Development and characterization of metformin hydrochloride- and glyburide-containing orally disintegrating tablets

Advances in metformin-delivery systems for diabetes and obesity management

Metformin is a medication that is commonly prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes. It has been used for more than 60 years and is highly effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Recent studies indicate that metformin may have additional medical benefits beyond treating diabetes, revealing its potential therapeutic uses. Oral medication is commonly used to administer metformin because of its convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, there are challenges in optimizing its effectiveness. Gastrointestinal side effects and limitations in bioavailability have led to the underutilization of metformin. Innovative drug-delivery systems such as fast-dissolving tablets, micro/nanoparticle formulations, hydrogel and microneedles have been explored to optimize metformin therapy. These strategies enhance metformin dosage, targeting, bioavailability and stability, and provide personalized treatment options for improved glucose homeostasis, antiobesity and metabolic health benefits. Developing new delivery systems for metformin shows potential for improving therapeutic outcomes, broadening its applications beyond diabetes management and addressing unmet medical needs in various clinical settings. However, it is important to improve drug-delivery systems, addressing issues such as complexity, cost, biocompatibility, stability during storage and transportation, loading capacity, required technologies and biomaterials, targeting precision and regulatory approval. Addressing these limitations is crucial for effective, safe and accessible drug delivery in clinical practice. In this review, recent advances in the development and application of metformin-delivery systems for diabetes and obesity are discussed.

Nanoparticle-containing lyophilized dry powder inhaler formulations optimized using central composite design with improved aerodynamic parameters and redispersibility

Objectives: The aim of this study was to improve the aerodynamic behavior and redispersibility of a lyophilized dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation containing nanoparticles.Methods: Paclitaxel (PTX)-human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles were used as a model, and DPIs containing the nanoparticles were produced by lyophilization using different carriers and carrier ratios. A central composite design was employed to optimize the formulation. L-leucine and mannitol were chosen as independent variables, and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), emitted fraction, fine particle fraction (FPF), nanoparticle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential were selected as dependent variables.Results: The water content of DPIs was less than 5% for all DPIs. The cytotoxicity of the DPIs, determined using A549 cells, was due to PTX alone. Particle sizes of 204.3 ± 1.65 nm and 94.3-1353.0 nm were obtained before and after lyophilization, respectively. The developed method resulted in a reduction in the MMAD from 8.148 µm to 5.274 µm, an increase in the FPF from 17.63% to 33.60%, and an increase in the emitted fraction from 77.68% to 97.03%. The physico-chemical characteristics of the optimized formulation were also assessed.Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that lyophilization can be used to produce nanoparticle-containing DPI formulations with improved redispersibility and aerodynamic properties.

An Industrial Procedure for Pharmacodynamic Improvement of Metformin HCl via Granulation with Its Paracellular Pathway Enhancer Using Factorial Experimental Design

Background

Sorbitan monostearate is a surfactant used in the food industry. It was proved as a penetration enhancer to metformin HCl via a paracellular pathway. It is solid at room temperature and has a low melting point. Therefore, it was selected, as a granulating agent for metformin HCl.

Methods

Multi-level factorial design was applied to determine the optimized formula for industrial processing. The selected formulations were scanned using an electron microscope. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to ascertain the crystalline state of a drug. A modified non-everted sac technique, suggested by the authors, was used to evaluate the in vitro permeation enhancement of the drug. To simulate the emulsification effect of the bile salt, a tween 80 was added to the perfusion solution. As a pharmacodynamic marker, blood glucose levels were measured in diabetic rats.

Results

The results showed that drug permeability increases in the presence of tween 80. Drug permeability from granules increased than that of the pure drug or pure drug with tween 80. The prepared granules decreased blood glucose levels of diabetic rats than the pure drug and drug plus tween 80. There was an excellent correlation between the results of the drug permeation percent in vitro and the dropping of blood glucose level percent in vivo.

Conclusion

Improving the drug permeation and consequently, the drug pharmacodynamic effect in addition to an excellent micromeritics property of the prepared drug granules showed the dual enhancement effect of the suggested industrial procedure. Therefore, we suggest the same industrial procedure for other class III drugs.