representative than 50 rpm, since 75 rpm generates dissolution profiles corresponding more closely to the in‐vivo profiles than those at 50 rpm. For evaluating soft gelatin capsule formulations with lipid fill, both US FDA and WHO methods were found to be over‐discriminating. Conclusions Bioequivalence of immediate‐release doxycycline hyclate tablets and hard gelatin capsules, but not soft gelatin capsules, can be evaluated in vitro using the biowaiver dissolution test conditions specified by the WHO.     

Controlled release reservoir mini tablets approach for controlling the drug release of Galantamine Hydrobromide

The objective of this study is to explore and investigate the reservoir mini tablets approach to control the release of Galantamine Hydrobromide in comparison to desired release profile to the Innovator formulation Razadyne^® ER capsules as disclosed in US Patent 7,160,559 which is granted to Janseen Pharmaceutica NV. The core mini tablets were prepared using the direct compression and wet granulation methods. These core mini tablets were further coated with Galantamine Hydrobromide in two different portions; 70% as controlled release and 30% as immediate release and then filled in empty hard gelatin capsule shells. The dissolution profiles of each formulation were compared to those of Razadyne^® ER capsules and the mean dissolution time (MDT), dissolution efficiency (DE%) and dissolution similarity (f2 factor) were calculated. It was observed that core formulation plays an important role in controlling the drug release as well as maintaining pH independent drug release profile. The release mechanism of GAH from reservoir mini tablet formulation follows Higuchi and first order. These results imply that controlled release reservoir mini tablets which further filled into empty hard gelatin capsule shells can be a suitable method to formulate controlled release Galantamine hydrobromide.     

The influence of the crystallization on the properties of a hydrophobic drug

Different phenacetin powders are prepared by recrystallization in water or in aqueous polysorbate 80 solutions. The powders have been characterized by using X-ray diffraction, light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.The particle size, surface area and solubilities have been determined. The surface properties of the powders were investigated by measuring the liquid uptake and the amount of polysorbate 80 adsorbed at the crystal surface. The influence of the recrystallization method on the dissolution rate of the powder was studied.The release of recrystallized phenacetin powders filled into hard gelatin capsules was determined by means of a modified beaker method. An improvement of the hydrophilic properties of the powder enhances the availability of the drug.     

Formulation parameters affecting the performance of coated gelatin capsules with pulsatile release profiles

The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a rupturable pulsatile drug delivery system based on soft gelatin capsules with or without a swelling layer and an external water-insoluble but -permeable polymer coating, which released the drug after a lag time (rupturing of the external polymer coating). The swelling of the gelatin capsule itself was insufficient to rupture the external polymer coating, an additional swelling layer was applied between the capsule and the polymer coating. Croscarmellose sodium (Ac-Di-Sol) was more effective as a swelling agent than low and high molecular weight hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC; E5 or K100M). Brittle polymers, such as ethyl cellulose (EC) and cellulose acetate propionate (CAPr), led to a better rupturing and therefore more complete drug release than the flexible polymer coating, Eudragit RS. The lag time of the release system increased with higher polymer coating levels and decreased with the addition of a hydrophilic pore-former, HPMC E5 and also with an increasing amount of the intermediate swelling layer. The water uptake of the capsules was linear until rupture and was higher with CAPr than with EC. Soft gelatin capsule-based systems showed shorter lag times compared to hard gelatin capsules because of the higher hardness/filling state of the soft gelatin capsules. The swelling pressure was therefore more directed to the external polymer coating with the soft gelatin capsules. Typical pulsatile drug release profiles were obtained at lower polymer coating levels, while the release was slower and incomplete at the higher coating levels. CAPr-coated capsules resulted in a more complete release than EC-coated capsules.     

In Situ Phase-Transited Asymmetric Membrane Capsules: A Means for Achieving Delayed and Osmotic Release for pH Solubility-Dependant Drugs

In the present study, an in situ nondisintegrating polymeric capsular system in achieving delayed as well as improved osmotic flow for the model drug cefadroxil was developed. In situ formed asymmetric membrane capsule was prepared by precipitation of the asymmetric membrane (AM) on the walls of conventional hard gelatin capsules in fabricated glass holders via a dry phase inversion process. The effect of different formulation variables were studied based on a 2(3) factorial design as one variable changed from one level to another, namely, the level of osmogen, ethylcellulose, and pore former, apart from studying the effect of varying osmotic pressure and agitation intensity on drug release. Scanning electron microscopy showed an outer, dense, non-porous region and an inner, lighter, porous region for the prepared AM inside, and a gelatin layer outside. Statistical testing (Dunnett multiple comparison test) was applied for in vitro drug release (n = 6) at P < 0.05. The best formulation in the design closely corresponded to the extra design checkpoint formulation by a similarity (f(2)) value of 96.18. The drug release was independent of the agitation intensity but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the dissolution media. The release kinetics followed the Higuchi model, and the mechanism of release was Fickian diffusion. LAY ABSTRACT: The asymmetric membrane capsule (AMC) is a unique drug delivery system that looks like a conventional hard gelatin capsule but has significant advantages over it. In the present study, a system was made that had an outer disintegrating hard gelatin capsule and an inner nondisintegrating polymeric capsular system for delivering a model drug cefadroxil. The inner nondisintegrating polymeric capsular system was the AMC, which was prepared by precipitation of the asymmetric membrane (AM) on the walls of conventional hard gelatin capsules in fabricated glass holders via a dry phase inversion process. The effect of different formulation variables that might affect the drug release were studied based on a 2(3) factorial design. The formulation variables were level of osmogen, ethylcellulose, and pore former. The effect of varying osmotic pressure and agitation intensity on drug release was also studied. Scanning electron microscopy showed an outer, dense, nonporous region and an inner, lighter, porous region for the prepared AM inside, and a gelatin layer outside. Statistical testing was applied for in vitro drug release. Results showed the drug release to be independent of the agitation intensity but dependent on the osmotic pressure of the dissolution media. The release kinetics followed the Higuchi model, and the mechanism of release was Fickian diffusion.     

氧化苦参碱缓释胶囊的制备及体外释放特性研究

目的制备氧化苦参碱24h缓释胶囊并对其体外释放特性进行研究。方法采用流化床包衣法,先将氧化苦参碱与聚乙烯吡咯烷酮溶于85%乙醇中,喷于空白丸芯制成含药微丸,再以乙基纤维素水分散体（Surelease）作为主要包衣材料进行包衣,得微丸装胶囊。建立体外分析方法并进行体外释药模型拟合。结果该缓释胶囊的释药符合Higuchi方程,具有缓释制剂的体外溶出特征。结论苦参碱缓释胶囊制备工艺简单,释药稳定,具备优良缓释制剂的特征。     

Reactivity of enprostil stereoisomers in soft elastic gelatin capsules

Enprostil (methyl 7-[(1R*,2R*,3R*)-3-hydroxy-2-[(E)-(3R*)-3-hydroxy-4-phenoxy-1-butenyl]- 5-oxocyclopentyl]-4,5-heptadienoate), a gastric acid secretion inhibitor and potent anti-ulcer drug, is formulated as a propylene carbonate solution which is filled into soft elastic gelatin capsules. The drug molecule features two unresolved asymmetric carbon atoms, and synthesis yields an equimolar mixture of four different optical isomers (two diastereomeric pairs of enantiomers). The objective of this study was to establish the degree to which enprostil does or does not degrade stereoselectively in the soft elastic gelatin capsule formulation. Accordingly, we developed an HPLC method capable of resolving enprostil diastereoisomers and applied the method to determining reaction rates of enprostil in soft elastic gelatin capsules maintained at 40 degrees C. The study included three soft elastic gelatin capsule lots: the first two contained an equimolar mixture of all four enprostil enantiomers; and the third contained an equimolar mixture of two individual diastereoisomers of known optical purity. Comparing enprostil degradation rates in the three capsule lots showed that reactivity ratios in all cases were (within the limits of experimental uncertainty) equal to unity. This observation conclusively excludes the possibility of significant enantioselectivity for enprostil degradation in the soft elastic gelatin capsule formulation. We also report kinetic equations for the general case of relating stereospecific reactivity ratios to drug product shelf life when drug concentrations are monitored with nonstereoselective analytical techniques.     

Effect of fill weight, capsule shell, and sinker design on the dissolution behavior of capsule formulations of a weak acid drug candidate BMS-309403

Two strengths of BMS-309403 capsules were developed from a common stock granulation. Dissolution testing of the capsules was conducted utilizing the USP apparatus 2 (paddle) with a neutral pH dissolution medium. Unexpectedly, the lower-strength capsules exhibited slower dissolution than the higher-strength capsules filled with the same stock granulation. Higher variability was also observed for the lower-strength capsules. This was found to be mainly caused by a low fill weight in a relatively large size hard gelatin capsule shell. Instead of bursting open, some gelatin capsule shells softened and collapsed onto the granulation, which delayed the release of the active drug. The problem was aggravated by the use of coil sinkers which hindered the medium flow around the capsules. Switching from the gelatin capsule shells to the HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) shells reversed the dissolution rate ranking between the two capsule strengths. However, both dissolved at a slower rate initially than the gelatin capsules due to the inherent dissolution rate of the HPMC shells at pH 6.8. Notably, the HPMC shells did not occlude the granulation as observed with the gelatin shells. The study demonstrated that the dissolution of capsule formulations in neutral pH media was significantly affected by the fill weight, sinker design, and capsule shell type. Careful selection of these parameters is essential to objectively evaluate the in vitro drug release.     

硝苯地平缓释胶囊的制备及释放度测定

目的 研制硝苯地平24h缓释胶囊并进行体外释放度测定。方法 采用流化床包衣法，将硝苯地平与聚乙烯吡咯烷酮溶于90％乙醇喷于空白丸芯制成固体分散体含药小丸．以含有致孔剂的乙基纤维素水分散体（Surelease）作为包衣材料进行包衣，得小丸装胶囊。对各处方缓释胶囊进行释放度测定，筛选最佳处方并进行体外释药模型拟合。结果 按最佳处方制得的胶囊中药物体外释放行为良好。胶囊体外释药行为符合一级动力学方程 结论 硝苯地平缓释胶囊达到了缓释制剂要求。     

灯盏花素固体分散体缓释胶囊的制备及犬体内外相关性研究

以乙基纤维素为载体，制备难溶性药物灯盏花素（1）的固体分散体。粉碎后制成1含量为60mg的胶囊，考察其体外释放度和犬体内吸收情况。用删．C测定血药浓度，并进行体内外相关性研究。结果表明，胶囊的体外释药行为用Higuchi方程拟合较好，在犬体内有明显的缓释效果，体内外相关系数为0．9808。     

Determination of the optimal amount of water in liquid-fill masses for hard gelatin capsules by means of texture analysis and experimental design

The aim of this study is to use texture analysis as a non-destructive test for hard gelatin capsules filled with liquid formulations to investigate mechanical changes upon storage. A suitable amount of water in the formulations is determined to obtain the best possible compatibility with the gelatin shell. This quantity of water to be added to a formulation is called the balanced amount of water (BAW). Texture profiling was conducted on capsules filled with hydrophilic polymer mixtures and with formulations based on amphiphilic masses with high HLB value. The first model mixture consisted of polyethylene glycol 400 and polyvinylpyrrolidone K17 with water and the second type consisted of caprylocaproyl macrogol glycerides (Labrasol) with colloidal silica (Aerosil 200) and water. The liquid-fill capsules were investigated by measuring changes on mass and stiffness after storage under confined conditions in aluminium foils. Capsule stiffness was investigated also as a parameter in a response surface analysis to identify the BAW. Polyvinylpyrrolidone did not show a great influence on the BAW in the range of 10-12% (w/w) for the first model mixture. Capsules with the less hydrophilic Labrasol formulations, however, kept their initial stiffness after storage best with only half of that amount, i.e. 5-6% (w/w) of water in the compositions. From this study it can be concluded that texture profiling in the framework of an experimental design helps to find hydrophilic or amphiphilic formulations that are compatible with gelatin capsules. Short-term stability tests are meaningful if capsule embrittlement or softening is due to water equilibration or another migration process that takes place rapidly. Long-term stability tests will always be needed for a final statement of compatibility between a formulation and hard gelatin capsules.     

Designing biorelevant dissolution tests for lipid formulations: Case example – Lipid suspension of RZ-50

Biorelevant dissolution test methods for lipid formulations of RZ-50, an experimental Roche compound, were developed and compared with standard compendial methods in terms of their in vivo predictability. Release of RZ-50, a poorly soluble weakly acidic drug, from lipid suspensions filled in soft gelatin capsules was studied in compendial and biorelevant media using the USP Apparatus 2 (paddle method) and the USP Apparatus 3 (Bio-Dis method). Pharmacokinetic data were obtained in dogs after oral administration of a single 2.5mg dose of RZ-50 soft gelatin capsules in the postprandial state. Level A IVIVC analysis and curve comparison of fraction drug dissolved vs. absorbed using the Weibull distribution were used to evaluate the in vitro methods in terms of their ability to fit the in vivo plasma profiles. Very low drug release was observed with the paddle method owing to poor dispersibility of the lipids in the dissolution media, whereas the Bio-Dis method hydrodynamics facilitated release of the drug by emulsifying the formulation in the medium. The best IVIVC was obtained using a dissolution medium representing fed gastric conditions in combination with the Bio-Dis method. Curve comparisons of the fraction drug absorbed and the fraction drug dissolved profiles based on Weibull distribution fits yielded similar results. The Bio-Dis/biorelevant in vitro method appears to be suitable for this type of lipid formulation.     

Influence of the atomization time on the properties of ethylcellulose microcapsules of isoniazid prepared by a fluidized bed

Microcapsules containing isoniazid were produced by the fluidized bed method with ethylcellulose by varying the total atomization time. The kinetics of capsules growth during the preparation was discussed on the basis of the distribution of particle size. The quality of the capsules was evaluated using the particle size characteristics, the total content of ethylcellulose, the particle and wall density, and the time needed for the 50 per cent release of the drug. An increase in the atomization time of the ethylcellulose solution gave rise to an increase in the mean diameter of particles and the ethylcellulose content of capsules; it also produced a more dense product with a prolonged release of the drug. The release of the drug from tabletted microcapsules was further prolonged.     

Dissolution and absorption behavior of meclizine dihydrochloride from soft gelatin capsules

Two kinds of soft gelatin capsules containing meclizine dihydrochloride (MZ) were prepared by using a medium-chain length triglyceride as a base. One is a self-emulsifying type, and the other is an oil dispersing type. The release of MZ from soft capsules and its in vivo absorption behavior were examined and compared with those of a commercial tablet. The release of MZ from the self-emulsifying soft capsule which was only slightly affected by pH was greater than those from the oil dispersing soft capsule and commercial tablet. The serum levels of MZ after the administration of preparations orally to beagle dogs increased in the order of self-emulsifying soft capsule, commercial tablet, oil dispersing soft capsule. This result suggests that the self-emulsifying soft capsule is useful for the increase of the bioavailability of the drug.