Interpreting In Vitro Release Performance from Long-Acting Parenteral Nanosuspensions Using USP-4 Dissolution and Spectroscopic Techniques

Bottom-up production of injectable itraconazole suspensions using membrane technology

Bottom-up production of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) crystal suspensions offers advantages in surface property control and operational ease over top-down methods. However, downstream separation and concentration pose challenges. This proof-of-concept study explores membrane diafiltration as a comprehensive solution for downstream processing of API crystal suspensions produced via anti-solvent crystallization. It involves switching the residual solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, NMP) with water, adjusting the excipient (d-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate, TPGS) quantity, and enhancing API loading (solid concentration) in itraconazole crystal suspensions. NMP concentration was decreased from 9 wt% to below 0.05 wt% (in compliance with European Medicine Agency guidelines), while the TPGS concentration was decreased from 0.475 wt% to 0.07 wt%. This reduced the TPGS-to-itraconazole ratio from 1:2 to less than 1:50 and raised the itraconazole loading from 1 wt% to 35.6 wt%. Importantly, these changes did not adversely affect the itraconazole crystal stability in suspension. This study presents membrane diafiltration as a one-step solution to address downstream challenges in bottom-up API crystal suspension production. These findings contribute to optimizing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and hold promise for advancing the development of long-acting API crystal suspensions via bottom-up production techniques at a commercial scale.

Development of long-acting injectable suspensions by continuous antisolvent crystallization: An integrated bottom-up process

Our present work elucidated the operational feasibility of direct generation and stabilization of long-acting injectable (LAI) suspensions of a practically insoluble drug, itraconazole (ITZ), by combining continuous liquid antisolvent crystallization with downstream processing (i.e., centrifugal filtration and reconstitution). A novel microchannel reactor-based bottom-up crystallization setup was assembled and optimized for the continuous production of micro-suspension. Based upon the solvent screening and solubility study, N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) was selected as the optimal solvent and an impinging jet Y-shaped microchannel reactor (MCR) was selected as the fluidic device to provide a reproducible homogenous mixing environment. Operating parameters such as solvent to antisolvent ratio (S/AS), total jet liquid flow rates (TFRs), ITZ feed solution concentration and the maturation time in spiral tubing were tailored to 1:9 v/v, 50 mL/min, 10 g/100 g solution, and 96 h, respectively. Vitamin E TPGS (0.5% w/w) was found to be the most suitable excipient to stabilize ITZ particles amongst 14 commonly used stabilizers screened. The effect of scaling up from 25 mL to 15 L was evaluated effectively with in situ monitoring of particle size distribution (PSD) and solid-state form. Thereafter, the suspension was subjected to centrifugal filtration to remove excess solvent and increase ITZ solid fraction. As an alternative, an even more concentrated wet pellet was reconstituted with an aqueous solution of 0.5% w/w Vitamin E TPGS as resuspending agent. The ITZ LAI suspension (of 300 mg/mL solid concentration) has the optimal PSD with a D10 of 1.1 ± 0.3 µm, a D50 of 3.53 ± 0.4 µm and a D90 of 6.5 ± 0.8 µm, corroborated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as remained stable after 548 days of storage at 25 °C. Finally, in vitro release methods using Dialyzer, dialysis membrane sac were investigated for evaluation of dissolution of ITZ LAI suspensions. The framework presented in this manuscript provides a useful guidance for development of LAI suspensions by an integrated bottom-up approach using ITZ as model API.

Role of Modeling and Simulation in Preclinical and Clinical Long-Acting Injectable Drug Development

Innovations in the field of long-acting injectable drug development are increasingly being reported. More advanced in vitro and in vivo characterization can improve our understanding of the injection space and aid in describing the long-acting injectable (LAI) drug's behavior at the injection site more mechanistically. These innovations may enable unlocking the potential of employing a model-based framework in the LAI preclinical and clinical space. This review provides a brief overview of the LAI development process before delving deeper into the current status of modeling and simulation approaches in characterizing the preclinical and clinical LAI pharmacokinetics, focused on aqueous crystalline suspensions. A closer look is provided on in vitro release methods, available biopharmaceutical models and reported in vitro/in vivo correlations (IVIVCs) that may advance LAI drug development. The overview allows identifying the opportunities for use of model-informed drug development approaches and potential gaps where further research may be most warranted. Continued investment in improving our understanding of LAI PK across species through translational approaches may facilitate the future development of LAI drug products.

Formulation and Characterization of Ursodeoxycholic Acid Nanosuspension Based on Bottom-Up Technology and Box-Behnken Design Optimization

BACKGROUND

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a therapeutic agent used for the treatment of cholestatic hepatobiliary diseases in pediatric patients. It is a bile acid that presents high lipophilicity, and it belongs to Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS), which exhibits low water solubility and high intestinal permeability, which leads to poor oral absorption. The objective of this work was to design and optimize UDCA nanosuspensions by means of the precipitation-ultrasonication method to improve the solubility, dissolution, and oral bioavailability of UDCA.

METHODS

A three-level, three-factor Box-Behnken design was used to optimize formulation variables and obtain uniform, small-particle-size UDCA nanosuspensions. The independent variables were: stabilizer percentage (X1), amplitude (X2), and sonication time (X3), and the dependent variable was the particle size (Y1). In the precipitation-ultrasonication method, UDCA was dissolved in acetone:PEG 400 (1:1 v/v) and quickly incorporated into the antisolvent (pre-cooled aqueous dispersion of HPMC E-15 0.3%), by means of intense sonication at 50 W for 5 min, controlling temperature through an ice water bath. The lyophilization efficacy was evaluated by means of a cryoprotective efficacy test, working with 10% maltose at -80 °C. The nanosuspensions were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical stability was determined at 25 °C and 4 °C at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days, and the UDCA content was analyzed via HPLC-UV. An in vitro dissolution assay and an oral bioavailability study were performed in male Wistar rats.

RESULTS

A significant impact was achieved in the optimized nanosuspension with 0.3% (stabilizer), 50 W (amplitude), and 5 min (sonication time), with a particle size of 352.4 nm, PDI of 0.11, and zeta potential of -4.30 mV. It presented adequate physicochemical stability throughout the study and the UDCA content was between 90% and 110%. In total, 86% of UDCA was dissolved in the in vitro dissolution test. The relative oral bioavailability was similar without significant statistical differences when comparing the lyophilized nanosuspension and the commercial tablet, the latter presenting a more erratic behavior. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the nanosuspension and the commercial tablet were Tmax (1.0 ± 0.9 h vs. 2.0 ± 0.8 h, respectively), Cmax (0.558 ± 0.118 vs. 0.366 ± 0.113 µM, respectively), ΔCmax (0.309 ± 0.099 vs. 0.232 ± 0.056, respectively), AUC (4.326 ± 0.471 vs. 2.188 ± 0.353 µg/mL.h, respectively, p < 0.02), and IAUC0-24h (2.261 ± 0.187 µg/mL.h vs. 1.924 ± 0.440 µg/mL.h, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The developed nanosuspension presents an appropriate dosage and administration for pediatric patients. On the other hand, it exhibits an adequate absorption and UDCA oral bioavailability.

Current State and Opportunities with Long-acting Injectables: Industry Perspectives from the Innovation and Quality Consortium "Long-Acting Injectables" Working Group

Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations can provide several advantages over the more traditional oral formulation as drug product opportunities. LAI formulations can achieve sustained drug release for extended periods of time, which results in less frequent dosing requirements leading to higher patient adherence and more optimal therapeutic outcomes. This review article will provide an industry perspective on the development and associated challenges of long-acting injectable formulations. The LAIs described herein include polymer-based formulations, oil-based formulations, and crystalline drug suspensions. The review discusses manufacturing processes, including quality controls, considerations of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), biopharmaceutical properties and clinical requirements pertaining to LAI technology selection, and characterization of LAIs through in vitro, in vivo and in silico approaches. Lastly, the article includes a discussion around the current lack of suitable compendial and biorelevant in vitro models for the evaluation of LAIs and its subsequent impact on LAI product development and approval.

Pharmacokinetics of Long-Acting Aqueous Nano-/Microsuspensions After Intramuscular Administration in Different Animal Species and Humans-a Review

Formulating aqueous suspensions is an attractive strategy to incorporate poorly water-soluble drugs, where the drug release can be tailored to maintain desired release profiles of several weeks to months after parenteral (i.e., intramuscular or subcutaneous) administration. A sustained drug release can be desirable to combat chronic diseases by overcoming pill fatigue of a daily oral intake, hence, improving patient compliance. Although the marketed aqueous suspensions for intramuscular injection efficiently relieve the daily pill burden in chronic diseases, the exact drug release mechanisms remain to be fully unraveled. The in vivo drug release and subsequent absorption to the systemic circulation are influenced by a plethora of variables, resulting in a complex in vivo behavior of aqueous suspensions after intramuscular administration. A better understanding of the factors influencing the in vivo performance of aqueous suspensions could advance their drug development. An overview of the potential influential variables on the drug release after intramuscular injection of aqueous suspensions is provided with, where possible, available pharmacokinetic parameters in humans or other species derived from literature, patents, and clinical trials. These variables can be categorized into drug substance and formulation properties, administration site properties, and the host response towards drug particles. Based on the findings, the most critical factors are particle size, dose level, stabilizing excipient, drug lipophilicity, gender, body mass index, and host response.

Smart design of patient centric long-acting products: from preclinical to marketed pipeline trends and opportunities

INTRODUCTION

We see a development in the field of long-acting products to serve patients with chronic diseases by providing benefits in adherence, efficacy and safety of the treatment. This review investigates features of long-acting products on the market/pipeline to understand which drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) characteristics likely enable a successful patient-centric, low-dosing frequency product.

AREAS COVERED

This review evaluates marketed/pipeline long-acting products with greater than one week release of small molecules and peptides by oral and injectable route of administration (RoA), with particular focus on patient centricity, adherence impact, health outcomes, market trends, and the match of DS/DP technologies which lead to market success.

EXPERT OPINION

Emerging trends are expected to change the field of long-acting products in the upcoming years by increasing capability in engineered molecules (low solubility, long half-life, high potency, etc.), directly developing DP as long-acting oral/injectable, increasing the proportion of products for local drug delivery, and a direction towards more subcutaneous, self-administered products. Among long-acting injectable products, nanosuspensions show a superiority in dose per administration and dosing interval, overwhelming the field of infectious diseases with the recently marketed products.

Nanocarrier Drug Delivery Systems: Characterization, Limitations, Future Perspectives and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence

There has been an increasing demand for the development of nanocarriers targeting multiple diseases with a broad range of properties. Due to their tiny size, giant surface area and feasible targetability, nanocarriers have optimized efficacy, decreased side effects and improved stability over conventional drug dosage forms. There are diverse types of nanocarriers that have been synthesized for drug delivery, including dendrimers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymersomes, polymer-drug conjugates, polymeric nanoparticles, peptide nanoparticles, micelles, nanoemulsions, nanospheres, nanocapsules, nanoshells, carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles, etc. Several characterization techniques have been proposed and used over the past few decades to control and predict the behavior of nanocarriers both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we describe some fundamental in vitro, ex vivo, in situ and in vivo characterization methods for most nanocarriers, emphasizing their advantages and limitations, as well as the safety, regulatory and manufacturing aspects that hinder the transfer of nanocarriers from the laboratory to the clinic. Moreover, integration of artificial intelligence with nanotechnology, as well as the advantages and problems of artificial intelligence in the development and optimization of nanocarriers, are also discussed, along with future perspectives.

Development of the general chapters of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition: A review

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition was reviewed and approved by the National Medical Products Administration and the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China in July 2020. The current edition was officially implemented on December 30, 2020. The general chapters of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia discuss the general testing methods and guidelines, which are the common requirements and basis for the implementation of drug standards in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Owing to adherence to the principles of scientificity, versatility, operability, and sustainable development, there is an improvement in the general chapters of the 2020 edition over those of the previous editions. Further, the application of advanced and mature analytical techniques has expanded, the development of testing methods for exogenous pollutants in traditional Chinese medicines has been strengthened, and technical requirements are now better harmonized with international standards. The updated edition provides technical and methodological support to ensure safety, effectiveness, and control of pharmaceuticals in China and will play an important and active role in encouraging the application of advanced technologies, improving the quality control of medicines, and strengthening the means of drug regulation in China. This review provides a comprehensive introduction of the main features of and changes to the general chapters in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition and aims to provide reference for its correct understanding and accurate implementation.

Recent Progress in Drug Release Testing Methods of Biopolymeric Particulate System

Biopolymeric microparticles have been widely used for long-term release formulations of short half-life chemicals or synthetic peptides. Characterization of the drug release from microparticles is important to ensure product quality and desired pharmacological effect. However, there is no official method for long-term release parenteral dosage forms. Much work has been done to develop methods for in vitro drug release testing, generally grouped into three major categories: sample and separate, dialysis membrane, and continuous flow (flow-through cell) methods. In vitro drug release testing also plays an important role in providing insight into the in vivo performance of a product. In vitro release test with in vivo relevance can reduce the cost of conducting in vivo studies and accelerate drug product development. Therefore, investigation of the in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) is increasingly becoming an essential part of particulate formulation development. This review summarizes the principles of the in vitro release testing methods of biopolymeric particulate system with the recent research articles and discusses their characteristics including IVIVC, accelerated release testing methods, and stability of encapsulated drugs.

An in-depth analysis of novel combinatorial drug therapy via nanocarriers against HIV/AIDS infection and their clinical perspectives: a systematic review

Introduction: Conventional antiretroviral therapy against HIV infections is threatening to become outdated due to the low chemical, physical, biological, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of therapeutic molecules, followed by the high chance of emergence of drug resistance. Considering the co-encapsulation of multi-infection agents in a single nanocarrier is emerging to offer various benefits such as synergistic action, improved therapeutic efficacy, reduced drug resistance development, patient compliance, and economical therapy.Areas covered: A systematic review of nano-based combinatorial drug therapy was performed using various databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Science Direct between 2000 and 2020. The search set was screened as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by 46 scientific articles and seven clinical studies selected for in-depth analysis.Expert opinion: There has been an immense effort to analyze the mechanism of HIV infection to develop a promising therapeutic approach, although the aim of complete prevention has not been succeeded yet. The key finding is to overcome the challenges associated with conventional therapy by the combinatorial drug in a single nanoformulation, which holds great potential for impact in the management of HIV infection.