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Liang D, Walker J, Schwendeman PS, Chandrashekar A, Ackermann R, Olsen KF, Beck-Broichsitter M, Schwendeman SP. Effect of PLGA raw materials on in vitro and in vivo performance of drug-loaded microspheres. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01577-y. [PMID: 38643259 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01577-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acids) (PLGAs) play a critical role in the development of commercial long-acting injectable microsphere formulations. However, very little information is available describing the impact of PLGA manufacturer and monomer distribution along the polymer chain (e.g., glycolic blockiness (Rc) and average lactic block length (LL)) on the degradation and release behavior of PLGA drug carriers in vitro and in vivo. Here, we compared the in vitro and in vivo performance of (a) four leuprolide-loaded microsphere formulations prepared from similar low-molecular-weight acid-capped PLGAs (10-14 kD, i.e., Expansorb® DLG 75-2A, Purasorb® PDLG 7502A, Resomer® RG 752H and Wako® 7515) and (b) two triamcinolone acetonide-loaded (Tr-A) microsphere formulations from similar medium-molecular-weight ester-capped PLGAs (i.e., Expansorb® DLG 75-4E and Resomer® RG 753S). Lupron Depot® and Zilretta® were used as reference commercial products. The six 75/25 PLGAs displayed block lengths that were either above or below values expected from a random copolymer. Drug release and polymer degradation were monitored simultaneously in vitro and in vivo using a cage implant system. The four leuprolide-loaded formulations showed similar release and degradation patterns with some notable differences between each other. Microspheres from the Expansorb® polymer displayed lower LL and higher Rc relative to the other 3 PLGA 75/25 microspheres, and likewise exhibited distinct peptide release and degradation behavior compared to the other 3 formulations. For each formulation, leuprolide release was erosion-controlled up to about 30% release after the initial burst followed by a faster than erosion release phase. In vitro release was similar as that in vivo over the first phase but notably different from the latter release phase, particularly for the most blocky Expansorb® formulation. The Purasorb® and Wako® formulations displayed highly similar performance in release, degradation, and erosion analysis. By contrast, the two ester-capped Expansorb® DLG 75-4E and Resomer® RG 753S used to prepare Tr-A microspheres shared essentially identical LL and higher Rc and behaved similarly although the Expansorb® degraded and released the steroid faster in vivo, suggestive of other factors responsible (e.g., residual monomer). The in vivo release performance for both drugs from the six microsphere formulations was similar to that of the commercial reference products. In summary, this work details information on comparing the similarities and differences in in vitro and in vivo performance of drug-loaded microspheres as a function of manufacturing and microstructural variables of different types of PLGA raw materials utilized and could, therefore, be meaningful in guiding the source control during development and manufacturing of PLGA microsphere-based drug products. Future work will expand the analysis to include a broader range of LL and higher Rc, and add additional important formulation metrics (e.g., thermal analysis, and residual monomer, moisture, and organic solvent levels).
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Affiliation(s)
- Desheng Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jennifer Walker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Peter S Schwendeman
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan, 1301 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Aishwarya Chandrashekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Rose Ackermann
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Karl F Olsen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Moritz Beck-Broichsitter
- MilliporeSigma a Business of Merck Life Science KGaA, Frankfurter Strasse 250, D-64293, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Steven P Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Li M, Wang R, Bao Q. Hyper-spectra imaging analysis of PLGA microspheres via machine learning enhanced Raman spectroscopy. J Control Release 2024; 367:676-686. [PMID: 38309305 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.071] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Long-acting injectables (LAI) offer a cost-effective and patient-centric approach by reducing pill burden and improving compliance, leading to better treatment outcomes. Among various types of long-acting injectables, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres have been extensively investigated and reported in the literature. However, microsphere formulation development is still challenging due to the complexity of PLGA polymer, formulation screening, and processing, as well as time-consuming and cumbersome physicochemical characterization. A further challenge is the limited availability of drug substances in early formulation development. Therefore, there is a need to develop novel and advanced tools that can accelerate the early formulation development. In this manuscript, a novel comprehensive physicochemical characterization approach was developed by integrating Raman microscopy and the machine learning process. The physicochemical properties such as drug loading, particle size and size distribution, content uniformity/heterogeneity, and drug polymorphism of the microspheres can be obtained in a single run, without requiring separate methods for each attribute (e.g., liquid chromatography, particle size analyzer, thermal analysis, X-ray powder diffraction). This approach is non-destructive and can significantly reduce material consumption, sample preparation, labor work, and analysis time/cost, which will greatly facilitate the formulation development of PLGA microsphere products. In addition, the approach will potentially be beneficial in enabling automated high throughput screening of microsphere formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghe Li
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
| | - Ruifeng Wang
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Quanying Bao
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA.
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Wang M, Wang S, Zhang C, Ma M, Yan B, Hu X, Shao T, Piao Y, Jin L, Gao J. Microstructure Formation and Characterization of Long-Acting Injectable Microspheres: The Gateway to Fully Controlled Drug Release Pattern. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:1571-1595. [PMID: 38406600 PMCID: PMC10888034 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s445269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable microspheres have been on the market for more than three decades, but if calculated on the brand name, only 12 products have been approved by the FDA due to numerous challenges in achieving a fully controllable drug release pattern. Recently, more and more researches on the critical factors that determine the release kinetics of microspheres shifted from evaluating the typical physicochemical properties to exploring the microstructure. The microstructure of microspheres mainly includes the spatial distribution and the dispersed state of drug, PLGA and pores, which has been considered as one of the most important characteristics of microspheres, especially when comparative characterization of the microstructure (Q3) has been recommended by the FDA for the bioequivalence assessment. This review extracted the main variables affecting the microstructure formation from microsphere formulation compositions and preparation processes and highlighted the latest advances in microstructure characterization techniques. The further understanding of the microsphere microstructure has significant reference value for the development of long-acting injectable microspheres, particularly for the development of the generic microspheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
| | - Changhao Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain of Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bohua Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinming Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain of Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianjiao Shao
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain of Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Piao
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain of Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Jin
- College of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain of Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, 100850, People’s Republic of China
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Faber T, McConville JT, Lamprecht A. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy provides novel insights of drug delivery phenomena. J Control Release 2024; 366:312-327. [PMID: 38161031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.048] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has long been a standard tool for morphological analyses, providing sub micrometer resolution of pharmaceutical formulations. However, analysis of internal morphologies of such formulations can often be biased due to the introduction of artifacts that originate from sample preparation. A recent advancement in SEM, is the focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). This technique uses a focused ion beam (FIB) to remove material with nanometer precision, to provide virtually sample-independent access to sub-surface structures. The FIB can be combined with SEM imaging capabilities within the same instrumentation. As a powerful analytical tool, electron microscopy and FIB-milling are performed sequentially to produce high-resolution 3D models of structural peculiarities of diverse drug delivery systems or their behavior in a biological environment, i.e. intracellular or -tissue distribution. This review paper briefly describes the technical background of the method, outlines a wide array of potential uses within the drug delivery field, and focuses on intracellular transport where high-resolution images are an essential tool for mechanistical insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Faber
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jason T McConville
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Alf Lamprecht
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Université de Franche-Comté, INSERM UMR1098 Right, Besançon, France.
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Wang J, Zhang T, Li X, Wu W, Xu H, Xu XM, Zhang T. DNA Nanobarrel-Based Drug Delivery for Paclitaxel and Doxorubicin. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300424. [PMID: 37470220 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300424] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Co-delivery of anticancer drugs and target agents by endogenous materials is an inevitable approach towards targeted and synergistic therapy. Employing DNA base pair complementarities, DNA nanotechnology exploits a unique nanostructuring method and has demonstrated its capacity for nanoscale positioning and templated assembly. Moreover, the water solubility, biocompatibility, and modifiability render DNA structure suitable candidate for drug delivery applications. We here report single-stranded DNA tail conjugated antitumor drug paclitaxel (PTX), and the co-delivery of PTX, doxorubicin and targeting agent mucin 1 (MUC-1) aptamer on a DNA nanobarrel carrier. We investigated the effect of tail lengths on drug release efficiencies and dual drug codelivery-enabled cytotoxicity. Owing to the rapidly developing field of structural DNA nanotechnology, functional DNA-based drug delivery is promising to achieve clinical therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyang Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Xueqiao Li
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Wenna Wu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Xin-Ming Xu
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
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Wan B, Bao Q, Burgess D. Long-acting PLGA microspheres: advances in excipient and product analysis toward improved product understanding. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 198:114857. [PMID: 37149041 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres are a sustained-release drug delivery system with several successful commercial products used for the treatment of a variety of diseases. By utilizing PLGA polymers with different compositions, therapeutic agents can be released over durations varying from several weeks to several months. However, precise quality control of PLGA polymers and a fundamental understanding of all the factors associated with the performance of PLGA microsphere formulations remains challenging. This knowledge gap can hinder product development of both innovator and generic products. In this review, variability of the key release controlling excipient (PLGA), as well as advanced physicochemical characterization techniques for the PLGA polymer and PLGA microspheres are discussed. The relative merits and challenges of different in vitro release testing methods, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies, and in vitro-in vivo correlation development are also summarized. This review is intended to provide an in-depth understanding of long-acting microsphere products and consequently facilitate the development of these complex products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wan
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Quanying Bao
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Diane Burgess
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Storrs, CT 06269
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