Bioavailability enhancement of a poorly water-soluble drug by solid dispersion in polyethylene glycol-polysorbate 80 mixture

Oral bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug was greatly enhanced by using its solid dispersion in a surface-active carrier. The weakly basic drug (pK(a) approximately 5.5) had the highest solubility of 0.1mg/ml at pH 1.5, < 1 microg/ml aqueous solubility between pH 3.5 and 5.5 at 24+/-1 degrees C, and no detectable solubility (< 0.02 microg/ml) at pH greater than 5.5. Two solid dispersion formulations of the drug, one in Gelucire 44/14 and another one in a mixture of polyethylene glycol 3350 (PEG 3350) with polysorbate 80, were prepared by dissolving the drug in the molten carrier (65 degrees C) and filling the melt in hard gelatin capsules. From the two solid dispersion formulations, the PEG 3350-polysorbate 80 was selected for further development. The oral bioavailability of this formulation in dogs was compared with that of a capsule containing micronized drug blended with lactose and microcrystalline cellulose and a liquid solution in a mixture of PEG 400, polysorbate 80 and water. For intravenous administration, a solution in a mixture of propylene glycol, polysorbate 80 and water was used. Absolute oral bioavailability values from the capsule containing micronized drug, the capsule containing solid dispersion and the oral liquid were 1.7+/-1.0%, 35.8+/-5.2% and 59.6+/-21.4%, respectively. Thus, the solid dispersion provided a 21-fold increase in bioavailability of the drug as compared to the capsule containing micronized drug. A capsule formulation containing 25 mg of drug with a total fill weight of 600 mg was subsequently selected for further development. The selected solid dispersion formulation was physically and chemically stable under accelerated storage conditions for at least 6 months. It is hypothesized that polysorbate 80 ensures complete release of drug in a metastable finely dispersed state having a large surface area, which facilitates further solubilization by bile acids in the GI tract and the absorption into the enterocytes. Thus, the bioavailability of this poorly water-soluble drug was greatly enhanced by formulation as a solid dispersion in a surface-active carrier.     

Effects of polysorbate 80 on the in‐vitro precipitation and oral bioavailability of halofantrine from polyethylene glycol 400 formulations in rats

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effects of formulations of polysorbate 80 (PS 80) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) on the precipitation and oral bioavailability of the hydrophobic drug halofantrine. Methods The in‐vitro dilution profile of the formulations was evaluated in phosphate buffer and in simulated intestinal fluids using a standard dissolution apparatus. The pharmacokinetic profile of the formulations was investigated in fasted rats at two dose levels, 5 and 17.5 mg/kg, with blood sampling by vein puncture in the tail. Key findings The solubility of halofantrine was found to be highest in PS 80, and in co‐mixtures there was a correlation with the content of PS 80. The in‐vitro dilution profile revealed precipitation of halofantrine when dissolved in pure PEG 400, although the precipitation was smaller in the simulated intestinal fluid. Addition of 25% PS 80 to the PEG 400 significantly decreased precipitation. The animals dosed with the PEG 400 formulation had significant lower bioavailability than the PS 80–PEG 400 co‐mixtures, possibly due to halofantrine precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract. Conclusions Addition of PS80 to the formulation increased the bioavailability of halofantrine and the more compound, the more PS80 was needed to prevent precipitation.     

Effect of bile on the oral absorption of halofantrine in polyethylene glycol 400 and polysorbate 80 formulations dosed to bile duct cannulated rats

Objectives The aim of this study was to examine the effects of bile on the oral absorption of the poorly water‐soluble compound, halofantrine, when administered to rats in vehicles consisting of the co‐solvent polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) alone or in mixtures with the surfactant polysorbate 80 (PS 80) (95 : 5; 85 : 15; 75 : 25 PEG 400 : PS 80). Methods Halofantrine (17.5 mg/kg) was administered to bile duct cannulated (BDC) and sham‐operated rats in a fixed vehicle volume of 5 ml/kg. Key findings The bioavailability of halofantrine was significantly lower in BDC rats when dosed with 0–5% PS 80 in PEG 400 compared with BDC rats dosed with >15% PS 80. Increasing the concentration of PS 80 to 15–100% eliminated this difference. A possible explanation for the lower bioavailability of halofantrine in BDC rats when dosed in pure PEG 400 could be the dilution of the vehicle by intestinal fluids, decreased transit time and precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract upon dilution of PEG 400. Conclusions The addition of PS 80 to the formulation increased its solubilising power upon dilution and may have inhibited precipitation and substituted the absence of bile above a certain level. Adjusting the level of surfactant in drug formulations could therefore be used to minimise variability in the bioavailability from co‐solvent systems based upon differences in bile concentration between individuals.     

Griseofulvin---phenobarbital interaction: a formulation-dependent phenomenon

The reported interaction of griseofulvin with phenobarbital was studied in the rat following oral administration of different dosage forms. A single oral dose of 15 mg of phenobarbital/kg 24 hr prior to the oral administration of a suspension of 100 mg og griseofulvin/kg in 0.5% polysorbate 80 significantly reduced plasma griseofulvin levels. An increase in the concentration of polysorbate 80 to 2% reduced the extent of the interaction from 50 to 32%. Phenobarbital did not influence plasma griseofulvin levels when griseofulvin was given in either 70% polyethylene glycol 300 (suspensions of 20 or 100 mg/kg) or 100% polyethylene glycol 600 (solution of 50 mg/kg). It is concluded that the observed interaction is formulation dependent and is a result of diminished dissolution and, consequently, reduced absorption of griseofulvin.     

Development of clinical dosage forms for a poorly water soluble drug I: Application of polyethylene glycol-polysorbate 80 solid dispersion carrier system

Different formulation approaches were evaluated to ensure that the formulation of a poorly water soluble compound chosen during early development achieves optimum bioavailability. The insoluble compound has an aqueous solubility of 0.17 micro g/mL at 25 +/- 1 degrees C, a relatively high permeability (Caco2 P(app) = 6.1 x 10(-4) cm/min), and poor bioavailability in dogs (dry blend formulation). Based on the prediction by GastroPlus, the oral absorption of this compound is sensitive to its apparent solubility and particle size. The oral bioavailability of three different formulations was compared in a dog model: a cosolvent-surfactant solution, a solid dispersion in a mixture of polyethylene glycol 3350 and polysorbate 80, and a dry blend of micronized drug with microcrystalline cellulose. In absence of a parenteral injection, the bioavailability of the solution was considered to be 100%, and the relative oral bioavailability of the three formulations was 100, 99.1, 9.8, respectively. Comparable bioavailability was obtained with the solid dispersion and the cosolvent-surfactant solution, both of which showed a 10-fold higher bioavailability than the dry blend. Thus, a 20 mg dose strength capsule containing the solid dispersion formulation was selected for clinical development. The selected solid dispersion system was physically and chemically stable for at least 16 months at 25 degrees C/60% RH. In conclusion, the bioavailability of a poorly water soluble drug was greatly enhanced using the solid dispersion formulation containing a water soluble polymer with a surface active agent.     

Excipient effects on gastrointestinal transit and drug absorption in beagle dogs

Previous work has shown that polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) has an accelerating effect on gastrointestinal transit and a modulating influence on drug absorption in humans. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of various excipients, PEG 400, propylene glycol, d--tocopheryl-polyethylene glycol-1000 succinate (TPGS) and Labrasol on gastrointestinal transit and drug absorption in four beagle dogs using scintigraphy. Each dog received, on five separate occasions, water (control) or a dose of excipient equivalent to 1 g PEG 400, 2 g propylene glycol, 1 g TPGS or 2 g Labrasol dissolved in water and administered in the form of two capsules. The model drugs ampicillin (200 mg) and antipyrine (100 mg) were co-administered in the capsules. The capsule solutions were radiolabelled with technetium-99m to follow their transit using a dual-headed gamma camera, and blood samples were collected to determine drug pharmacokinetics. On a separate occasion, the drugs were dissolved in saline and given intravenously. The capsules rapidly disintegrated in the stomach liberating their liquid contents. The mean small intestinal transit times for the different treatments (control, PEG 400, propylene glycol, TPGS and Labarasol) were 183, 179, 195, 168 and 154 min, respectively. The corresponding mean absolute oral bioavailability figures were 36, 32, 39, 42 and 32% for ampicillin and 76, 74, 85, 73 and 74% for antipyrine, respectively. The transit and bioavailability data for the excipient treatments were not significantly different from the control. In summary, these excipients, at the doses administered, have limited influence on gastrointestinal transit and drug absorption in beagle dogs.     

Solubilizing Excipients in Oral and Injectable Formulations

A review of commercially available oral and injectable solution formulations reveals that the solubilizing excipients include water-soluble organic solvents (polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerin, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylacetamide, and dimethylsulfoxide), non-ionic surfactants (Cremophor EL, Cremophor RH 40, Cremophor RH 60, d-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, Solutol HS 15, sorbitan monooleate, poloxamer 407, Labrafil M-1944CS, Labrafil M-2125CS, Labrasol, Gellucire 44/14, Softigen 767, and mono- and di-fatty acid esters of PEG 300, 400, or 1750), water-insoluble lipids (castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, olive oil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated vegetable oils, hydrogenated soybean oil, and medium-chain triglycerides of coconut oil and palm seed oil), organic liquids/semi-solids (beeswax, d-alpha-tocopherol, oleic acid, medium-chain mono- and diglycerides), various cyclodextrins (alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, and sulfobutylether-beta-cyclodextrin), and phospholipids (hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine, distearoylphosphatidylglycerol, L-alpha-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, L-alpha-dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol). The chemical techniques to solubilize water-insoluble drugs for oral and injection administration include pH adjustment, cosolvents, complexation, microemulsions, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems, micelles, liposomes, and emulsions.     

Evaluation of the impact of surfactant digestion on the bioavailability of danazol after oral administration of lipidic self-emulsifying formulations to dogs

Lipid-based formulations of danazol with varying quantities of included surfactant have been examined in vitro and in vivo. Formulations comprising fatty acid ester surfactants were readily hydrolysed during in vitro digestion, although Cremophor RH40 (CrRH) was less effectively hydrolysed than Cremophor EL (CrEL). Formulations comprising high quantities of digestible surfactant also appeared to less effectively prevent danazol precipitation during in vitro evaluation. These trends were replicated in vivo where danazol bioavailability in beagle dogs was higher after oral administration of self-emulsifying formulations employing 55% (w/w) CrRH when compared with CrEL. The oral bioavailability of danazol after administration of drug formulated in surfactant alone, however, was poor. Studies using predispersed and encapsulated formulations of CrRH subsequently suggested that the low bioavailability of the single surfactant formulations reflected poor dispersion. Mixtures of surfactants, improved dispersion and good oral bioavailability of danazol was evident after administration of formulations comprising CrRH and either Pluronic L121 or Gelucire 44-14, in spite of evidence of danazol precipitation during in vitro digestion of the Gelucire formulation. These data suggest that effective dispersion and resistance to precipitation during both dispersion and digestion are key design parameters for lipid-based formulations comprising high proportions of surfactant.     

Enhanced oral bioavailability of paclitaxel by D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 400 succinate in mice

Paclitaxel is widely used to treat several types of solid tumors. The commercially available paclitaxel formulation contains Cremophor/ethanol as solubilizers. This study evaluated the effects of D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 400 succinate (TPGS 400) on the oral absorption of paclitaxel in mice. Mice were given an intravenous (18mg/kg) or oral (100mg/kg) dose of paclitaxel solubilized in Cremophor/ethanol or in TPGS 400/ethanol formulations. Paclitaxel plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. The maximal plasma concentrations of paclitaxel after an oral dose were 1.77+/-0.17 and 3.39+/-0.49microg/ml for Cremophor/ethanol and TPGS 400/ethanol formulations, respectively, with a similar time at 40-47min to reach the maximal plasma concentrations. The oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in TPGS 400/ethanol (7.8%) was 3-fold higher than that in Cremophor/ethanol (2.5%). On the other hand, the plasma pharmacokinetic profiles of intravenous paclitaxel demonstrated a superimposition for the two formulations. Furthermore, TPGS 400 concentration-dependently increased the intracellular retention of Rhodamine 123 in Caco-2 cells and enhanced paclitaxel permeability in monolayer Caco-2 cultures. TPGS 400 at concentrations up to 1mM did not inhibit testosterone 6beta-hydroxylase, a cytochrome P450 isozyme 3A in liver microsomes metabolizing paclitaxel. Our results indicated that TPGS 400 enhances the oral bioavailability of paclitaxel in mice and the enhancement may result from an increase in intestinal absorption of paclitaxel.     

Phase behavior of TPGS-PEG400/1450 systems and their application to liquid formulation: a formulation platform approach

Vitamin E D-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) and polyethylene glycol are common excipients used in both preclinical and commercial formulations. In this paper, the phase diagrams of TPGS and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) in the presence of either water or ethanol were constructed. The effect of water and ethanol on the cloud point temperature of TPGS-PEG 400 mixtures was investigated. In general, the cloud point temperature was reduced by the presence of either water or ethanol in the formulation. However, water was more effective in lowering the cloud point temperature than ethanol. Similarly, the phase diagram of TPGS-PEG 1450 was constructed. The cloud point temperature was observed to decrease with increasing TPGS concentration. It was found that TPGS and PEG 1450 could form a single phase when TPGS concentration was above 75%, based on differential scanning calorimetry, and FT-Raman analysis indicated that a vibration at 1330 cm(-1) disappeared in the melted single phase. In addition, a systematic melting point depression was observed for the mixtures of TPGS-PEG 1450. In the presence of Ibuprofen, a model compound, the cloud point temperature was also reduced. Finally, the extended Flory-Huggins theory for polymer solution was used to analyze the entropic and enthalpic contributions of water and ethanol to the free energy of mixing.     

Parenteral dosage form development and testing of dimethyl trisulfide,as an antidote candidate to combat cyanide intoxication

This study focused on the solubility enhancement and the in vivo antidotal efficacy testing of a new potential cyanide (CN) countermeasure, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS). Various FDA approved cyclodextrins (HPβCD, RMβCD, HPγCD), cosolvents (ethanol, polyethylene glycols, propylene glycol), surfactants (cremophor EL, cremophor RH 40, sodium cholate, sodium deoxycholate, polysorbate 80) and their combinations were applied. Based on the solubility enhancing potential of the tested systems, polysorbate 80 was chosen for further in vivo efficacy studies. A composition comprising 15% polysorbate 80 and 50 mg/ml DMTS with the applied DMTS dose of 100 mg/kg provided a therapeutic antidotal protection of 3.4?×?LD₅₀. For comparison, the present therapy of sodium thiosulfate (TS) with the dose of 100 mg/kg provided only 1.1?×?LD₅₀ protection, and at the dose of 200 mg/kg, the LD₅₀ was enhanced by 1.3 times. No difference in the therapeutic protection by DMTS was detected when the concentration of polysorbate 80 was increased to 20% (3.2?×?LD₅₀ protection). These data demonstrate the potential importance of DMTS as a CN countermeasure, and the formulation comprising polysorbate 80 provides the base of an injectable intramuscular dosage form that can later serve as a CN antidotal kit suitable for mass scenario.     

Evaluation of the absorption from three ibuprofen formulations

The pharmacokinetic differences between two sustained-release 300 mg (A) and 400 mg (B) formulations and a rapid-release 400 mg ibuprofen conventional sugar-coated formulation (C) were compared after a single dose. Mean peak levels of 25.1 micrograms/ml for preparation A (2 X 300 mg), 31.3 micrograms/ml for preparation B (2 X 400 mg) and 68.5 micrograms/ml for preparation C (2 X 400 mg) were reached at 5.3, 3 and 2 hours respectively, after ingestion of the drugs. The individual plasma-level time-profiles for the majority of doses suggested prolonged absorption of product A and B. The absorption from formulations A and B was significantly slower (p less than 0.001 and p less than 0.05 respectively) than that from the conventional tablets. The bioavailability of ibuprofen from sustained-release capsules, was not found to differ significantly from that of ibuprofen from conventional tablets. The relative bioavailability was very close to 100% in almost all subjects (coefficient of variation 14% and 17%). Projections of plasma concentrations upon multiple dosing were made from single dose data. The dosage interval concentration ratio which reflects both the frequency and the entry of the drug into and from the body was much lower for sustained-release formulations (A: 3.0; B: 3.7; C: 12.9).     

Synthesis,characterization and assessment of suitability of trehalose fatty acid esters as alternatives for polysorbates in protein formulation

Nonionic polyethylene glycol-derived surfactants are today’s choice as surfactants in protein formulations. Different groups discovered that although surface-induced stresses are reduced by these excipients, the long-term stability of different proteins decreased due to polyethylene glycol-related induction of oxidation processes under static storage conditions. In this paper, the potential of polyoxyethylene-free surfactants for protein formulation was evaluated. Three different sugar-based surfactants, 6-O-monocaprinoyl-α,α-trehalose, 6-O-monolauroyl-α,α-trehalose and 6-O-monopalmitoyl-α,α-trehalose, were synthesized in four reaction steps. These substances lack polyethylene glycol residues and can be produced from renewable resources.The chemical and physical properties of these three surfactants were investigated and compared with polysorbate 20 and 80. 6-O-Monopalmitoyl-α,α-trehalose was insoluble in water at room temperature and was hence excluded from some of the further tests. The critical micellar concentration of all surfactants is in a comparable range of approximately 0.001–0.01% (m/V). The sugar-based surfactants showed slightly higher hemolytic activity than the polysorbate references. The surfactants with shorter chain length proved to be comparable to polysorbates in regard to physicochemical properties.Finally for human growth hormone, the protein-stabilizing properties against shaking-induced stress were tested and compared to polysorbate-containing formulations. Whereas in the absence of surfactant, dramatic monomer loss and aggregate formation occurred, it was found that 100% monomer content was maintained when 0.1% (m/V) 6-O-monocaprinoyl-α,α-trehalose or 6-O-monolauroyl-α,α-trehalose was added to the formulation. Polysorbate 80 at a concentration of 0.1% (m/V) also significantly stabilized the protein. Lower amounts of surfactants result in only partial stabilization. Furthermore, adsorption of human growth hormone to the container surface is reduced in the presence of the surfactants. Thus, the new sugar-based surfactants offer a promising alternative and have potential for application in protein formulations.     

Trials of novel13C-urea-containing capsule for more economic and sensitive diagnosis ofHelicobacter pylori infection in human subjects

To develop a 13C-urea-containing capsule for more economic and sensitive diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, the 13C-urea-containing capsules were prepared with various additives such as polyethylene glycol, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium lauryl sulfate and citric acid. Their dissolution test and 13C-urea Breath Test in human volunteers were then performed. Polyethylene glycol increased the initial dissolution rates of urea and difference delta 13C values from 13C-urea, while microcrystalline cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate decreased them. Irrespective of addition of citric acid, the compositions with polyethylene glycol showed higher values from 13C-urea compared to a commercial 76 mg 13C-urea-containing capsule due to higher initial dissolution rate. The capsules with 38 mg 13C-urea and 1.9 mg polyethylene glycol, which showed higher Helicobacter pylori-positive value of about 8 per thousand at 10 min, improved the sensitivity of 13C-urea in human volunteers. Thus, the 13C-urea-containing capsule with polyethylene glycol would be a more economical and sensitive preparation for diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.     

Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, synthesised by plants and algae, and distributed in marine seafood. Astaxanthin is also available as a food supplement, but, like other carotenoids, is a very lipophilic compound and has low oral bioavailability. However, bioavailability can be enhanced in the presence of fat. There is not much information in the literature about the pharmacokinetics of oral astaxanthin in humans. In this open parallel study, healthy male volunteers received a single dose of 40 mg astaxanthin, as lipid based formulations or as a commercially available food supplement, followed by blood sampling for further analysis of plasma concentrations. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated to evaluate the extent and rate of absorption from each formulation. The elimination half-life was 15.9+/-5.3 h (n=32), and showed a mono-phasic curve. Three lipid based formulations: long-chain triglyceride (palm oil) and polysorbate 80 (formulation A), glycerol mono- and dioleate and polysorbate 80 (formulation B), and glycerol mono- and dioleate, polysorbate 80 and sorbitan monooleate (formulation C), all showed enhanced bioavailability, ranging from 1.7 to 3.7 times that of the reference formulation. The highest bioavailability was observed with formulation B, containing a high content of the hydrophilic synthetic surfactant polysorbate 80.     

Water migration from soft gelatin capsule shell to fill material and its effect on drug solubility

The bioavailability of some poorly water-soluble drugs was reported to increase due to a change in dosage form from a tablet to a solution encapsulated in soft gelatin capsules. However, the objective of increasing the bioavailability may be defeated if the drug crystallizes from a solution inside the capsule. In this study, a water-insoluble drug [alpha-pentyl-3-(2-quinolinylmethoxy)benzenemethanol; REV 5901] was solubilized in both polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) and a 6:1 mixture of Gelucire 44/14:PEG 400. The solutions were then encapsulated in soft elastic gelatin capsules with a fill weight of 700 mg (drug, 125 mg), and water migration from the capsule shell into the fill material and its effect on the solubility of the drug were investigated. Gelucire 44/14 is a mixture of hydrogenated fatty acid esters with a mp of 44 degrees C; PEG 400 was added to reduce the mp of solution to approximately 36 degrees C for easier encapsulation. After equilibration of capsules at ambient condition, the amount of water in the PEG 400 solution was 6.3%. This reduced the solubility of the drug by 45%, resulting in drug crystallization. The solubility decreased exponentially with the increase in water content. The water in the encapsulated Gelucire:PEG solution was only 1.1%, which did not affect the solubility significantly.     

Study of phase behavior of poly(ethylene glycol)-polysorbate 80 and poly(ethylene glycol)-polysorbate 80-water mixtures

Mixtures of poly(ethylene glycols) (PEGs) with polysorbate 80 are often used to dissolve poorly water-soluble drugs in dosage forms, where polysorbate 80 helps either in enhancing dispersion or in inhibiting precipitation of drugs once the solution is mixed with water. Binary phase diagrams of polysorbate 80 with several low molecular weight PEGs and a ternary phase diagram of polysorbate 80 with PEG 400 and water are presented. Two phases were observed in the binary mixtures when the concentration of PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, or PEG 600 was >55%(w/w). The miscibility of the binary mixtures increases with an increase in temperature; the upper consolute temperatures of PEG 200-polysorbate 80, PEG 300-polysorbate 80, PEG 400-polysorbate 80, and PEG 600-polysorbate 80 mixtures were 100, 85, 75, and 40 degrees C, respectively. The upper consolute temperature of PEG 1000-polysorbate 80 could not be determined because the melting temperature of the mixtures is approximately 40 degrees C and the consolute temperature appeared to be less than this temperature. The decrease in upper consolute temperature with an increase in PEG molecular weight indicated a greater miscibility of the two components. In the ternary system, phase separation of polysorbate 80 was observed when the concentration of PEG 400 was >50-60 % (w/w), possibly because of the high exclusion volume of PEG 400.     

Formulation studies of a poorly water-soluble drug in solid dispersions to improve bioavailability

To improve the bioavailability of a poorly water-soluble drug, RP 69698 (1), solid dispersion formulations were investigated in beagle dogs. The formulations were prepared by a melting method with water-soluble carriers in which 1 is highly soluble. When incorporated into a solid dispersion formulation composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350, Transcutol and Labrasol, the bioavailability of 1 was determined to be 11.8%. This represented about 2-fold improvement over 6% bioavailability observed previously with an aqueous suspension of the drug in 0.5% methylcellulose. When the formulation contained only Labrasol, in which 1 was completely solubilized, the bioavailability of 1 was 12.9%. Addition of a surfactant, polysorbate 80, at a strength of 10% to the dispersion with PEG 3350 and Labrasol as carriers increased the bioavailability of 1 from 11.8 to 27.6%. This result was attributed to the ability of the surfactant to increase the wettability and spreadability of the drug in a solubilized state once released in the gastrointestinal medium. Increase in the concentration of the surfactant did not further increase the bioavailability of 1. DSC and powder XRD data demonstrated that the major fraction of drug was dissolved in the carrier. A possible explanation for the maximum achievable bioavailability of about 25% with solid dispersion preparation may be that once released, a significant fraction of drug may precipitate in the GI tract. Re-solubilization of the precipitated drug for the absorption is likely to be difficult due to its very low aqueous solubility.     

Incomplete Desorption of Liquid Excipients Reduces the in Vitro and in Vivo Performance of Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems Solidified by Adsorption onto an Inorganic Mesoporous Carrier

The purpose of the current study was to provide a mechanistic basis for in vitro and in vivo performance differences between lipid-based formulations solidified by adsorption onto a high surface area material and their respective liquid (i.e., nonadsorbed) counterparts. Two self-emulsifying formulations (based on either medium-chain or long-chain lipids) of the poorly water-soluble drug danazol were solidified by adsorption onto Neusilin US2. Liquid and adsorbed lipid-based formulations were subjected to in vitro dispersion-digestion tests, and additional in vitro experiments were performed to elucidate the cause of performance differences. The bioavailability of danazol after oral administration to rats was also assessed. The percentage of the dose solubilized in the aqueous phase during in vitro dispersion-digesting was ～35% lower for the adsorbed formulations when compared to their liquid counterparts. This trend was also reflected in vivo, where the bioavailability of danazol after administration of the adsorbed formulations was ～50% lower than that obtained after administration of the equivalent liquid formulation. Incomplete desorption of the microemulsion preconcentrate from the carrier on dispersion-digestion was identified as the main contributor to the reduced pharmaceutical performance of the adsorbed formulations. The results of the current study indicate that solidification of lipid-based formulations through adsorption onto a high surface area carrier may limit formulation (and drug) release in vivo and thereby reduce oral bioavailability.     

Design and evaluation of oral nanoemulsion drug delivery system of mebudipine

Abstract

A nanoemulsion drug delivery system was developed to increase the oral bioavailability of mebudipine as a calcium channel blocker with very low bioavailability profile. The impact of nano-formulation on the pharmacokinetic parameters of mebudipine in rats was investigated. Nanoemulsion formulations containing ethyl oleate, Tween 80, Span 80, polyethylene glycol 400, ethanol and deionized water were prepared using probe sonicator. The optimum formulation was evaluated for physicochemical properties, such as particle size, morphology and stability. The particle size of optimum formulation was 22.8?±?4.0?nm. Based on the results of this study, the relative bioavailability of mebudipine nanoemulsion was enhanced by about 2.6-, 2.0- and 1.9-fold, respectively, compared with suspension, ethyl oleate solution and micellar solution. In conclusion, nanoemulsion is an interesting option for the delivery of poorly water soluble molecules, such as mebudipine.