Nimesulide-Modified Gum Karaya Solid Mixtures: Preparation, Characterization, and Formulation Development

Solid mixtures of nimesulide (NS) and modified gum karaya (MGK) were prepared to improve the dissolution rate of NS. The effect of drug-carrier ratio on dissolution rate of NS was investigated by preparing the solid mixtures of different ratios by cogrinding method. Solid mixtures were also prepared by physical mixing, kneading, and solid dispersion techniques to study the influence of method of preparation. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and equilibrium solubility studies were performed to explain the results of in vitro dissolution rate studies. It was clearly evident from the results that the NS dissolution rate was dependent on the concentration of MGK in the solid mixtures, and optimum weight ratio was found to be 1:4 (NS:MGK). Though the dissolution rate of NS from all solid mixtures prepared by different methods improved significantly, maximum improvement in dissolution rate was observed with solid dispersions. The order of methods basing on their effect on dissolution efficiency is solid dispersion > kneading > cogrinding > physical mixing > pure NS. Tablets of pure drug and solid mixtures (1:4 w/w, NS:MGK) were prepared. Though the best results from the dissolution test were obtained for the tablets containing solid dispersions, tablets containing cogrinding mixture were found to be suitable, from a practical point of view, for commercialization.

Mechanistic studies of the effect of hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin on in vitro transdermal permeation of corticosterone through hairless mouse skin

Literature reports reveal that the issue of whether cyclodextrins may act as skin permeation enhancers has not been resolved. Accordingly, in vitro skin transport studies were conducted to address this question. Corticosterone (3H-CS and/or non-radiolabeled CS) was chosen as the model permeant for transport experiments with hairless mouse skin (HMS) and with a synthetic cellulose membrane of 500 molecular weight cut off (MWCO), the latter to help establish baseline behavior. Hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) was selected as the representative cyclodextrin. The CS/HPbetaCD complexation constant was determined both from solubility data (saturation conditions) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4 and with data obtained from PBS/silicone polymer partitioning experiments, the latter experiments permitting the determination of the complexation constant at low CS concentrations. These results were used in the calculations of the free CS concentrations in the donor chamber of the transport experiments. The CS transport experiments were conducted at CS solubility saturation and under supersaturation (resulting from autoclaving at 121 degrees C) conditions as well at very low (tracer level) concentrations. The effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a solution additive was also evaluated. The following were the key outcomes of this study. Contrary to literature reports, there was no evidence that HPbetaCD is an enhancer for CS transport through HMS. The CS permeability coefficient values obtained with HMS in all of the experiments were found to be the same within experimental error when calculated on the basis of the free CS concentration as the driving force for permeation. The constancy of the permeability coefficient in the presence and absence of HPbetaCD is interpreted to mean that, in these experiments, HPbetaCD did not alter the barrier properties of HMS stratum corneum to any significant extent nor did it enhance CS transport in any other manner such as by a carrier mechanism involving the aqueous boundary layer or by a carrier mechanism within the stratum corneum.

Effect of Azone upon the in vivo antiviral efficacy of cidofovir or acyclovir topical formulations in treatment/prevention of cutaneous HSV-1 infections and its correlation with skin target site free drug concentration in hairless mice

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of Azone upon the skin target site free drug concentration (C(*)) and its correlation with the in vivo antiviral efficacies of cidofovir (HPMPC) and acyclovir (ACV) against HSV-1 infections. Formulations of HPMPC and ACV with or without Azone were used. The in vitro skin flux experiments were performed and the C(*) values were calculated. For the in vivo efficacy studies, hairless mice cutaneously infected with HSV-1 were used and three different treatment protocols were carried out. The protocols were chosen based upon when therapy is initiated and terminated in such a way to assess the efficacy of the test drug to cure and/or prevent HSV-1 infections. A finite dose of the formulation was topically applied twice a day for the predetermined time course for each protocol and the lesions were scored on the fifth day. For ACV formulation with Azone, the C(*) values and hence the in vivo efficacy were much higher than those for that without Azone. In protocol #1, however, early treatment did not increase the in vivo efficacy of ACV when compared with the standard treatment protocol #3. In protocol #2 where the treatment was terminated on the day of virus inoculation, the efficacies for both ACV formulations were completely absent. Although the estimated C(*) values for HPMPC formulations with and without Azone were comparable, formulation with Azone was much more effective than that without Azone in all treatment protocols. HPMPC formulations with Azone at similar flux values were much more effective in "treating and preventing" HSV-1 infections than those without Azone. For ACV formulations, in contrast, addition of Azone has failed to show any effect on the preventive in vivo antiviral efficacy and the enhancement of ACV in vivo antiviral efficacy was merely the skin permeation enhancement effect of Azone.

Relationship between the physical shape and the efficiency of oligomeric chitosan as a gene delivery system in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Chitosans of high molecular weights have emerged as efficient nonviral gene delivery systems, but the properties and efficiency of well-defined low molecular weight chitosans (<5 kDa) have not been studied. We therefore characterized DNA complexes of such low molecular weight chitosans and related their physical shape and stability to their efficiency as gene delivery systems in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Individual complexes between six different chitosan oligomers (6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, 14- and 24-mers) and fluorescence-labeled T4 DNA were visualized and classified into six physical shapes using video-enhanced fluorescence microscopy. The effects of chitosan chain length, charge ratio (+/-) and solvent properties (pH and ionic strength) on the stability and structure of the complexes were studied. Gene expression in vitro and in vivo were studied using a luciferase reporter gene.

RESULTS

Free DNA appeared as extended coils. Chitosan complexes had a variety of physical shapes depending on the experimental conditions. In general, the fraction of complexes that had nonaggregated, globular structures increased with increasing chain length of the chitosan oligomer, increasing charge ratio and reduction of pH (from 6.5 to 3.5). A further increase in charge ratio for globular complexes or a further reduction in pH (to 2.5) increased the fraction of aggregates, indicating a window where pharmaceutically desirable globules are obtained. Gene transfection efficiencies in vitro and in vivo were related to the physical shape and stability of the complexes. Only the 24-mer formed stable complexes that gave a high level of gene expression comparable to that of high molecular weight ultrapure chitosan (UPC) in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Chitosan oligomers form complexes with DNA in a structure-dependent manner. We conclude that the 24-mer, which has more desirable physical properties than UPC, is more attractive as a gene delivery system than the conventional high molecular weight chitosans.

Evaluation of the mucoadhesive properties of N-trimethyl chitosan chloride

Previous studies have established that N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) is a potent absorption enhancer for peptides and large hydrophilic compounds across mucosal surfaces, especially in neutral and basic environments where chitosan is ineffective as an absorption enhancer. The degree of quaternization of TMC plays an important role on its absorption-enhancing properties. Several TMC polymers with different degrees of quaternization were synthesized and the molecular mass of the polymers was determined by SEC/MALLS. The mucoadhesive properties of the TMC polymers were measured with a modified tensiometer based on the Willhelmy plate method. The effect of the TMC polymers on the surface tension of a mixture of polymer and mucus was measured with a Du Noüy tensiometer. The degrees of quaternization of the synthesized TMC polymers were between 22.1% and 48.8% and the molecular mass was above 100,000 g/mole for all the polymers. A decrease in mucoadhesivity with an increase in the degree of quaternization of the TMC polymers was found. Surface-tension analysis of a mixture of polymer and mucus showed the effect of excessive polymer hydration on mucoadhesion. The results show that the degree of quaternization of TMC had a pronounced effect on the mucoadhesive properties of this polymer. Although the mucoadhesive profiles for the TMC polymers were lower than the original chitosan, they still retained sufficient mucoadhesive properties for successful inclusion into mucoadhesive dosage forms.

P-glycoprotein-mediated efflux as a major factor in the variance of absorption and distribution of drugs: modulation of chemotherapy resistance

Active efflux of many therapeutics and other xenobiotics from cells and tissues by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) can cause dramatic effects on bioavailability. This expulsion of compounds from cells is known as a major form of multiple drug resistance (MDR). Often a significant barrier to oral absorption at the intestine, P-gp also protects the liver, brain, placenta, testes, adrenal gland and other tissues from cytotoxic insult. Due to the wide tolerance of substrate recognition, P-gp can often be the mechanism for significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions when two or more drugs are competing for the P-gp transport site. P-gp levels are also inducible and can be even further elavated in cancer cells, thus contributing to the confounding pleiotropic resistance to chemotherapy and poor treatment prognosis. Consequently, a broad scope of research over 20 years has led to the evaluation of co-therapies intended to augment chemotherapy by inhibiting P-gp. This review includes a list of the currently known P-gp inhibiting adjuvant candidates described in the literature, with associated references and summary data. The summary catalogue of P-gp modulators illustrates the ardent pursuit to overcome this form of therapy resistance and gives examples of clinical success and failure.

Monolithic matrix type transdermal drug delivery systems of pinacidil monohydrate: in vitro characterisation

The monolithic matrix type transdermal drug delivery systems of pinacidil monohydrate (PM) were prepared by film casting technique on mercury substrate and characterised in vitro by drug release studies using paddle over disc assembly, skin permeation studies using Keshary and Chein diffusion cell on albino rat skin and drug-excipient interaction analysis. Four formulations were developed which differed in the ratio of matrix forming polymers, Eudragit RL-100 and PVP K-30, i.e. 8:2, 4:6, 2:8 and 6:4 and were coded as B-1, B-2, B-3 and B-4, respectively. All the four formulations carried 20% w/w of PM, 5% w/w of plasticiser, PEG-400 and 5% w/w of DMSO (based on total polymer weight) in isopropyl alcohol: dichloromethane (40:60) solvent system. Cumulative % of drug released in 48 h from the four formulations was 63.96, 55.95, 52.26 and 92.18%. The corresponding values for cumulative amount of drug permeated for the said formulations were 57.28, 50.35, 46.38 and 86.54%, respectively. On the basis of in vitro drug release and skin permeation performance, formulation B-4 was found to be better than the other three formulations and it was selected as the optimised formulation. The interaction studies carried out by comparing the results of assay, ultraviolet, infrared and TLC analyses for the pure drug, medicated and placebo formulations indicated no chemical interaction between the drug and excipients.

Measuring the surface area of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant

The traditional method of determining surface area, nitrogen gas sorption, requires complete drying of the sample prior to analysis. This technique is not suitable for aluminum hydroxide adjuvant because it is composed of submicron, fibrous particles that agglomerate irreversibly upon complete removal of water. In this study, the surface area of a commercial aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was determined by a gravimetric/FTIR method that measures the water adsorption capacity. This technique does not require complete drying of the adjuvant. Five replicate determinations gave a mean surface area of 514 m(2)/g and a 95% confidence interval of 36 m(2)/g for a commercial aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. The X-ray diffraction pattern and the Scherrer equation were used to calculate the dimensions of the primary crystallites. The average calculated dimensions were 4.5 x 2.2 x 10 nm. Based on these dimensions, the mean calculated surface area of the commercial aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was 509 m(2)/g, and the 95% confidential interval was 30 m(2)/g. The close agreement between the two surface area values indicates that either method may be used to determine the surface area of aluminum hydroxide adjuvant. The high surface area, which was determined by two methods, is an important property of aluminum hydroxide adjuvants, and is the basis for the intrinsically high protein adsorption capacity.

Drug adjuvant interaction study using DSC supported by isothermal method

Extensive work has been done in the field of drug adjuvant interaction studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), but conclusive interpretive techniques could not be reached since very few workers supplemented their work by conventional isothermal stability testing methods. This work compared the drug adjuvant thermogram with results obtained from isothermal stability studies and used it to reiterate the results of the drug adjuvant thermograms. In the formulation of ascorbic acid in a cosmetic preparation, the various adjuvants were tested for interactions first by the isothermal stability testing technique, which was followed by DSC scanning of the drug adjuvant. The results of the two methods were compared and correlated.

Synthesis, structure and tumour necrosis factor-alpha production-enhancing properties of novel adamantylamino heterocyclic derivatives

The synthesis of several adamantylated aminoheterocycles is reported. The attack of the adamantyl cation formed from 1-adamantanol in refluxing trifluoroacetic acid or induced by microwave irradiation provides adamantylamino-derivatives of respective heterocycles. Adamantylated heterocycles enhance the induction of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in genetically modified murine melanoma cells transduced with the gene for human TNF-alpha. Of the studied collection of adamantylated compounds, the most biologically active are 2-adamantylamino-6-methylpyridine and 2-adamantylamino4-methylpyrimidine. The crystal structure of 2-adamantylamino-6-methylpyridine is reported.

Adjuvancy enhancement of muramyl dipeptide by modulating its release from a physicochemically modified matrix of ovalbumin microspheres. II. In vivo investigation

In the present study, sustaining the release of adjuvants was investigated using microspheres as a means to increase the immune response (i.e. efficacy) and, ultimately, to reduce adverse effects to vaccine components. To date, most attempts have focused on sustaining the release of antigens. The utility of currently used vaccine adjuvants may be improved by sustaining their release. The development, modification and characterization of a two-component microsphere vaccine delivery system was demonstrated in our previous report [Puri et al., J. Control. Release (2000) in press]. Briefly, ovalbumin (OVA) was utilized as the model antigen (Ag) and delivery matrix and MDP or threonyl-MDP served as the model adjuvants. The release pattern of MDP was modulated from a physicochemically modified matrix of OVA microspheres (OVA-MSs). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the adjuvancy of MDP in mice by modulating its release from OVA-MSs. Mice were immunized intradermally (i.d.) with various preparations of OVA-MSs, using a single-shot-immunization technique. Positive and negative control preparations were evaluated as well. An inverse relationship was observed between the in vitro release rate of MDP and the in vivo OVA-specific IgG antibody (Ab) immune response in mice. These results demonstrated that modulating the release pattern of MDP or threonyl-MDP enhanced their adjuvant effect. In conclusion, the current results demonstrate that the sustained and controlled release of adjuvants is extremely important for inducing a high level and prolonged period of immunostimulation while potentially minimizing therapy-limiting adverse effects.

Adjuvancy enhancement of muramyl dipeptide by modulating its release from a physicochemically modified matrix of ovalbumin microspheres. I. In vitro characterization

The weak immunogenicity of subunit vaccines has necessitated research into the development of novel adjuvants and methods to enhance the adjuvancy associated with vaccine delivery systems. The purpose of the present study was to modulate the release of muramyl dipeptide (MDP) from a physicochemically modified matrix of ovalbumin microspheres (OVA-MSs). A two-component MS vaccine delivery system was fabricated, which utilized OVA as the antigen and delivery matrix, and MDP as the adjuvant. The MSs were prepared from OVA using a water/oil emulsion method, followed by suspension cross-linking using glutaraldehyde. The MS matrix was modified with respect to the degree of cross-linking by varying the concentration of glutaraldehyde and matrix density, a function of disulfide-bond formation. The modifications in the MS matrix were characterized using SDS-PAGE, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thin layer wicking (TLW). The in vitro release of MDP and OVA from the various preparations of OVA-MSs exhibited triphasic and biphasic profiles, respectively. The degree of cross-linking and the matrix density were found to be significant physicochemical parameters that affected the release profiles of MDP and OVA through two mechanisms: controlled surface erosion and bulk degradation of the MSs.

Porous cellulose matrices containing lipophilic release modifiers--a potential oral extended-release system

A multiple-unit extended-release matrix preparation was prepared by the incorporation of a hydrophilic drug (paracetamol) and lipophilic release modifiers (cetyl alcohol and paraffin) into porous cellulose matrices. The incorporation was performed using a one-step melt method. The in vitro drug release could be extended up to at least 16 h. The release rate could be controlled by varying the ratio of cetyl alcohol to paraffin. The porosity of the matrix during release increased to a larger extent than explainable by dissolution of the drug substance. This increase in porosity appears to be caused by swelling of the cellulose in combination with some erosion of the matrix material.

Physical and lubrication properties of magnesium stearate

The lubrication properties of two commercial-grade magnesium stearates were studied. Their moisture contents and crystal structures were similar. There were minor differences in their fatty acid composition, but the differences did not affect the lubrication properties. The lubrication properties correlated with particle size distributions and specific surface area. The effect of these parameters was further studied with unmilled and milled chemically pure magnesium stearate. Milling decreased the particle size and increased the specific surface area. In both cases, the batch with a smaller particle size and larger specific surface area had considerably better lubricity.

Relationship of film properties to drug release from monolithic films containing adjuvants

The rate of drug release from a polymeric matrix system was influenced by the physical and chemical properties of the monolithic films. The model drugs, salicylic acid and chlorpheniramine maleate, and two poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymers of different permeabilities (Eudragit RL and Eudragit RS), with and without additional adjuvants, were used to form monolithic matrix films for controlled drug release. Adjuvants, including polyethylene glycols (PEG 400 and PEG 8000) and poly(vinylpyrrolidones) (PVP-K15 and PVP-K90), were incorporated into films of Eudragit RL PM and Eudragit RS PM. The moisture permeation constant, glass transition temperature (Tg), tensile strength, and drug release profiles were determined for each acrylic resin slab to correlate the physicochemical and physicomechanical film properties to observed drug release. Faster rates of drug diffusion were observed with the addition of PEG 400 to the films, because of its plasticizing effect and the resultant increased moisture permeability of the matrix. An exception existed with the Eudragit RL PM film containing salicylic acid where drug-polymer interactions inhibited drug diffusion. The small changes in moisture permeability, Tg, and tensile strength observed with incorporation of the PVPs had an insignificant influence on the dissolution results for salicylic acid from Eudragit RS PM films. Increases in the tensile strength and Tg after addition of PVP to the Eudragit RS PM matrix support the observed decreased rate of diffusion for chlorpheniramine maleate. The pores formed by migration of the hydrophilic adjuvants from the films altered the diffusion kinetics of the matrix, compared with that of the nonporous polymer, when only the antihistamine was present.

Permeation enhancers compatible with transdermal drug delivery systems: part II: system design considerations

Part I of this article reviewed the classification, chemistry, properties, selection, and use of skin permeation enhancers in transdermal drug delivery systems and dermal patches. In Part II, the authors discuss ideal properties of enhancers and describe various enhancers' actions on the skin, as well as interaction among permeation enhancers and other transdermal delivery system components, such as backing materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, membranes, and release liners. Adhesive properties critical to the optimization of a transdermal formulation are discussed.

Permeation enhancers compatible with transdermal drug delivery systems. Part I: selection and formulation considerations

Part I of this article reviews the classification, chemistry, properties, selection, and use of skin permeation enhancers in transdermal drug delivery systems and dermal patches. The authors discuss ideal properties of enhancers and describe various enhancers' actions on the skin. Part II will describe interactions between permeation enhancers and other transdermal delivery system components, such as backing materials, pressure-sensitive adhesives, membranes, and release liners. Adhesive properties critical to the optimization of a transdermal formulation will be discussed.