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Volontè P, Musazzi UM, Arnaboldi L, Ortenzi MA, Casiraghi A, Cilurzo F, Minghetti P. Equivalence assessment of creams with quali-quantitative differences in light of the EMA and FDA regulatory framework. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106726. [PMID: 38354986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106726] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
EMA and FDA are upgrading guidelines on assessing the quality and the equivalence of topically applied drug products for developing copies of originator products and supporting post-marketing variations. For topical products having remarkably similar composition, both EMA and FDA accept the equivalence on the bases of the comparison of rheological properties and in vitro drug release constant (k) and skin permeation flux (J) values, instead of clinical studies. This work aims to evaluate the feasibility to expand this approach to variations of the composition of complex semi-solid preparations. Ibuprofen (IB) creams at two different strengths (i.e., 1 % and 10 %) were used as a model formulation. Two formulative changes were performed: (a) the addition of the humectant to simulate a minor post-marketing variation; (b) the substitution of the emulsifying system to simulate a major one. These variations impacted only in 1 % IB formulations where both the equivalences of rheological data and J-values failed. At the highest concentration, the presence of IB crystals broke down the differences in rheological patterns and lead the IB thermodynamic activity at the maximum figuring out an overlapping of the J-values. Such data suggest the combination of these studies, which are thought mainly for the development of copies, could be also applied to the management of post-marketing variations that involve product composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Volontè
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Umberto M Musazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Luca Arnaboldi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Marco A Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Antonella Casiraghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Francesco Cilurzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Paola Minghetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
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2
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Wellington H, Rath S, Kanfer I. A comprehensively validated IVRT method reliably discriminates sameness and differences between several topical clotrimazole creams. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 192:106649. [PMID: 37992910 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106649] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
In vitro release testing (IVRT) has gained increasing acceptance for use as a biowaiver for topical products intended for local action. Whereas the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has issued product specific guidances (PSGs) recommending IVRT for several products, the PSG for clotrimazole cream does not include an IVRT option. However, an important requirement to include supplemental selectivity in the validation process as described in the recent FDA draft guidance on IVRT studies for topical drug products has generally been conspicuously absent in the published literature describing the application of IVRT as a biowaiver. Supplemental selectivity involves the comparison of a reference product and altered formulations containing the same strength of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). In order to demonstrate supplemental selectivity, cream formulation containing the same API (clotrimazole), at the same strength (1 %) and in the same dosage form (cream) but manufactured using different excipients were used. This will help assess the impact that excipients may have on the release rate of clotrimazole and whether the method is capable of identifying differences in the microstructure and arrangement of matter (Q3) as an important performance parameter. In addition, products containing <30 % or >40 % clotrimazole to serve as negative controls were also included for the discriminatory power assessment. Hence, the primary objective was to develop and validate a simple, reliable, reproducible, and cost-effective in vitro technique in accordance with the recent draft FDA guidance to assess the "sameness" of topical creams containing 1 % clotrimazole. An in vitro release testing (IVRT) system was used and an IVRT method was developed and accordingly validated. The validated IVRT method showed the potential to accurately measure the release from 1 % clotrimazole creams and demonstrated supplemental selectivity and appropriate discriminatory power to identify "sameness" and/ or differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Wellington
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa
| | - Seeprarani Rath
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Isadore Kanfer
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.
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3
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Advanced harmonization techniques result in accurate establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlations for oxybenzone from four complex dermal formulations with reapplication. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:275-291. [PMID: 35763195 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Due to high variability during clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation, the prediction of in vivo exposure from in vitro absorption testing of topical semisolid and liquid dermal products has historically proven difficult. Since absorption from unoccluded formulations can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, maximal effort must be placed on the harmonization of experimental parameters between in vitro and in vivo testing conditions to establish accurate in vitro/in vivo correlations (IVIVC). Using four different sunscreen formulations as a model, we performed in vitro permeation testing (IVPT) studies with excised human skin and maintained strict harmonization techniques to control application time, occlusion, temperature, and humidity during in vivo human serum PK evaluation. The goal was to investigate if increased control over experimental parameters would result in decreased inter-subject variability of common topical formulations leading to acceptable IVIVC establishment. Using a deconvolution-based approach, excellent point-to-point (Level A correlation) IVIVC for the entire 12-h study duration was achieved for all four sunscreen formulations with < 10% prediction error of both area under the curve (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) estimation. The low variability of in vivo absorption data presents a proof-of-concept protocol design for testing of complex semisolid and liquid topical formulations applied over a large surface area with reapplication in a reliable manner. This work also presents the opportunity for expanded development of testing for the impact of altered temperature and humidity conditions on product absorption in vivo with a high degree of precision.
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4
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Krombholz R, Fressle S, Nikolić I, Pantelić I, Savić S, Sakač MC, Lunter D. ex vivo-in vivo comparison of drug penetration analysis by confocal Raman microspectroscopy and tape stripping. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1908-1919. [PMID: 36055759 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When it comes to skin penetration analysis of a topically applied formulation, the number of suitable methods is limited, and they often lack in spatial resolution. In vivo studies are pivotal, especially in the approval of a new product, but high costs and ethical difficulties are limiting factors. For that reason, good ex vivo models for testing skin penetration are crucial. In this study, caffeine was used as a hydrophilic model drug, applied as a 2% (w/w) hydrogel, to compare different techniques for skin penetration analysis. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) and tape stripping with subsequent HPLC analysis were used to quantify caffeine. Experiments were performed ex vivo and in vivo. Furthermore, the effect of 5% (w/w) 1,2-pentanediol on caffeine skin penetration was tested, to compare those methods regarding their effectiveness in detecting differences between both formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Krombholz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fressle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ines Nikolić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Pantelić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Savić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milkica Crevar Sakač
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dominique Lunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
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5
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BalaYadav R, Pathak DP, Varshney R, Arora R. Design and optimization of a novel herbosomal-loaded PEG-poloxamer topical formulation for the treatment of cold injuries: a quality-by-design approach. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 12:2793-2823. [PMID: 35445943 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01140-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spectrum of cold injuries ranges from frostnip, chilblains to severe frostbite. Cold injuries occur upon prolonged exposure to freezing temperature and are pathologically a combination of ice crystal formation in the tissue resulting in inflammation, thrombosis and ischemia in the extremities, often necessitating limb amputation in extreme cases due to tissue necrosis. Severe forms of frostbite are a cause of major concern to patients as well as the treating physician. Due to the lack of effective treatment modalities and paucity of research on prophylaxis and therapeutics of cold injuries, we developed a novel herbosomal-loaded PEG-poloxamer topical formulation (n-HPTF) employing quality-by-design (QBD) approach. Natural compounds exhibiting potent therapeutic potential for the management of cold injuries were incorporated in novel lipid vesicles (herbosomes) loaded in PEG-poloxamer polymers. The herbosomal formulation effectively creates an occlusion barrier that promotes epithelial regeneration, desmosome scale-up and angiogenesis and thus promotes rapid healing, indicating controlled release of herbosomes. Optimized novel herbosomes showed entrapment efficiency > 90% and < 300 nm mean particle size and in vitro drug permeation of about 2 µg/cm2 followed Higuchi's release kinetics. Skin irritancy study on female Sprague-Dawley rats showed no edema or erythema. In vivo bio-efficacy study revealed significant efficacy (p < 0.05) when compared to the standard treatment groups. Graphical abstract presenting the designing and optimization of novel herbosomal-loaded PEG-poloxamer topical formulation (n-HPTF) and predictive model for the in vivo study of the developed n-HPTF on cold injury rat skin model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu BalaYadav
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, India
| | - Dharam Pal Pathak
- Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Varshney
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, India
| | - Rajesh Arora
- Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organization, Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi, India.
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Formulation and Evaluation of the In Vitro Performance of Topical Dermatological Products Containing Diclofenac Sodium. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091892. [PMID: 36145640 PMCID: PMC9502351 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The selection of an appropriate vehicle in a semi-solid topical product is of utmost importance since the vehicle composition and microstructure can potentially cause changes in drug-vehicle or vehicle-skin interactions and affect drug release and subsequent permeation into and across skin. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate different semi-solid formulations containing diclofenac sodium for the physicochemical and structural performance of excipients used and various physiological factors governing permeation of drugs applied to skin. The formulations (emulsion, emulgel, gel, and ointment) were prepared using conventional excipients and were found to be homogenous and stable. Rheological analysis demonstrated characteristic shear-thinning and viscoelastic behavior of formulations. The mean release rate of the gel formulation (380.42 ± 3.05 µg/cm2/h0.5) was statistically higher compared to all other formulations. In vitro permeation using human skin showed a significantly greater extent of drug permeation and retention for the emulgel formulation (23.61 ± 1.03 µg/cm2 and 47.95 ± 2.47 µg/cm2, respectively). The results demonstrated that the different formulations influenced product performance due to their inherent properties. The findings of this study demonstrated that a comprehensive physicochemical and structural evaluation is required to optimize the in vitro performance for dermatological formulations depending on the intended therapeutic effect.
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7
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Timotijević MD, Ilić T, Marković B, Randjelović D, Cekić N, Nikolić I, Savić S, Pantelić I. Coupling AFM, DSC and FT-IR towards Elucidation of Film-Forming Systems Transformation to Dermal Films: A Betamethasone Dipropionate Case Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116013. [PMID: 35682693 PMCID: PMC9181258 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric film-forming systems have emerged as an esthetically acceptable option for targeted, less frequent and controlled dermal drug delivery. However, their dynamic nature (rapid evaporation of solvents leading to the formation of thin films) presents a true characterization challenge. In this study, we tested a tiered characterization approach, leading to more efficient definition of the quality target product profiles of film-forming systems. After assessing a number of physico-chemico-mechanical properties, thermal, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were introduced. Final confirmation of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded FFS biopharmaceutical properties was sought via an in vitro skin permeation study. A number of applied characterization methods showed complementarity. The sample based on a combination of hydrophobic Eudragit® RS PO and hydroxypropyl cellulose showed higher viscosity (47.17 ± 3.06 mPa·s) and film thickness, resulting in sustained skin permeation (permeation rate of 0.348 ± 0.157 ng/cm2 h), and even the pH of the sample with Eudragit® NE 30D, along with higher surface roughness and thermal analysis, implied its immediate delivery through the epidermal membrane. Therefore, this study revealed the utility of several methods able to refine the number of needed tests within the final product profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjana D. Timotijević
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.T.); (T.I.); (I.N.); (S.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Tanja Ilić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.T.); (T.I.); (I.N.); (S.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Bojan Marković
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence:
| | - Danijela Randjelović
- Centre of Microelectronic Technologies, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Nebojša Cekić
- Faculty of Technology, University of Niš, Bulevar Oslobođenja 124, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia;
- DCP Hemigal, Tekstilna 97, 16000 Leskovac, Serbia
| | - Ines Nikolić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.T.); (T.I.); (I.N.); (S.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Snežana Savić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.T.); (T.I.); (I.N.); (S.S.); (I.P.)
| | - Ivana Pantelić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 450, 11221 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.D.T.); (T.I.); (I.N.); (S.S.); (I.P.)
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8
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Krombholz R, Fressle S, Lunter D. Ex vivo - in vivo correlation of Retinol stratum corneum penetration studies by confocal Raman microspectroscopy and tape stripping. Int J Cosmet Sci 2022; 44:299-308. [PMID: 35396727 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin penetration studies of topically applied drugs are a challenging topic in the development of semisolid formulations. The most commonly used methods can be differentiated by their character into ex-vivo/in-vivo, invasive/non-invasive and off-line/in-line measurements. In this study we compare ex-vivo tape stripping, an invasive technique, which is often used, to confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM), ex- and in-vivo, to establish a correlation between those methods. Retinol was used as a model drug, applied in an oil in water emulsion, to compare the skin penetration profiles obtained by the different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Krombholz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fressle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dominique Lunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
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9
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Zhang Y, Kung CP, Iliopoulos F, Sil BC, Hadgraft J, Lane ME. Dermal Delivery of Niacinamide-In Vivo Studies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050726. [PMID: 34069268 PMCID: PMC8156363 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo human studies are considered to be the “gold standard” when investigating (trans)dermal delivery of actives. Previously, we reported the effects of a range of vehicles on the delivery of niacinamide (NIA) using conventional Franz cell studies. In the present work, dermal delivery of NIA was investigated in vivo in human subjects using confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS) and tape stripping (TS). The vehicles investigated included propylene glycol (PG), Transcutol® P (TC), binary combinations of PG with oleic acid (OA) or linolenic acid (LA) and a ternary system comprising of TC, caprylic/capric triglyceride (CCT) and dimethyl isosorbide (DMI). For the CRS studies, higher area under curve (AUC) values for NIA were observed for the PG:LA binary system compared with PG, TC and TC:CCT:DMI (p < 0.05). A very good correlation was found between the in vitro cumulative permeation of NIA and the AUC values from Raman intensity depth profiles, with a Pearson correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.84. In addition, an excellent correlation (R2 = 0.97) was evident for the signal of the solvent PG and the active. CRS was also shown to discriminate between NIA in solution versus crystalline NIA. The findings confirm that CRS is emerging as a powerful approach for dermatopharmacokinetic studies of both actives and excipients in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (C.-P.K.); (F.I.); (J.H.); (M.E.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Chin-Ping Kung
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (C.-P.K.); (F.I.); (J.H.); (M.E.L.)
| | - Fotis Iliopoulos
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (C.-P.K.); (F.I.); (J.H.); (M.E.L.)
| | - Bruno C. Sil
- School of Human Sciences, London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, London N7 8DB, UK;
| | - Jonathan Hadgraft
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (C.-P.K.); (F.I.); (J.H.); (M.E.L.)
| | - Majella E. Lane
- Department of Pharmaceutics, University College London School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK; (C.-P.K.); (F.I.); (J.H.); (M.E.L.)
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Ilić T, Pantelić I, Savić S. The Implications of Regulatory Framework for Topical Semisolid Drug Products: From Critical Quality and Performance Attributes towards Establishing Bioequivalence. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:710. [PMID: 34068036 PMCID: PMC8152494 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to complex interdependent relationships affecting their microstructure, topical semisolid drug formulations face unique obstacles to the development of generics compared to other drug products. Traditionally, establishing bioequivalence is based on comparative clinical trials, which are expensive and often associated with high degrees of variability and low sensitivity in detecting formulation differences. To address this issue, leading regulatory agencies have aimed to advance guidelines relevant to topical generics, ultimately accepting different non-clinical, in vitro/in vivo surrogate methods for topical bioequivalence assessment. Unfortunately, according to both industry and academia stakeholders, these efforts are far from flawless, and often upsurge the potential for result variability and a number of other failure modes. This paper offers a comprehensive review of the literature focused on amending regulatory positions concerning the demonstration of (i) extended pharmaceutical equivalence and (ii) equivalence with respect to the efficacy of topical semisolids. The proposed corrective measures are disclosed and critically discussed, as they span from mere demands to widen the acceptance range (e.g., from ±10% to ±20%/±25% for rheology and in vitro release parameters highly prone to batch-to-batch variability) or reassess the optimal number of samples required to reach the desired statistical power, but also rely on specific data modeling or novel statistical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Snežana Savić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, 11 221 Belgrade, Serbia; (T.I.); (I.P.)
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11
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In-Line and Off-Line Monitoring of Skin Penetration Profiles Using Confocal Raman Spectroscopy. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13010067. [PMID: 33430237 PMCID: PMC7825688 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex-vivo and in-vivo skin analysis has been extensively evaluated by confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS). The off-line measurement with a CRS-suited skin-mounted device after Franz-cell incubations is the most popular choice. However, real-time monitoring of in-line measurement has clear advantages for obtaining dynamic and more timely results. In our study, a custom-built setup suitable for in-line measurements was implemented, which ensures constant skin incubation and in-situ skin detections. We aim to compare the differences between using in-line and off-line devices for monitoring skin drug penetrations. A well-assessed formulation gel with procaine-HCl as the active ingredient was used as reference. The PEG-23 lauryl ether was added to the formulation as a penetration enhancer to evaluate the enhancement effects of procaine on skin. After incubation times of 14, 20, and 24 h, skin penetration profiles were assessed. Comparable results between off-line and in-line measurements were obtained. Remarkable improvements in penetrated procaine amount and depth were observed. Based on the significant differences of their enhanced penetration amounts, fairly similar estimations were achieved from both methods. A slight difference of 14 h incubation between these two setups can still be found, which may be due to the different detection conditions and affected skin properties. Overall, in-line measurements could provide a more time- and labor-saving alternative for off-line measurements in ex-vivo study.
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12
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Simões A, Miranda M, Cardoso C, Veiga F, Vitorino C. Rheology by Design: A Regulatory Tutorial for Analytical Method Validation. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12090820. [PMID: 32872221 PMCID: PMC7558587 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12090820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing demand for product and process understanding as an active pursuit in the quality guideline Q8 and, more recently, on the draft guideline on quality and equivalence of topical products, has unveiled the tremendous potential of rheology methods as a tool for microstructure characterization of topical semisolid dosage forms. Accordingly, procedure standardization is a dire need. This work aimed at developing and validating a methodology tutorial for rheology analysis. A 1% hydrocortisone cream was used as model cream formulation. Through a risk assessment analysis, the impact of selected critical method variables (geometry, temperature and application mode) was estimated in a broad range of rheological critical analytical attributes-zero-shear viscosity, upper-shear thinning viscosity, lower-shear thinning viscosity, infinite-shear viscosity, rotational yield point, thixotropic relative area, linear viscoelastic region, oscillatory yield point, storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent. The proposed validation of the approach included the rheometer qualification, followed by the validation of numerous operational critical parameters regarding a rheology profile acquisition. The thixotropic relative area, oscillatory yield point, flow point and viscosity related endpoints proved to be highly sensitive and discriminatory parameters. This rationale provided a standard framework for the development of a reliable and robust rheology profile acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Simões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.M.); (F.V.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (LAQV. REQUIMTE) Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.M.); (F.V.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cardoso
- Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, lote 15, 3450-232 Mortágua, Portugal;
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.M.); (F.V.)
- Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry of the Network of Chemistry and Technology (LAQV. REQUIMTE) Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (A.S.); (M.M.); (F.V.)
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo I, 1st floor, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-488-400
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Progressing Towards the Sustainable Development of Cream Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:pharmaceutics12070647. [PMID: 32659962 PMCID: PMC7407566 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12070647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This work aims at providing the assumptions to assist the sustainable development of cream formulations. Specifically, it envisions to rationalize and predict the effect of formulation and process variability on a 1% hydrocortisone cream quality profile, interplaying microstructure properties with product performance and stability. This tripartite analysis was supported by a Quality by Design approach, considering a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design. Critical material attributes and process parameters were identified from a failure mode, effects, and criticality analysis. The impact of glycerol monostearate amount, isopropyl myristate amount, and homogenization rate on relevant quality attributes was estimated crosswise. The significant variability in product droplet size, viscosity, thixotropic behavior, and viscoelastic properties demonstrated a noteworthy influence on hydrocortisone release profile (112 ± 2–196 ± 7 μg/cm2/√h) and permeation behavior (0.16 ± 0.03–0.97 ± 0.08 μg/cm2/h), and on the assay, instability index and creaming rate, with values ranging from 81.9 to 120.5%, 0.031 ± 0.012 to 0.28 ± 0.13 and from 0.009 ± 0.000 to 0.38 ± 0.07 μm/s, respectively. The release patterns were not straightforwardly correlated with the permeation behavior. Monitoring the microstructural parameters, through the balanced adjustment of formulation and process variables, is herein highlighted as the key enabler to predict cream performance and stability. Finally, based on quality targets and response constraints, optimal working conditions were successfully attained through the establishment of a design space.
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Rath S, Kanfer I. A Validated IVRT Method to Assess Topical Creams Containing Metronidazole Using a Novel Approach. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E119. [PMID: 32028557 PMCID: PMC7076423 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12020119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An IVRT method was developed and validated to confirm its reproducibility, precision, sensitivity, selectivity, accuracy, robustness, and reliability. A novel approach was used to demonstrate the appropriateness of the IVRT method to accurately assess "sameness" between topical products and to confirm that the methodology applied also possesses the requisite discriminatory power to detect differences should such differences exist between products. In the first instance, the reference product (Metrocreme®) containing 0.75% metronidazole (MTZ) was tested against itself as a positive control, to accurately demonstrate "sameness", where the results met the relevant acceptance criteria falling within the limits of 75-133.33% in accordance with the FDA's SUPAC-SS guidance. In addition, two specially prepared creams containing 25% less and 26% more MTZ, i.e., 0.563% and 0.945%, served as negative controls and were compared against the reference product. Neither of these creams fell within the "sameness" acceptance criteria, thereby confirming the discriminatory ability of the IVRT method to detect differences between MTZ products. Furthermore, another cream containing 0.75% MTZ tested against the reference product was shown to be pharmaceutically equivalent to the reference product. These results confirm the appropriateness of the IVRT method as a valuable tool for use in the development of topical MTZ products intended for local action and indicate the potential for general use with other topical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seeprarani Rath
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa;
| | - Isadore Kanfer
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6139, South Africa;
- Leslie Dan Faculty, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
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