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Nunes PD, Pinto JF, Bauer-Brandl A, Brandl M, Henriques J, Paiva AM. In vitro dissolution/permeation tools for amorphous solid dispersions bioavailability forecasting I: Experimental design for PermeaLoop™. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 188:106512. [PMID: 37423576 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Along with the increasing demand for candidate-enabling formulations comes the need for appropriate in vitro bioavailability forecasting. Dissolution/permeation (D/P) systems employing cell-free permeation barriers are increasingly gaining interest, due to their low cost and easy application as passive diffusion bio-predictive profiling in drug product development, as this accounts for nearly 75% of new chemical entities (NCEs) absorption mechanism. To this end, this study comprises theoretical considerations on the design and experimental work towards the establishment and optimization of a PermeaLoop™ based dissolution/permeation assay to simultaneously evaluate the drug release and permeation using Itraconazole (ITZ)-based amorphous solid dispersions (ASD) formulations, with different drug loads, based on a solvent-shift approach. Alternative method conditions were tested such as: donor medium, acceptor medium and permeation barrier were screened using both PermeaPad® and PermeaPlain® 96-well plates. A range of solubilizers, namely Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Vitamin E-TPGS and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, were screened as possible solubilizing additives to the acceptor medium, while donor medium was varied between blank FaSSIF (phosphate buffer) and FaSSIF. The method optimization also included the ITZ dose selection, being the ITZ single dose (100 mg) considered the most adequate to be used in further experiments to allow the comparison with in vivo studies. In the end, a standardized approach that may be applied to predict the bioavailability of weakly basic poorly soluble drug-based formulations is described, contributing to strengthening the analytical portfolio of in vitro pre-clinical drug product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia D Nunes
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal; R&D Oral Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João F Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Annette Bauer-Brandl
- Drug Transport and Delivery Group, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense DK, 5230, Denmark
| | - Martin Brandl
- Drug Transport and Delivery Group, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense DK, 5230, Denmark.
| | - João Henriques
- R&D Oral Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Mafalda Paiva
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
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Nunes PD, Ferreira AF, Pinto JF, Bauer-Brandl A, Brandl M, Henriques J, Paiva AM. In vitro dissolution/permeation tools for amorphous solid dispersions bioavailability forecasting II: Comparison and mechanistic insights. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 188:106513. [PMID: 37423577 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Along with the increasing demand for complex formulations comes the need for appropriate in vitro methodologies capable of predicting their corresponding in vivo performance and the mechanisms controlling the drug release which can impact on in vivo drug absorption. In vitro dissolution-permeation (D/P) methodologies that can account for the effects of enabling formulations on the permeability of drugs are increasingly being used in performance ranking during early development stages. This work comprised the application of two different cell-free in vitro D/P setups: BioFLUX™ and PermeaLoop™ to evaluate the dissolution-permeation interplay upon drug release from itraconazole (ITZ)- HPMCAS amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of different drug loads. A solvent-shift approach was employed, from a simulated gastric environment to a simulated intestinal environment in the donor compartment. PermeaLoop™ was then combined with microdialysis sampling to separate the dissolved (free) drug from other species present in solution, like micelle-bound drug and drug-rich colloids, in real time. This setup was applied to clarify the mechanisms for drug release and permeation from these ASDs. In parallel, a pharmacokinetic study (dog model) was conducted to assess the drug absorption from these ASDs and to compare the in vivo results with the data obtained from each in vitro D/P setup, allowing to infer which would be the most adequate setup for ASD ranking. Even though both D/P systems resulted in the same qualitative ranking, BioFLUX™ overpredicted the difference between the in vivo AUC of two ASDs, whereas PermeaLoop™ permeation flux resulted in a good correlation with the AUC observed in pharmacokinetic studies (dog model) (R2 ≈ 0.98). Also, PermeaLoop™ combined with a microdialysis sampling probe clarified the mechanisms for drug release and permeation from these ASDs. It demonstrated that the free drug was the only driving force for permeation, while the drug-rich colloids kept permeation active for longer periods by acting as drug reservoirs and maintaining constant high levels of free drug in solution, which are then immediately able to permeate. Hence, the data obtained points BioFLUX™ and PermeaLoop™ applications to different momentums in the drug product development pipeline: while BioFLUX™, an automated standardized method, poses as a valuable tool for initial ASD ranking during the early development stages, PermeaLoop™ combined with microdialysis sampling allows to gain mechanistic understanding of the dissolution-permeation interplay, being crucial to fine tune and identify leading ASD candidates prior to in vivo testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia D Nunes
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal; R&D Oral Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Filipa Ferreira
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João F Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Annette Bauer-Brandl
- Drug Transport and Delivery Group, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense DK-5230, Denmark
| | - Martin Brandl
- Drug Transport and Delivery Group, Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense DK-5230, Denmark.
| | - João Henriques
- R&D Oral Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Mafalda Paiva
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
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Recent Advances in Amorphous Solid Dispersions: Preformulation, Formulation Strategies, Technological Advancements and Characterization. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102203. [PMID: 36297638 PMCID: PMC9609913 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are among the most popular and widely studied solubility enhancement techniques. Since their inception in the early 1960s, the formulation development of ASDs has undergone tremendous progress. For instance, the method of preparing ASDs evolved from solvent-based approaches to solvent-free methods such as hot melt extrusion and Kinetisol®. The formulation approaches have advanced from employing a single polymeric carrier to multiple carriers with plasticizers to improve the stability and performance of ASDs. Major excipient manufacturers recognized the potential of ASDs and began introducing specialty excipients ideal for formulating ASDs. In addition to traditional techniques such as differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X-ray crystallography, recent innovations such as nano-tomography, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray microscopy support a better understanding of the microstructure of ASDs. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent advancements in the field of ASDs with respect to formulation approaches, methods of preparation, and advanced characterization techniques.
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Hot Melt Extrusion-Triggered Amorphization as a Continuous Process for Inducing Extended Supersaturable Drug Immediate-Release from saSMSDs Systems. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040765. [PMID: 35456600 PMCID: PMC9029276 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hot melt extrusion (HME), a continuous manufacturing process for generating supersaturating amorphous self-micellizing solid dispersion systems (saSMSDs), holds promise for achieving amorphization of many pharmaceutical formulations. For saSMSDs generation, HME-triggered continuous processes offer advantages over traditional non-continuous processes such as fusion/quench cooling (FQC) and co-precipitation (CP). Here we employed HME, FQC, and CP to generate saSMSDs containing the water-insoluble BCS II drug nitrendipine (NIT) and self-micellizing polymer Soluplus®. Scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that saSMSDs formed when NIT–Soluplus® mixtures were subjected to the abovementioned amorphization methods. All saSMSDs outperformed crystalline NIT preparations and physical mixtures in achieving extended supersaturable immediate release states with superior solubility, “spring-parachute” process characteristics, and dissolution behaviors. Notably, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopic results obtained for saSMSDs detected hydrogen bonding interactions between the drug and the carrier. Ultimately, our results revealed the advantages of HME-triggered amorphization as a continuous process for significantly improving drug dissolution, increasing solubility, and maintaining supersaturation as compared to traditional amorphization-based techniques.
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Nunes PD, Pinto JF, Henriques J, Paiva AM. Insights into the Release Mechanisms of ITZ:HPMCAS Amorphous Solid Dispersions: The Role of Drug-Rich Colloids. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:51-66. [PMID: 34919407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the dissolution mechanisms of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) and being able to link enhanced drug exposure with process parameters are key when formulating poorly soluble compounds. Thus, in this study, ASDs composed by itraconazole (ITZ) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) were formulated with different polymer grades and drug loads (DLs) and processed by spray drying with different atomization ratios and outlet temperatures. Their in vitro performance and the ability to form drug-rich colloids were then evaluated by a physiologically relevant dissolution method. In gastric media, drug release followed a diffusion-controlled mechanism and drug-rich colloids were not formed since the solubility of the amorphous API at pH 1.6 was not exceeded. After changing to intestinal media, the API followed a polymer dissolution-controlled release, where the polymer rapidly dissolved, promoting the immediate release of API and thus leading to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and consequent formation of drug-rich colloids. However, the release of API and polymer was not congruent, so API surface enrichment occurred, which limited the further dissolution of the polymer, leading to a drug-controlled release. ASDs formulated with M-grade showed the highest ability to maintain supersaturation and the lowest tendency for AAPS due to its good balance between acetyl and succinoyl groups, and thus strong interactions with both the hydrophobic drug and the aqueous dissolution medium. The ability to form colloids increased for low DL (15%) and high specific surface area due to the high amount of polymer released until the occurrence of API surface enrichment. Even though congruent release was not observed, all ASDs formed drug-rich colloids that were stable in the solution until the end of the dissolution study (4 h), maintaining the same size distribution (ca. 300 nm). Drug-rich colloids can, in vivo, act as a drug reservoir replenishing the drug while it permeates. Designing ASDs that are prone to form colloids can overcome the solubility constraints of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) II and IV drugs, posing as a reliable formulation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia D Nunes
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal.,R&D Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal.,Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João F Pinto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.Ulisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Henriques
- R&D Drug Product Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - A Mafalda Paiva
- R&D Analytical Development, Hovione Farmaciência S.A., Campus do Lumiar, Building S, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal
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Han J, Li L, Pang Z, Su M, He X, Qian S, Zhang J, Gao Y, Wei Y. Mechanistic insight into gel-induced aggregation of amorphous curcumin during dissolution process. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 170:106083. [PMID: 34973361 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Amorphous curcumin (CUR) exhibited a decreased dissolution rate in comparison with the crystalline counterpart due to its gel formation during dissolution. The main purpose of the present study is to explore the mechanism of such gelation phenomenon. It was found that the dissolution of amorphous CUR and gel properties were influenced by the temperature and pH of the media. The formed gels were characterized by TPA, SEM, DSC, XRPD, FTIR and PLM. The results indicated that the gelation process led to the formation of a porous structure in which water molecules infiltrate, and entered into its supercooled liquid state with high viscosity when contacting aqueous media, accompanied by decreased Tg and crystalline transformation. In addition, mixing with hydrophilic excipients (such as hydrophilic silica) accelerated the gel formation of amorphous CUR, while the addition of hydrophobic excipients (such as hydrophobic silica and magnesium stearate) could effectively weaken and even eliminate the gelation, hence significantly improving its dissolution. Furthermore, according to contact angle measurement and fluorescence microscope observation, hydrophilic excipients were found to be able to accelerate water entering into the interior of amorphous CUR, hence facilitating the gelation, while hydrophobic excipients would hinder water infiltration into the powder and thus achieve degelation. In conclusion, it is important to recognize that the gelation potential of some amorphous materials should be considered in developing robust amorphous drug product of high quality and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Han
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Luyuan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Zunting Pang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Meiling Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Xiaoshuang He
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Shuai Qian
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China.
| | - Yuanfeng Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, P.R., China.
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Qian K, Stella L, Jones DS, Andrews GP, Du H, Tian Y. Drug-Rich Phases Induced by Amorphous Solid Dispersion: Arbitrary or Intentional Goal in Oral Drug Delivery? Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:889. [PMID: 34203969 PMCID: PMC8232734 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13060889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Among many methods to mitigate the solubility limitations of drug compounds, amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is considered to be one of the most promising strategies to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. The enhancement of ASD in the oral absorption of drugs has been mainly attributed to the high apparent drug solubility during the dissolution. In the last decade, with the implementations of new knowledge and advanced analytical techniques, a drug-rich transient metastable phase was frequently highlighted within the supersaturation stage of the ASD dissolution. The extended drug absorption and bioavailability enhancement may be attributed to the metastability of such drug-rich phases. In this paper, we have reviewed (i) the possible theory behind the formation and stabilization of such metastable drug-rich phases, with a focus on non-classical nucleation; (ii) the additional benefits of the ASD-induced drug-rich phases for bioavailability enhancements. It is envisaged that a greater understanding of the non-classical nucleation theory and its application on the ASD design might accelerate the drug product development process in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Qian
- Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (K.Q.); (D.S.J.); (G.P.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Stella
- Atomistic Simulation Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen’s University Belfast, 7–9 College Park E, Belfast BT7 1PS, UK;
- David Keir Building, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, UK
| | - David S. Jones
- Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (K.Q.); (D.S.J.); (G.P.A.)
| | - Gavin P. Andrews
- Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (K.Q.); (D.S.J.); (G.P.A.)
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, No.77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Huachuan Du
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 4, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
- Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, 303 East Superior Street, 11th floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yiwei Tian
- Pharmaceutical Engineering Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (K.Q.); (D.S.J.); (G.P.A.)
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