Release profile of ibuprofen in β-cyclodextrin complexes from two different solid dosage forms

Cyclodextrin-Based Arsenal for Anti-Cancer Treatments

Anti-cancer drugs are mostly limited in their use due to poor physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. Their lower solubility is the most common hurdle limiting their use upto their potential. In the recent years, the cyclodextrin (CD) complexation have emerged as existing approach to overcome the problem of poor solubility. CD-based nano-technological approaches are safe, stable and showed well in vivo tolerance and greater payload for encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs for the targeted delivery. They are generally chosen due to their ability to get self-assembled to form liposomes, nanoparticles, micelles and nano-sponges etc. This review paper describes a birds-eye view of the various CD-based nano-technological approaches applied for the delivery of anti-cancer moieties to the desired target such as CD based liposomes, niosomes, niosoponges, micelles, nanoparticles, monoclonal antibody, magnetic nanoparticles, small interfering RNA, nanorods, miscellaneous formulation of anti-cancer drugs containing CD. Moreover, the author also summarizes the various shortcomings of such a system and their way ahead.

Development of self-microemulsifying tablets containing dutasteride for enhanced dissolution and pharmacokinetic profile

This study aimed to develop self-microemulsifying tablets containing the hydrophobic drug dutasteride for easy administration and high in vivo absorption. The candidate lipids and surfactants were formulated into a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), and their mean droplet size upon dilution was evaluated. The SMEDDS containing Capmul® MCM, Captex® 355, and Cremophor® EL showed improved dissolution in the gastric medium when compared to the dissolution of the conventional product (Avodart®) and the raw drug. Among the various porous silicon microparticles for solidifying SMEDDS, Neusilin® US2 showed favorable properties in terms of maximum adsorption capacity, powder flow, and compaction. However, the amount of drug released from the solidified SMEDDS after the adsorption process was lower than that of liquid SMEDDS, indicating incomplete desorption. After observing the effect of the solid-to-liquid ratio and pre-filling the pores with blank SMEDDS, complete desorption was obtained when the pores were first adsorbed with polyvinylpyrrolidone. The self-microemulsifying tablets exhibited improved bioavailability (29.9% and 15.2%) compared to the conventional soft gelatin product. Therefore, the proposed system could successfully solubilize the hydrophobic drug while maintaining rapid and complete desorption from the solid carrier, resulting in enhanced in vivo performance.

Thermosensitive In Situ Gel Based on Solid Dispersion for Rectal Delivery of Ibuprofen

The objective of this study was to develop a thermosensitive in situ gel based on solid dispersions (SDs) for rectal delivery of ibuprofen (IBU). Thermosensitive (poloxamer 407) and mucoadhesive (hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose E5 and sodium alginate) polymers were used to prepare the in situ gel and the sol-gel transition temperature (T _sol-gel) and gel strength were optimized. The in vitro release performance and in vivo pharmacokinetic properties of the in situ gel after their rectal administration to rabbits were investigated. Compared with the solid suppository, the cumulative release of the IBU SDs loaded in situ gel was significantly increased. The in vivo pharmacokinetics indicated that in situ gel had a higher peak plasma concentration (C _max) and area under the curve (AUC_(0-∞)) in plasma than the solid suppositories. Histopathology results showed that the IBU in situ gel given at a dose of 15 mg/kg did not produce any irritation. In conclusion, this study suggested that the in situ gel could be an effective rectal formulation for IBU.

Pokharkar V. Understanding peroral absorption: regulatory aspects and contemporary approaches to tackling solubility and permeability hurdles

Oral drug absorption is a process influenced by the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of the drug and its inter-relationship with the gastrointestinal tract. Drug solubility, dissolution and permeability across intestinal barrier are the key parameters controlling absorption. This review provides an overview of the factors that affect drug absorption and the classification of a drug on the basis of solubility and permeability. The biopharmaceutical classification system (BCS) was introduced in early 90׳s and is a regulatory tool used to predict bioavailability problems associated with a new entity, thereby helping in the development of a drug product. Strategies to combat solubility and permeability issues are also discussed.