Drug-excipient compatibility assessment of solid formulations containing meloxicam

Development of Oral Tablets of Nebivolol with Improved Dissolution Properties, Based on Its Combinations with Cyclodextrins

New oral tablets of nebivolol have been developed aiming to improve, by cyclodextrin (CD) complexation, its low solubility/dissolution properties-the main reason behind its poor/variable oral bioavailability. Phase-solubility studies, performed using βCD and highly-soluble βCD-derivatives, indicated sulfobutylether-βCD (SBEβCD) as the best solubilizing/complexing agent. Solid drug-SBEβCD systems were prepared by different methods and characterized for solid-state and dissolution properties. The coevaporated product was chosen for tablet development since it provided the highest dissolution rate (100% increase in dissolved drug at 10 min) and almost complete drug amorphization/complexation. The developed tablets reached the goal, allowing us to achieve 100% dissolved drug at 60 min, compared to 66% and 64% obtained, respectively, with a reference tablet without CD and a commercial tablet. However, the percentage dissolved after 10 min from such tablets was only 10% higher than the reference. This was ascribed to the potential binding/compacting abilities of SBEβCD, reflected in the greater hardness and longer disintegration times of the new tablets than the reference (7.64 vs. 1.06 min). A capsule formulation with the same composition of nebivolol-SBEβCD tablets showed about a 90% increase in dissolved drug after 5 min compared to the reference tablet, and reached 100% dissolved drug after only 20 min.

Medicated Lacquer For Application On Adornments To Treat Affections In Aesthetic Perforations

Aesthetic perforations are often associated with health issues, such as itching, inflammation, or microbial infection. Accordingly, this work proposed a lacquer to be applied on the adornment accessory forming a film from which a proper drug is released. For this, lacquers were formulated containing three different permeation enhancers (limonene - LIM, propylene glycol - PG, and oleic acid - AO) combined according to a mixture design with a model anti-inflammatory natural drug (naringenin) and a soluble film-former polymer (polyvinyl alcohol). Formulations were characterized by physicochemical tests and in vitro and in vivo skin permeation studies. The lacquers were stable and provided a vectorized drug release. LIM, combined with one of the other permeation enhancers, showed a synergic effect, enhancing topical skin penetration in vitro by 53% while preventing permeation to the receptor medium. The in vivo evaluation of lacquers in rodent models showed these systems could provide higher levels of drug retention in the ear (166.4 ± 14.9 µg per ear for F4 and 174.9 ± 29.3 µg per ear for F5) compared to the control (109.2 ± 16.3 µg) without allowing its permeation into the bloodstream, confirming the local drug delivery. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity was achieved in the animal model developed for lacquer application on the earring, obtaining inhibition of ear swelling up to 40.8% ± 2.3 compared to the untreated ear. Thus, such an innovative lacquer proved a promising vehicle for treating affections caused by adornments, enhancing skin permeation while avoiding a systemic effect.

Developed meloxicam loaded microparticles for colon targeted delivery: Statistical optimization, physicochemical characterization, and in-vivo toxicity study

The study aimed to fabricate and evaluate Meloxicam (MLX) loaded Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) microparticles for colon targeting because MLX is a potent analgesic used in the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, its efficiency is limited by poor solubility and gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) associated side effects. Seventeen formulations of MLX loaded HPMC microparticles were fabricated by the oil-in-oil (O/O)/ emulsion solvent evaporation (ESE) technique. A 3-factor, 3-level Box Behnken (BBD) statistical design was used to estimate the combined effects of the independent variables on the dependent variables (responses), such as the percent yield (R1), the entrapment efficiency (EE) (R2), mean particle size (R3) and in vitro percentage of cumulative drug release (R4). For physicochemical characterization FTIR, XRD, DSC, and SEM analyses were performed. Biocompatibility and non-toxicity were confirmed by in-vivo acute oral toxicity determination. The percentage yield and EE were 65.75-90.71%, and 70.62-88.37%, respectively. However, the mean particle size was 62.89-284.55 μm, and the in vitro cumulative drug release percentage was 74.25-92.64% for 24 hours. FTIR analysis showed that the composition of the particles was completely compatible, while XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline nature of the pure drug and its transition into an amorphous state after formulation. DSC analysis revealed the thermal stability of the formulations. The SEM analysis showed dense spherical particles. The toxicity study in albino rabbits showed no toxicity and was found biocompatible. The histopathological evaluation showed no signs of altered patterns. Results of this study highlighted a standard colonic drug delivery system with the ability to improve patient adherence and reduce GIT drug-associated side effects in CRC treatment.

Preparation and in Vitro Evaluation of Osmotic-Pump Lorcaserin-hydrochloride Controlled-Release Tablets

Long-term and constant-release osmotic-pump lorcaserin hydrochloride controlled-release tablets (OP LH CRTs) were prepared, to investigate the influencing factors of LH release and optimize the formulation. The mechanism of release of LH from OP LH CRTs in vitro was investigated. By establishing a high-efficiency method for measuring LH release in vitro, and optimizing it by single-factor and orthogonal experiments, the best formulation of OP LH CRTs was determined. Then, the optimal prescription of OP LH CRTs was: LH = 20.8 mg; mannitol = 100 mg, microcrystalline cellulose = 125 mg; magnesium stearate = 5 mg; cellulose acetate = 3%; polyethylene glycol 400 = 10%; dibutyl phthalate = 10%; Wetting agent and binder was 3% polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) K30 ethanol solution; aperture diameter = 0.8 mm; the coating gained 3% weight. And finally, prepared OP LH CRTs were released at a constant rate in vitro and sustained for 16 h with good reproducibility between batches. Using an orthogonal experimental design, OP LH CRTs with remarkable zero-order release characteristics within 16 h were obtained, and formulation optimization was realized.

Assessment of Structural Compatibility of Saxagliptin in Physical Mixtures with some excipient by Using HPLC

Introduction:

Saxagliptin hydrochloride is an oral hypoglycemic agent used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Saxagliptin is unstable because it undergoes an intra-molecular cyclisation reaction to form a cyclicamidine in both solution and solid states. In pharmaceutical development of saxagliptin it is important to select the excipients which are compatible and help to minimize the formation of cyclicamidine. In excipient compatibility study for saxagliptin it is essential to identify the formation of cyclicamidine and other related substances.

Materials and Methods:

In the current work, the method for quantification of saxagliptin, cyclicamidine and its related substances by high performance liquid chromatographic was developed and validated. This method was used as screening technique for assessing the compatibility of saxagliptin with some pharmaceutical excipients. These were evaluated by analyzing the pure saxagliptin and saxagliptin- excipient in physical mixture, which were stored under different conditions at 40°C/75% Relative Humidity (RH) for one month. The method was successfully validated as per ICH guidelines.

Results and Conclusion:

The results of compatibility study demonstrate the suitability of saxagliptin with Methocel, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG), Opadry Red, Opadry pink, Opadry white, and Opadry Pink.

Compatibility investigation for a new antituberculotic fixed dose combination with an adequate drug delivery

The compatibility of formulation components is crucial for safe and high-quality medicines. To detect the potential for incompatibility and to assess formulation stability, it is beneficial to conduct a compatibility study during the drug development phase. The therapy of tuberculosis normally consists of two or more medicines taken together. Consequently, different antituberculotic fixed-dose combination (FDC) formulations have been developed. Isoniazid is first-line medicine and present in several FDCs. Low bioavailability due to the active substances' incompatibility in acidic medium was reported for some of these FDC forms. Rifabutin, also a first-line antituberculotic, is available in the market as a single component formulation. This study presents compatibility testing of these two active substances for a new FDC and evaluates the impact of the most common solid dosage forms' excipients on the stability of two active substances. The potential for interaction between the formulation components was analyzed by the UHPLC method. One degradation product and one interaction product were observed and further characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Still, significant degradation of two active substances, such as reported in marketed FDC formulations was not detected for this combination. The stability and drug delivery of the proposed combination were confirmed by the dissolution test in acidic medium.

Update on compatibility assessment of empagliflozin with the selected pharmaceutical excipients employed in solid dosage forms by thermal, spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques

Empagliflozin (EGF) received USFDA approval in 2014 for oral use to control the glucose levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Albeit, a systematic drug-excipient compatibility study of EGF has not been reported in the open literature. As physical and chemical interactions affect the performance of the formulation, this study intended to unveil the drug and excipients interactions which would later help in development of a robust solid dosage form. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied as a screening tool for the assessment of compatibility between EGF and the list of excipients mentioned in the EMEA summary of product characteristics (SmPC)-section 6.1, along with mannitol and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Powder Diffraction (PXRD) and Hot Stage Microscopy (HSM) methods were utilized to appraise the interpretation of DSC results adequately. Isothermal stress testing (IST) studies of EGF were performed using the selected excipients to check the presence of interaction products (IPs) and the drug content by HPLC. Additional peaks were observed in the EGF-macrogol mixture than the drug peak in the HPLC analysis after two and half months, and those were separated and identified by the Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS). Overall, EGF had shown compatibility with 13 selected excipients; however, initial observation of DSC and IST studies indicated plausible interaction of the EGF with macrogol.

Pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of meloxicam oil suspension in pigs after intramuscular administration

This study aimed to develop one novel meloxicam (MEL) oil suspension for sustained-release and compare the pharmacokinetic characteristics of it with MEL conventional formulation in pigs after a single intramuscular administration. Six healthy pigs were used for the study by a crossover design in two periods with a withdrawal interval of 14 days. Plasma concentrations of MEL were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by noncompartmental methods. The difference was statistically significant (p < .05) between MEL oil suspension and MEL conventional formulation in pharmacokinetic parameters of mean residence time (6.16 ± 4.04) hr versus (2.66 ± 0.55) hr, peak plasma concentration (C_max ) (0.82 ± 0.12) µg/ml versus (1.12 ± 0.22) µg/ml, time needed to reach C_max (T_max ) (2.33 ± 0.82) hr versus (0.59 ± 0.18) hr, and terminal elimination half-life (t_1/2λz ) (3.74 ± 2.66) hr versus (1.55 ± 0.37) hr. The mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC_0-∝ ) of MEL oil suspension and MEL conventional formulation was 5.35 and 3.43 hr µg/ml, respectively, with a relative bioavailability of 155.98%. Results of the present study demonstrated that the MEL oil suspension could prolong the effective time of drugs in blood, thereby reducing the frequency of administration on a course of treatment. Therefore, the novel MEL oil suspension seems to be of great value in veterinary clinical application.

Efficacy of targeted liposomes and nanocochleates containing imatinib plus dexketoprofen against fibrosarcoma

The main challenges in treating cancer using chemotherapeutics are insufficient dose at the target site and the development of drug resistance, while higher doses can induce side effects by damaging nontarget tissues. Combinatorial drug therapy may overcome these limitations by permitting lower doses and more specific targeting, thereby mitigating drug resistance and nontarget side effects. Recent reports indicate that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have anticancer potential and can be used together with conventional chemotherapeutics to improve efficacy and safety. In the present study, imatinib mesylate and dexketoprofen trometamol were selected as model drugs to develop targeted surface-modified liposome and nanocochleate formulations for fibrosarcoma treatment. The physicochemical properties and in vitro efficacy of various formulations were evaluated by measurement of particle size distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, diffusion through Caco-2 cells, and toxicity in culture. Selected formulations were then evaluated in fibrosarcoma-bearing model mice by histopathological observations and tyrosine kinase receptor inhibition assays. The most effective formulation on the fibrosarcoma model was a PEGylated nanocochleate formulation. These findings provide a foundation for developing more effective formulations and chemotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of fibrosarcoma and other types of cancer.