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Lourenço D, Miranda M, Sousa JJ, Vitorino C. Therapeutic-driven framework for bioequivalence assessment of complex topical generic drug products. Int J Pharm 2024; 661:124398. [PMID: 38964491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124398] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Despite the continuous research on understanding how topical drugs and the skin interact, the development of a topical generic product remains a challenge. Due to their local action effect rather than systemic, establishing suitable frameworks for documenting bioequivalence between reference and test formulations is anything but straightforward. In previous years, clinical endpoint trials were considered the gold standard method to demonstrate bioequivalence between topical products. Nevertheless, significant financial and time resources were required to be allocated owing to the inherent complexity of these studies. To address this problem, regulatory authorities have begun to accept alternative approaches that could lead to a biowaiver, avoiding the need for clinical endpoint trials. These alternatives encompass various in vitro and/or in vivo techniques that have been analysed and the benefits and drawbacks of each method have been considered. Furthermore, other factors like the integration of a quality by design framework to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the product and process quality attributes have also been taken into account. This review delves into international regulatory recommendations for semisolid topical products, with a focus on those established by the European Medicines Agency, as well as the Food and Drug Administration. Both approaches were carefully examined, discussing aspects such as acceptance criteria, sample size, and microstructure evaluation. Additionally, novel and innovative therapeutic-driven approaches based on in vitro disease models for the rapid and effective development of topical generic products are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Lourenço
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Miranda
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João José Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
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Ramireddy AR, Behara DK. Formulation and optimisation of Ozenoxacin topical nano-emulgel including a comprehensive methodology to qualify and validate the critical parameters of an in-vitro release test method and ex-vivo permeation test. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2024; 50:320-330. [PMID: 38459688 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2024.2327466] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to formulate, optimize Ozenoxacin topical nano-emulsion using factorial design followed by to prepare and evaluate nano-emulgel using validated in-vitro release testing (IVRT) technique for determination of Ozenoxacin release rate along with ex-vivo permeation testing (EVPT).Significance: Nano-emulgel is a proven delivery system for poorly soluble substances works by enhancing the solubility and bioavailability. Factorial design provides a systematic and efficient means to study the effect of multiple factors on responses. IVRT is an USP compendia technique utilized for performance analysis of semi-solid formulations. METHODS Nano-emulsion formulation optimization was done with factorial design, evaluated for globule size and % entrapment efficiency (EE). Nano-emulgels were characterized for assay, organic impurities, rheological behavior, IVRT, EVPT, and skin retention studies. IVRT validation was executed using vertical diffusion cells (VDCs). RESULTS Ozenoxacin nano-emulsion was optimized with 1:1 ratio of Oil: Smix, 3:1 ratio of Surfactant:Co-Surfactant, and 15000 RPM of homogenization speed which resulted 414.6 ± 5.2 nm globule size and 92.8 ± 2.1% entrapment efficiency. Results confirmed that IVRT and Reversed Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatographic techniques were validated as per regulatory guidelines. In-vitro, ex-vivo drug release, and skin retention from the optimized nano-emulgel formulation was comparatively higher (∼1.5 times) than that from the innovator (OZANEXTM) formulation. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results, Ozenoxacin nano-emulgel can be considered an effective alternative and was found to be stable at 40 °C/75% RH and 30 °C/75% RH storage condition for 6 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Reddy Ramireddy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur (JNTUA), Ananthapuramu, India
| | - Dilip Kumar Behara
- Chemical Engineering, JNTUA College of Engineering (Autonomous), Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Anantapur (JNTUA), Ananthapuramu, India
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Alomari N, Alhussaini W. Update on the advances and challenges in bioequivalence testing methods for complex topical generic products. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1330712. [PMID: 38389924 PMCID: PMC10881717 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330712] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the government regulatory agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency, demand that the generic complex topical products prove pharmaceutical and bioequivalence. The evaluation of bioequivalence for complex topical dermatological formulations is a challenging task that requires careful consideration of several factors. Although comparative clinical studies are still considered the gold standard approach for establishing bioequivalence in most formulations, these studies can be costly and insensitive to detect formulation differences. Therefore, significant efforts have been made to develop and validate alternative approaches that demonstrate bioequivalence and expedite the availability of high-quality generic topical dermatological products. This article reviews the current methods for determining the bioequivalence of topical formulations in humans, with particular emphasis on recent advances in these methodologies. Most of the alternative methods are sensitive and reproducible, with the capability to ease the financial burden of comparative clinical studies within a short delivery time. The limitations associated with each technique are reviewed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedaa Alomari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Alhussaini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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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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Matharoo NS, Garimella HT, German C, Przekwas AJ, Michniak-Kohn B. A Comparative Evaluation of Desoximetasone Cream and Ointment Formulations Using Experiments and In Silico Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15118. [PMID: 37894801 PMCID: PMC10606375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of therapeutic drugs through dermal routes, such as creams and ointments, has emerged as an increasingly popular alternative to traditional delivery methods, such as tablets and injections. In the context of drug development, it is crucial to identify the optimal doses and delivery routes that ensure successful outcomes. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have been proposed to simulate drug delivery and optimize drug formulations, but the calibration of these models is challenging due to the multitude of variables involved and limited experimental data. One significant research gap that this article addresses is the need for more efficient and accurate methods for calibrating PBPK models for dermal drug delivery. This manuscript presents a novel approach and an integrated dermal drug delivery model to address this gap that leverages virtual in vitro release (IVRT) and permeation (IVPT) testing data to optimize mechanistic models. The proposed approach was demonstrated through a study involving Desoximetasone cream and ointment formulations, where the release kinetics and permeation profiles of Desoximetasone were determined experimentally, and a computational model was created to simulate the results. The experimental studies showed that, even though the cumulative permeation of Desoximetasone at the end of the permeation study was comparable, there was a significant difference seen in the lag time in the permeation of Desoximetasone between the cream and ointment. Additionally, there was a significant difference seen in the amount of Desoximetasone permeated through human cadaver skin at early time points when the cream and ointment were compared. The computational model was optimized and validated, suggesting that this approach has the potential to bridge the existing research gap by improving the accuracy and efficiency of drug development processes. The model results show a good fit between the experimental data and model predictions. During the model optimization process, it became evident that there was variability in both the permeability and the partition coefficient within the stratum corneum. This variability had a significant and noteworthy influence on the overall performance of the model, especially when it came to its capacity to differentiate between cream and ointment formulations. Leveraging virtual models significantly aids the comprehension of drug release and permeation, mitigating the demanding data requirements. The use of virtual IVRT and IVPT data can accelerate the calibration of PBPK models, streamline the selection of the appropriate doses, and optimize drug delivery. Moreover, this novel approach could potentially reduce the time and resources involved in drug development, thus making it more cost-effective and efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata S. Matharoo
- Center for Dermal Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | | | | | | | - Bozena Michniak-Kohn
- Center for Dermal Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Sena A, Costa A, Bastos F, Pinto AC, Vitorino C, Nunes A, Simões S. Development of a buccal in vitro permeation method - exploring aQbD implementation. Int J Pharm 2023; 643:123255. [PMID: 37482227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123255] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The buccal mucosa is arising within the pharmaceutical landscape as an attractive option for local and systemic drug delivery, mostly due to its high vascularization, inherent permeability and robustness. Still, one of the major challenges in bringing oromucosal preparations to market remains the accurate evaluation of permeability. During pre-clinical drug development, in vitro permeation assessment is essential, and methodologies, based on the selection of a proper membrane in a diffusion cell, have become appealing alternatives to the conventional cell-based models. The development of such methods is being constrained by the number of variables - related to study conditions, setup and formulation - that need to be optimized to accurately estimate buccal permeation. The gap of knowledge over the mentioned variables may lead to long costly developments and poorly accurate methods, especially if the empirical analytical approach is used. In this paper, a systematic risk-based analytical quality by design approach was applied to the development of a buccal in vitro permeation method, ensuring that all sources of variability affecting permeation process were identified, explained and managed by appropriate measures. Researchers are guided through a step by step model, successfully demonstrating with experimental data the impact of critical variables on method's performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Sena
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alain Costa
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisca Bastos
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Pinto
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António Nunes
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Sérgio Simões
- Bluepharma - Indústria Farmacêutica S.A., São Martinho do Bispo, 3045-016 Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine (Polo 1), Rua Larga, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
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Miranda M, Cardoso C, Pais AACC, Brown M, Vitorino C. Drilling down the bioequivalence assessment of topical antifungal products: Microstructure and release. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 185:94-106. [PMID: 36806630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.02.006] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the regulatory mechanisms for topical generic product bioequivalence (BE) assessment have been subjected to noteworthy changes, with the FDA issuing product specific guidances, and the EMA adopting a more universal approach with the quality and equivalence of topical products draft guideline. The agencies advise on a modular strategy for BE documentation. Nevertheless, their scope, data analysis and criteria are rather distinct. This study aims to tackle bioequivalence assessment issues of complex topical formulations starting by statistical implications of the EMA/FDA approaches concerning the documentation of qualitative (Q1), quantitative (Q2), microstructure (Q3) and performance requirements (Q4). As a model drug product, a bifonazole 10 mg/g cream formulation was selected. For this specific formulation, the commercially available Reference Product (RP) was compared with two comparator products, also commercially available, referred to as comparator product A (CPA) and comparator product B (CPB). The former displays Q1 sameness and Q2 differences, whilst CPB is categorically considered as Q1/Q2 different. Furthermore, intending to establish a regulatory rationale for the submission of a generic product according to the updated regulatory requirements, the RP was likewise compared with a Test Product (TP). This formulation was designed to display equal Q1/Q2 profile to that of the RP. Validated rheology and in vitro release test (IVRT) methods were used to infer on Q3/Q4 characteristics. During rheology studies, statistically significant RP batch to batch differences were observed. Therefore, in an attempt to surpass this heterogeneity, the initial pool of RP batches was expanded to include RP product batches at different lifecycle stages. Despite this effort, it was not possible to classify the RP/TP, RP/CPA or RP/CPB as rheologically equivalent products. Nevertheless, product performance results, retrieved from IVRT, were able to sustain equivalence between the RP and the formulations exhibiting Q1 sameness (TP and CPA). It should however be mentioned, that for some RP batch combinations, the IVRT results failed to demonstrate equivalence according to the EMA requirements. Enlarging the RP batch pool was then a critical step in further understanding an optimum statistical approach for establishing equivalence in product performance. This study highlights the need to that a 'one-fits-all approach' may not be an optimum path way for establishing the regulatory strategy and requirements to support generic product bioequivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CiiEM - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Monte de Caparica, Portugal; Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marc Brown
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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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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Miranda M, Veloso C, Brown M, A. C. C. Pais A, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. Topical bioequivalence: Experimental and regulatory considerations following formulation complexity. Int J Pharm 2022; 620:121705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Katakam LNR, Katari NK. Development of in-vitro release testing method for permethrin cream formulation using Franz Vertical Diffusion Cell apparatus by HPLC. TALANTA OPEN 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talo.2021.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Tiffner KI, Kanfer I, Augustin T, Raml R, Raney SG, Sinner F. Comparative in vitro release testing (IVRT) of acyclovir products. Int J Pharm 2021; 609:121186. [PMID: 34655706 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to evaluate whether an in vitro release test (IVRT) could differentiate the release rates from five pharmaceutically equivalent acyclovir cream products and one ointment compared to that from a reference product, Zovirax cream (USA), to identify a test product with an inequivalent drug release rate that could serve as negative control for bioequivalence (BE) in a separate in vivo study. The reference product showed equivalent drug release rates compared to itself. The six test products failed to show equivalent drug release rates compared to the reference product. Aciclovir 1A pharma cream was selected to serve as a negative control for subsequent BE studies, since it exhibited the greatest difference in release rate among all creams, compared to the reference product. The results of this study indicate that IVRT results can be highly sensitive and may discriminate clinically relevant differences between products. Results from an appropriately validated IVRT method can support a demonstration of BE by showing that the drug release rates from test and reference products are statistically equivalent, mitigating the risk that differences may exist between the products which may influence in vivo performance of the drug product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin I Tiffner
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Isadore Kanfer
- Rhodes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Artillery Road, Grahamstown 6140, South Africa.
| | - Thomas Augustin
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Reingard Raml
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Sam G Raney
- Division of Therapeutic Performance, Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Frank Sinner
- HEALTH - Institute for Biomedicine and Health Sciences, Joanneum Research Forschungsgesellschaft m.b.H, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 2, 8010 Graz, Austria; Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036 Graz, Austria
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12
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Gurram S, Shah DS, Jha DK, Amin PD. Determination of Microstructural Impact on the Release of Drug from Hydroxypropyl Cellulose Gel by Validated In Vitro Release Test Method. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2021; 19:484-500. [PMID: 34757828 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2021.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microstructure of a semisolid system is greatly influenced by the formulation composition and the processing parameters. Different polymers exhibit different three-dimensional structure and these have a great impact on the drug release properties. The current research focuses on studying the impact of hydroxypropyl cellulose gel microstructure on the release properties of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX G). The two main investigating methods of microstructure were used namely, rheology and texture analysis to determine the differences in the formulations studied. The CHX G drug release study was performed using a developed and validated in vitro release test method, which is reproducible, discriminative, and robust to detect the formulation differences. The drug release results showed that there was appreciable difference in the release rates of the different formulations. The rheology and texture analysis data correlated well with the difference in the release rates. The formulations differences were further confirmed by a statistical approach using analysis of variance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharda Gurram
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, India
| | - Devanshi S Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, India
| | - Durgesh K Jha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, India
| | - Purnima D Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, India
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Miron DS, Rădulescu FȘ, Voicu VA, Mînea A, Cardot JM, Shah VP. Are European marketed acyclovir 5% cream products similar? Comparison with EU and US reference product. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2021; 47:990-1000. [PMID: 34279163 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2021.1957921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to perform a comparative evaluation of composition and in vitro release performance of multisource acyclovir 5% creams. SIGNIFICANCE The outcome was analyzed in relation with the principles of the Topical drug Classification System (TCS). METHODS The in vitro drug release testing (IVRT) was based on selection of an inert artificial membrane and a medium providing sink conditions, and utilizing the vertical diffusion cells. US and European innovator products, with marked difference in excipients, were used as references for the assessment of the in vitro release similarity. The qualitative composition of the topical semisolid products was inventoried, with no quantitative details being available. A Principal Component Analysis was applied by either dichotomy ranking or grouping the individual excipients into categories according to their functional role. RESULTS The results confirmed the sensitivity and discriminative characteristics of IVRT with respect to the qualitative composition, as well as its relevance in the comparative assessment of multisource drug products beyond the current strict requirements of Q1 and Q2 similarity. CONCLUSIONS This is in line with the principles of the TCS and with the central role assigned to IVRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Simona Miron
- Center for Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Flavian Ștefan Rădulescu
- Center for Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Victor A Voicu
- Center for Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Section of Medical Sciences, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Mînea
- Center for Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Jean-Michel Cardot
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, UMR 454 MEDIS, Clermont-Auvergne University, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vinod P Shah
- Pharmaceutical Consultant, North Potomac, MD, USA
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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: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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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15
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One-step extrusion of concentrated lidocaine lipid nanocarrier (LNC) dispersions. Int J Pharm 2020; 589:119817. [PMID: 32866646 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Lipid nanocarriers (LNCs) have been successfully produced by many methods including high pressure homogenization, sonication and microemulsification, but it remains very difficult to produce dispersions with greater than 30% LNCs, volume average particle diameter less than 150 nm, and concentration of drugs useful for topical products. This research is the first to propose and demonstrate extrusion to manufacture highly concentrated drug containing LNC dispersions continuously and economically in a single step. By treating crude emulsions in a twin-screw extruder which has sections for homogenizing, mixing and fast-cooling inside the extruder, lidocaine-loaded LNC dispersions were successfully generated with lipid concentration up to 60% and particle diameters less than 50 nm. Electrical conductivity and birefringence measurements indicate that in the lidocaine system, lamellar microemulsions are intermediate structures and compositions with low lipid concentrations that do not present evidence of lamellar structures fail to give nanoparticles when processed. This paper also presents a new method for measuring kinetics of drug release from nanoparticles based on pH stat titration. Sufficiently precise data from pH stat titration allows determination of rate laws for release occurring on a time scale of minutes versus hours or days. The release rate of lidocaine from extruded 35% lipid nanoparticles was constant (zero order release kinetics) through the first hour (40% of drug release), a valuable property for drug delivery.
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Shah DS, Jha DK, Amin PD. Development, validation, and application of an RP-HPLC method for concurrent quantification of Minoxidil and Finasteride in a topical solution for hair regrowth. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2020; 79:194-206. [PMID: 33091398 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2020.10.003] [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: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A topical solution comprising of Minoxidil (MXL) and Finasteride (FNS) for alopecia is formulated in the present work, which essentially contains a lipid-Lauroglycol FCC as a penetration enhancer. The objective of the proposed work was to develop a rapid, simple, and robust reverse phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method to determine MXL and FNS in the said formulation. Herein, the chromatographic conditions were optimized based on the theoretical principles of separation and physicochemical properties such as pKa and log P of both the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The separation was accomplished on an Inertsil® ODS-3 C18 column (150mm×4.6mm; 5μm of particle size) at 25°C by using a mobile phase composed of 70:30 v/v ratio of Methanol and Milli-Q water along with 0.5% Triethylamine at pH 6.4 adjusted with Ortho Phosphoric Acid. Drug peaks showed a good resolution at 210nm. The retention times for MXL and FNS were found to be 2.40min and 6.39min, respectively. The developed method was found to be linear (R2≥0.998) in a concentration range of 5-100μg/mL for both the drugs. The method was validated according to the ICH guidelines Q2 (R1). The ability of the method to differentiate between the types formulations was demonstrated by the in vitro diffusion data performed using a highly sophisticated Strat-M® membrane. The cumulative amount of drug released (MXL and FNS) at the end of 24hours was maximum for the topical formulation containing lipids prepared using isopropyl alcohol and propylene glycol as the base.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, 400019 Matunga, India
| | - D K Jha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, 400019 Matunga, India
| | - P D Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, 400019 Matunga, India.
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Miranda M, Cova T, Augusto C, Pais AACC, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. Diving into Batch-to-Batch Variability of Topical Products-a Regulatory Bottleneck. Pharm Res 2020; 37:218. [PMID: 33037479 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02911-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Following the recent European Medicine Agency (EMA) draft guideline on quality and equivalence of topical products, a modular framework for bioequivalence assessment is proposed, wherein the qualitative, quantitative, microstructure and product performance sameness is demanded to support generic applications. Strict regulatory limits are now imposed, but, the suitability of these limits has been subject of intense debate. In this context, this paper aims to address these issues by characterizing a panel of 8 reference blockbuster semisolid topical products. METHODS For each product, three batches were selected and, whenever possible, batches retrieved from different manufacturing sites were considered. Product microstructure was evaluated in terms of globule size, pH, rheological attributes and, if required, the thermal behaviour was also assessed. Performance was evaluated through in vitro release testing (IVRT). Finally, an integrated multivariate analysis was performed to highlight the features that most contribute for product variability. RESULTS Marked differences were registered within reference products. Statistical analysis demonstrated that if EMA criteria are applied, none of the same product batches can be considered as equivalent. Rheological parameters as well as IVRT indicators account for the majority of batch-to-batch differences. CONCLUSIONS Semisolid dosage forms exhibit intrinsic variability. This calls for the attention to the need of establishing reasonable equivalence criteria applied to generic drug products. Graphical abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Cova
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cátia Augusto
- Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, Portugal, lote 15 3450-232, Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Alberto A C C Pais
- 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, Portugal, lote 15 3450-232, Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Centre for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Pólo I, 1st floor, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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18
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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: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [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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19
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Abstract
Considering the recent regulatory requirements, the overall importance of in vitro release testing (IVRT) methods regarding topical product development is undeniable, especially when addressing particulate systems. For each IVRT study, several hundreds of samples are generated. Therefore, developing rapid reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) methods, able to provide a real-time drug analysis of IVRT samples, is a priority. In this study, eight topical complex drug products exhibiting distinct physicochemical profiles were considered. RP-HPLC methods were developed and fully validated. Chromatographic separations were achieved on a XBridgeTM C18 (5 µm particle size, 150 mm × 2.1 mm), or alternatively on a LiChrospher® 100 RP-18 (5 µm particle size, 125 mm × 4.6 mm) at 30 °C, under isocratic conditions using UV detection at specific wavelengths. According to the physicochemical characteristics of each drug, different mobile phases were selected. Irrespective of the drug (hydrocortisone, etofenamate, bifonazole, clotrimazole, acyclovir, tioconazole, clobetasol, and diclofenac) and formulation, retention time values did not exceed 6.5 min. All methods were linear, specific, precise, and accurate at the intraday and interday levels, robust, and stable. These were successfully applied to establish product-specific IVRT profiles, thus providing a key database useful for topical pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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20
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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: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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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21
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Miranda M, Pais AACC, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. aQbD as a platform for IVRT method development - A regulatory oriented approach. Int J Pharm 2019; 572:118695. [PMID: 31536762 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The EMA draft guideline on quality and equivalence of topical products and the FDA non-binding product specific guidances release has encouraged the establishment of a regulatory background for in vitro release testing (IVRT). Herein, a novel framework applicable to the development of a discriminatory IVRT method is described, according to analytical quality by design (aQbD) principles. A commercially available diclofenac emulgel formulation was used as model product. Through the definition of IVRT analytical target profile, a risk assessment analysis was carried out, in which the critical analytical attributes (in vitro release rate, cumulative amount released at an initial/final point and dose depletion) and critical method variables (medium, membrane and dosage regimen) were identified. Based on this information, a 3 × 2 × 3 full factorial design was performed. Statistical modeling and system desirability assessment enabled the selection of the most suitable IVRT parameters, which were fully validated according with new EMA requirements. These consisted of PBS:Ethanol (80:20, pH = 7.4), Tuffryn membranes and 300 mg of applied product. aQbD provided a comprehensive framework for developing a reliable and effective IVRT method. A thorough analysis of the new EMA draft guideline requirements revealed that some of the established criteria may be challenging to attain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Cardoso
- Laboratórios Basi, Parque Industrial Manuel Lourenço Ferreira, lote 15, 3450-232 Mortágua, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; 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.
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22
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Bao Q, Burgess DJ. Perspectives on Physicochemical and In Vitro Profiling of Ophthalmic Ointments. Pharm Res 2018; 35:234. [PMID: 30324424 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-018-2513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Ophthalmic ointments are unique in that they combine features of topical drug delivery, the ophthalmic route and ointment (semisolid) formulations. Accordingly, these complex formulations are challenging to develop and evaluate and therefore it is critically important to understand their physicochemical properties as well as their in vitro drug release characteristics. Previous reports on the characterization of ophthalmic ointments are very limited. Although there are FDA guidance documents and USP monographs covering some aspects of semisolid formulations, there are no FDA guidance documents nor any USP monographs for ophthalmic ointments. This review summarizes the physicochemical and in vitro profiling methods that have been previously reported for ophthalmic ointments. Specifically, insight is provided into physicochemical characterization (rheological parameters, drug content and content uniformity, and particle size of the API in the finished ointments) as well as important considerations (membranes, release media, method comparison, release kinetics and discriminatory ability) in in vitro release testing (IVRT) method development for ophthalmic ointments. Graphical Abstract Summary of the physicochemcial profiling and in vitro drug release testing (IVRT) for ophthalmic ointments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanying Bao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269, USA
| | - Diane J Burgess
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, 06269, USA.
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Bioequivalence of topical generic products. Part 2. Paving the way to a tailored regulatory system. Eur J Pharm Sci 2018; 122:264-272. [PMID: 29981406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hitherto, for the approval of a topical generic drug product, the majority of the regulatory agencies require clinical endpoint studies to prove its therapeutic equivalence in relation to a reference product. Pharmacodynamic studies are also available to support bioequivalence, however, these are solely applicable for corticosteroids. The first strategy is considered the "gold standard", since it can be applied to all drug products. Nevertheless, the high variability intrinsic to topical drug delivery makes this analysis relatively insensitive, costly, time-consuming, besides requiring a large number of subjects. There are, however, alternative methods capable of providing a more rigorous analysis and requiring a lower cost. Amongst them, in vitro methods have sparked considerable attention, not only in the academic field, but also in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory agencies. In this context, this review attempts to discuss the main regulatory constraints and the recent advances in the regulatory science of topical generic drugs bioequivalence assessment. Initiatives, such as the Strawman decision tree and the topical drug classification system are specially referred, since these highlight the importance of establishing a broader concept of pharmaceutical equivalence for topical generic drugs, similar to the one already set for orally administered conventional dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules. Finally, the FDA Product-Specific Guidances for Generic Drug Development released for topical products in recent years and particular European Public Assessment Reports are presented and discussed, to illustrate the change of paradigm which is occurring in this regulatory field.
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Simões A, Veiga F, Vitorino C, Figueiras A. A Tutorial for Developing a Topical Cream Formulation Based on the Quality by Design Approach. J Pharm Sci 2018; 107:2653-2662. [PMID: 29935297 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry has entered in a new era, as there is a growing interest in increasing the quality standards of dosage forms, through the implementation of more structured development and manufacturing approaches. For many decades, the manufacturing of drug products was controlled by a regulatory framework to guarantee the quality of the final product through a fixed process and exhaustive testing. Limitations related to the Quality by Test system have been widely acknowledged. The emergence of Quality by Design (QbD) as a systematic and risk-based approach introduced a new quality concept based on a good understanding of how raw materials and process parameters influence the final quality profile. Although the QbD system has been recognized as a revolutionary approach to product development and manufacturing, its full implementation in the pharmaceutical field is still limited. This is particularly evident in the case of semisolid complex formulation development. The present review aims at establishing a practical QbD framework to describe all stages comprised in the pharmaceutical development of a conventional cream in a comprehensible manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Simões
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; LAQV. REQUIMTE, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; LAQV. REQUIMTE, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; LAQV. REQUIMTE, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Coimbra, Portugal; Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; LAQV. REQUIMTE, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Coimbra, Portugal.
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