Amorphous compositions using concentration enhancing polymers for improved bioavailability of itraconazole

Preparation and characterization of fusion processed solid dispersions containing a viscous thermally labile polymeric carrier

The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of hydroxypropyl and methoxyl substituted cellulose ethers to stabilize supersaturated concentrations of itraconazole (ITZ), a poorly water-soluble weak base, after an acid-to-neutral pH transition. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of fusion processes on polymer stability and molecular weight. Polymer screening studies showed that stabilization of ITZ supersaturation was related to the molecular weight of the polymer and levels of hydroxypropyl and methoxyl substitution. METHOCEL E50LV (E50LV), which is characterized as having a high melt viscosity, was selected for solid dispersion formulation studies. Hot-melt extrusion processing of E50LV based compositions resulted in high torque loads, low material throughput and polymer degradation. KinetiSol Dispersing, a novel fusion based processing technique, was evaluated as a method to prepare the solid dispersions with reduced levels of polymer degradation. An experimental design revealed that polymer molecular weight was sensitive to shearing forces and high temperatures. However, optimal processing conditions resulted in significantly reduced E50LV degradation relative to HME processing. The technique was effectively utilized to prepare homogenous solid solutions of E50LV and ITZ, characterized as having a single glass transition temperature over a wide range of drug loadings. All prepared compositions provided for a high degree of ITZ supersaturation stabilization.

Evaluation of drug load and polymer by using a 96-well plate vacuum dry system for amorphous solid dispersion drug delivery

It is well recognized that poor dissolution rate and solubility of drug candidates are key limiting factors for oral bioavailability. While numerous technologies have been developed to enhance solubility of the drug candidates, poor water solubility continuously remains a challenge for drug delivery. Among those technologies, amorphous solid dispersions (SD) have been successfully employed to enhance both dissolution rate and solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. This research reports a high-throughput screening technology developed by utilizing a 96-well plate system to identify optimal drug load and polymer using a solvent casting approach. A minimal amount of drug was required to evaluate optimal drug load in three different polymers with respect to solubility improvement and solid-state stability of the amorphous drug-polymer system. Validation of this method was demonstrated with three marketed drugs as well as with one internal compound. Scale up of the internal compound SD by spray drying further confirmed the validity of this method, and its quality was comparable to a larger scale process. Here, we demonstrate that our system is highly efficient, cost-effective, and robust to evaluate the feasibility of spray drying technology to produce amorphous solid dispersions.

Amorphous-state characterization of efavirenz--polymer hot-melt extrusion systems for dissolution enhancement

The aim of this study was to improve the dissolution rate of efavirenz (EFV) by formulating a physically stable dispersion in polymers. Hot-melt extrusion (HME) was used to prepare solid solutions of EFV with Eudragit EPO (a low-glass transition polymer) or Plasdone S-630 (a high-glass transition polymer). The drug-polymer blends were characterized for their thermal and rheological properties as a function of drug concentration to understand their miscibility and processability by HME. The solid-state stability of extrudates was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and dissolution studies. Thermal and rheological studies revealed that the drug is miscible with both polymers, and a decrease in melt viscosity was observed as the drug concentration increased. XRD and DSC studies confirmed the existence of amorphous state of EFV in the extrudates during storage. The dissolution rate of EFV from the extrudates was substantially higher than the crystalline drug. FTIR studies revealed an interaction between the EFV and Plasdone S-630, which reduced the molecular mobility and prevented crystallization upon storage. EFV and Eudragit EPO systems lack specific interactions, but are less susceptible to crystallization due to the antiplasticization effect of the polymer.

A novel nanomatrix system consisted of colloidal silica and pH-sensitive polymethylacrylate improves the oral bioavailability of fenofibrate

A novel solid particle system with a nanomatrix structure and without surfactant for the oral delivery of insoluble drugs was prepared. This used a combination of pH-sensitive polymethylacrylate and nano-porous silica, in order to improve the drug absorption using only pharmaceutical excipients and a relative simple process. The in vitro drug dissolution and in vivo oral bioavailability of this formulation, using fenofibrate as the model drug, were compared with other reference formulations such as a suspension, micronized formulation or self microemulsion drug delivery system (SMEDDS). The supersaturation stabilizing effect of different polymers was evaluated and the physicochemical characterization of the optimal formulation was conducted by SEM, TEM, surface area analysis, DSC, and XRD. The optimized formulation prepared with polymethylacrylate (Eudragit®L100-55) and silica (Sylysia®350) markedly improved the drug dissolution compared with other reference preparations and displayed a comparative oral bioavailability to the SMEDDS. Fenofibrate existed in a molecular or amorphous state in the nanomatrix, and this state was maintained for up to 1year, without obvious changes in drug release and absorption. In conclusion, the nanomatrix formulation described here is a promising system to enhance the oral bioavailability of water-insoluble drugs.

Potent dried drug nanosuspensions for oral bioavailability enhancement of poorly soluble drugs with pH-dependent solubility

The objective of this study was to enhance the oral bioavailability of itraconazole (ITZ) with dried drug nanosuspensions. The feasibility of using poloxamer 407 or HPMC (50 cp) as stabilizers for preparing ITZ nanosuspensions by facile acid-base neutralization was investigated. Dried ITZ nanosuspensions were prepared by spray drying. The effect of matrix former on the dissolution rate of dried ITZ nanosuspensions was investigated. Results from dissolution test revealed that spray-dried ITZ nanosuspensions (ITZ:HPMC:mannitol 1:0.5:2, w/w) preserved the high dissolution rate from nanosuspensions. After oral administration in rats, the AUC(0-36) from dried ITZ nanosuspensions was 1.5-fold and 1.8-fold higher than the AUC(0-36) from sporanox pellets (commercial product) in the fed and fasted states, respectively (p<0.05). More importantly, the AUC(0-36) from dried ITZ nanosuspensions showed no difference between fed/fasted states, because this formulation could enhance the adsorption of ITZ in target site (small intestine) regardless of food intake. In addition, dried ITZ nanosuspensions showed a lower inter-individual variability in terms of bioavailability. Positive results demonstrate that dried drug nanosuspensions formulation prepared by acid-base neutralization combined with spray drying may be a promising method for enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs with pH-dependent solubility.

A novel domperidone hydrogel: preparation, characterization, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic properties

The purpose of the present study was to prepare a novel domperidone hydrogel. The domperidone dispersion was prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The characteristics of domperidone dispersion were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffractometry, and solubility test, respectively. Domperidone hydrogel was prepared by directly incorporating the domperidone dispersion in Carbopol hydrogel to increase its mucoadhesive properties to gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies were investigated to evaluate the relative oral bioavailability and the propulsion efficacy of domperidone hydrogel as compared with market domperidone tablet (Motilium tablet). The particle size of domperidone dispersion in distilled water was 454.0 nm. The results of DSC and X-ray indicated that domperidone in dispersion was in amorphous state. The solubility of domperidone in the dispersion in distilled water, pH of 1, 5, and 7 buffer solution was 45.7-, 63.9-, 13.1-, and 3.7-fold higher than that of raw domperidone, respectively. The area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC(0-24)) in domperidone hydrogel was 2.2-fold higher than that of tablet. The prolonged propulsion efficacy in the domperidone hydrogel group compared to that in tablet group was observed in the pharmacodynamic test.

Maintenance of supersaturation I: indomethacin crystal growth kinetic modeling using an online second-derivative ultraviolet spectroscopic method

Formulations that produce supersaturated solutions after their oral administration have received increased attention as a means to improve bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Although it is widely recognized that excipients can prolong supersaturation, the mechanisms by which these beneficial effects are realized are generally unknown. Difficulties in separately measuring the kinetics of nucleation and crystal growth have limited progress in understanding the mechanisms by which excipients contribute to the supersaturation maintenance. This paper describes the crystal growth kinetic modeling of indomethacin, a poorly water-soluble drug, from supersaturated aqueous suspensions using a newly developed, online second-derivative ultraviolet spectroscopic method. The apparent indomethacin equilibrium solubility after crystal growth at a high degree of supersaturation (S=6) was approximately 55% higher than the indomethacin equilibrium solubility determined prior to growth, which was attributed to the deposition of a higher energy indomethacin form on the seed crystals. The indomethacin crystal growth kinetics (S=6) was of first order. By comparing the mass transfer coefficients from indomethacin dissolution and crystal growth, it was shown that the indomethacin crystal growth kinetics at S=6 was bulk diffusion controlled. The change in indomethacin seed crystal size distribution before and after crystal growth was determined and modeled using a mass-balance relationship.

Drug supersaturation in simulated and human intestinal fluids representing different nutritional states

It was the purpose of this study to explore supersaturation of poorly soluble drugs in human intestinal fluids (HIF), and to assess potential food effects on the creation and maintenance of supersaturation. Duodenal fluids were collected from healthy volunteers and pooled according to three nutritional states (fasted-, fed-, and fat-enriched fed state). Supersaturation was created at a fixed degree of supersaturation (DS=20) using the solvent-shift method. Fasted- and fed-state simulated intestinal fluids (FaSSIF and FeSSIF) were used as intestinal simulation media. Supersaturation in HIF showed to be stable up to a certain degree for different poorly soluble drugs. In HIF as well as in FaSSIF and FeSSIF, supersaturation appeared to be compound and medium specific. Supersaturation stability was found to be inversely proportional to the solubility in the corresponding media. Food intake affected itraconazole supersaturation positively. On the contrary, etravirine and loviride supersaturation decreased upon food intake. Supersaturation experiments in FaSSIF and FeSSIF showed similar results as in HIF for etravirine and loviride, whereas itraconazole supersaturation behaved differently in HIF versus simulation media. The present study illustrates, for the first time, that supersaturation can be created and maintained in HIF, even in the absence of excipients.

Formation of bicalutamide nanodispersion for dissolution rate enhancement

Bicalutamide was loaded on hydrophilic excipients to form nanodispersions via a combination of anti-solvent precipitation and spray drying method. The particle size, BET surface area, contact angles and dissolution rate of the nanodispersions were analyzed. The results indicated that lactose was a suitable matrix to prevent the bicalutamide particles growth and aggregation. The lactose loaded particles had a mean size of 330 nm within a narrow distribution. X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) characterization indicated the nanodispersion exhibited unchanged crystalline and chemical structure. Dissolution rate of bicalutamide nanodispersion was significantly faster than that of commercial products. It increased to 94% in 10 min while both commercial formulas Casodex and bicalutamide tablets dissolved 60% and 38% respectively at the same period. It was proposed that the enhanced dissolution rate of bicalutamide nanodispersion contribute to high surface area and well-wetted state of drug particles.

Dissolution enhancement of a drug exhibiting thermal and acidic decomposition characteristics by fusion processing: a comparative study of hot melt extrusion and KinetiSol dispersing

In this study, hot melt extrusion (HME) and KinetiSol Dispersing (KSD) were utilized to prepare dissolution-enhanced solid dispersions of Roche Research Compound A (ROA), a BCS class II drug. Preformulation characterization studies showed that ROA was chemically unstable at elevated temperatures and acidic pH values. Eudragit L100-55 and AQOAT LF (HPMCAS) were evaluated as carrier polymers. Dispersions were characterized for ROA recovery, crystallinity, homogeneity, and non-sink dissolution. Eudragit L100-55 dispersions prepared by HME required the use of micronized ROA and reduced residence times in order to become substantially amorphous. Compositions containing HPMCAS were also prepared by HME, but an amorphous dispersion could not be obtained. All HME compositions contained ROA-related impurities. KSD was investigated as a method to reduce the decomposition of ROA while rendering compositions amorphous. Substantially amorphous, plasticizer free compositions were processed successfully by KSD with significantly higher ROA recovery values and amorphous character than those achieved by HME. A near-infrared chemical imaging analysis was conducted on the solid dispersions as a measure of homogeneity. A statistical analysis showed similar levels of homogeneity in compositions containing Eudragit L100-55, while differences were observed in those containing HMPCAS. Non-sink dissolution analysis of all compositions showed rapid supersaturation after pH adjustment to approximately two to three times the equilibrium solubility of ROA, which was maintained for at least 24 h. The results of the study demonstrated that KSD is an effective method of forming dissolution-enhanced amorphous solid solutions in cases where HME is not a feasible technique.

Fusion processing of itraconazole solid dispersions by kinetisol dispersing: a comparative study to hot melt extrusion

KinetiSol Dispersing (KSD) is a novel high energy manufacturing process investigated here for the production of pharmaceutical solid dispersions. Solid dispersions of itraconazole (ITZ) and hypromellose were produced by KSD and compared to identical formulations produced by hot melt extrusion (HME). Materials were characterized for solid state properties by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Dissolution behavior was studied under supersaturated conditions. Oral bioavailability was determined using a Sprague-Dawley rat model. Results showed that KSD was able to produce amorphous solid dispersions in under 15 s while production by HME required over 300 s. Dispersions produced by KSD exhibited single phase solid state behavior indicated by a single glass transition temperature (T(g)) whereas compositions produced by HME exhibited two T(g)s. Increased dissolution rates for compositions manufactured by KSD were also observed compared to HME processed material. Near complete supersaturation was observed for solid dispersions produced by either manufacturing processes. Oral bioavailability from both processes showed enhanced AUC compared to crystalline ITZ. Based on the results presented from this study, KSD was shown to be a viable manufacturing process for the production of pharmaceutical solid dispersions, providing benefits over conventional techniques including: enhanced mixing for improved homogeneity and reduced processing times.

Applications of KinetiSol dispersing for the production of plasticizer free amorphous solid dispersions

Thermal manufacturing methods for the production of solid dispersions frequently require the addition of a plasticizer in order to achieve requisite molten material flow properties when processed by unit operations such as hot melt extrusion. KinetiSol Dispersing, a rapid high energy thermal manufacturing process, was investigated for the ability to produce amorphous solid dispersions without the aid of a plasticizer. For this study itraconazole was used as a model active ingredient, while Eudragit L100-55 and Carbomer 974P were used as model solid dispersion carriers. Triethyl citrate (TEC) was used as necessary as a model plasticizer. Compositions prepared by KinetiSol Dispersing and hot melt extrusion were evaluated for solid state properties, supersaturated in vitro dissolution behavior under pH change conditions and accelerated stability performance. Results showed that both manufacturing processes were capable of producing amorphous solid dispersions, however compositions produced by hot melt extrusion required the presence of TEC and yielded a glass transition temperature (T(g)) of approximately 54 degrees C. Plasticized and unplasticized compositions were successfully produced by KinetiSol Dispersing, with plasticizer free solid dispersions exhibiting a T(g) of approximately 101 degrees C. Supersaturated in vitro dissolution testing revealed a significantly higher dissolution rate of plasticized material which was attributed to the pore forming behavior of TEC during the acidic phase of testing. A further contribution to release may also have been provided by the greater diffusivity in the plasticized polymer. X-ray diffraction testing revealed that under accelerated stability conditions, plasticized compositions exhibited partial recrystallization, while plasticizer free materials remained amorphous throughout the 6-month testing period. These results demonstrated that KinetiSol Dispersing could be used for the production of amorphous solid dispersions without the aid of a plasticizer and illustrated the enhanced solid state stability that can be achieved by producing solid dispersions with higher glass transition temperatures.