Liposomal amikacin dry powder inhaler: effect of fines on in vitro performance

Colistin- and amikacin-loaded lipid-based drug delivery systems for resistant gram-negative lung and wound bacterial infections

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue, which needs to be tackled without further delay. The World Health Organization(WHO) has classified three gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Acinetobacter baumannii, as the principal responsible for AMR, mainly causing difficult to treat nosocomial lung and wound infections. In this regard, the need for colistin and amikacin, the re-emerged antibiotics of choice for resistant gram-negative infections, will be examined as well as their associated toxicity. Thus, current but ineffective clinical strategies designed to prevent toxicity related to colistin and amikacin will be reported, highlighting the importance of lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDSs), such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), as efficient delivery strategies for reducing antibiotic toxicity. This review reveals that colistin- and amikacin-NLCs are promising carriers with greater potential than liposomes and SLNs to safely tackle AMR, especially for lung and wound infections.

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.

Erythromycin Formulations—A Journey to Advanced Drug Delivery

Erythromycin (ERY) is a macrolide compound with a broad antimicrobial spectrum which is currently being used to treat a large number of bacterial infections affecting the skin, respiratory tract, intestines, bones and other systems, proving great value from a clinical point of view. It became popular immediately after its discovery in 1952, due to its therapeutic effect against pathogens resistant to other drugs. Despite this major advantage, ERY exhibits several drawbacks, raising serious clinical challenges. Among them, the very low solubility in water and instability under acidic conditions cause a limited efficacy and bioavailability. Apart from this, higher doses promote drug resistance and undesirable effects. In order to overcome these disadvantages, during the past decades, a large variety of ERY formulations, including nanoparticles, have emerged. Despite the interest in ERY-(nano)formulations, a review on them is lacking. Therefore, this work was aimed at reviewing all efforts made to encapsulate ERY in formulations of various chemical compositions, sizes and morphologies. In addition, their preparation/synthesis, physico-chemical properties and performances were carefully analysed. Limitations of these studies, particularly the quantification of ERY, are discussed as well.

Development of (Inhalable) Dry Powder Formulations of AS01B-Containing Vaccines Using Thin-Film Freeze-Drying

AS01_B is a liposomal formulation of two immunostimulants namely 3-O-desacyl-4́-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and QS-21. The liposomal formulation of AS01_B reduces the endotoxicity of MPL and the lytic activity of QS-21. The AS01_B-adjuvanted Shingrix vaccine is marketed in a two-vial presentation, with the liquid AS01_B liposomes in one vial and the antigen as a dry powder in another vial. In the present study, we tested the feasibility of applying thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD) to engineer dry powders of the AS01_B liposomal adjuvant alone or vaccines containing AS01_B as an adjuvant. Initially, we showed that after the AS01_B liposomal adjuvant was subjected to TFFD using sucrose as a stabilizer at 4% w/v, the particle size distribution of AS01_B liposomes reconstituted from the dry powder was identical to the liquid adjuvant before drying. We then showed using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen adjuvanted with AS01_B (AS01_B/OVA) that subjecting the AS01_B/OVA vaccine to TFFD and subsequent reconstitution did not negatively affect the AS01_B liposome particle size, nor the immunogenicity of the vaccine. Importantly, the thin-film freeze-dried AS01_B/OVA vaccine, unlike its liquid counterpart, was not sensitive to repeated freezing-and-thawing. The developed AS01_B/OVA dry powder also showed the desirable aerosol properties (i.e., fine particle fraction of 66.3 ± 4.9% and mass median aerodynamic diameter of 2.4 ± 0.1 µm) for potential pulmonary administration. Finally, the feasibility of using TFFD to prepare dry powders of AS01_B-adjuvanted vaccines was further confirmed using AS01_B-adjuvanted Fluzone Quadrivalent and Shingrix, which contains AS01_B. It is concluded that the TFFD technology can enable the formulation of AS01_B-adjuvanted vaccines as freezing-insensitive, inhalable dry powders in a single-vial presentation.

Selected Physicochemical Properties of Lyophilized Hydrogel with Liposomal Fraction of Calcium Dobesilate

Lyophilization is the process of drying and improving the stability of various pharmaceutical preparations. In this work we evaluated the properties of 11 hydrophilic gels calcium dobesilate with liposomes based on soybean lecithin, subjected to the freeze-drying procedure. Liposomes were produced by using method thin lipid film. Lyophilization was carried out under conditions of temperature equal (-30 °C) and pressure 0.37 mbar. We evaluated the preparations with dynamic light scattering (DLS) method, optical microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In this work we presented the average results for the particle diameter in the sample and PDI (polydispersity index) value for the samples that produced the results. When testing using the DLS method on a Malvern Zetaseizer, results for 7 samples were not obtained. Two of next four samples were characterized by an increased size of the liposome particle resulting from a lower concentration of ethanol compared to the rest of them. Three samples under the microscope did not show any differences. It was possible only to see single crystals probably of undissolved calcium dobesilate. Some clusters were observed in the 4 samples, and when they appeared they were very small. The aggregates and irregular liposomes present in the rest of the samples may have been formed due to the destabilizing activity of ethanol towards lipid membranes. In the FTIR spectrum for MC, the peak was observed at the wavenumber of ca. 2900 cm-1 and of about 1050 cm-1. In case of pure calcium dobesilate we observed low pick at the wavenumber of about 3400 cm-1. The spectrum has a low peak at the wavenumber of 1450 cm-1 and intense peaks ranging from approx. 1000 cm-1 to approx. 1200 cm-1. Decay of the lecithin peak in formulations with liposomes at 1725 cm-1 wavelength may indicate the occurrence of the hydrolysis reaction in the system. Probably there was a hydrolysis of the ester bond connecting the rest of the phosphoric acid and the choline with the glycerol residue.

Dry Powder Inhalers: A Focus on Advancements in Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Administration of drug molecules by inhalation route for treatment of respiratory diseases has the ability to deliver drugs, hormones, nucleic acids, steroids, proteins, and peptides, particularly to the site of action, improving the efficacy of the treatment and consequently lessening adverse effects of the treatment. Numerous inhalation delivery systems have been developed and studied to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, and other pulmonary infections. The progress of disciplines such as biomaterials science, nanotechnology, particle engineering, molecular biology, and cell biology permits further improvement of the treatment capability. The present review analyzes modern therapeutic approaches of inhaled drugs with special emphasis on novel drug delivery system for treatment of various respiratory diseases.

Dry powder inhalable formulations for anti-tubercular therapy

Tuberculosis (TB) is an intracellular infectious disease caused by the airborne bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite considerable research efforts, the treatment of TB continues to be a great challenge in part due to the requirement of prolonged therapy with multiple high-dose drugs and associated side effects. The delivery of pharmacological agents directly to the respiratory system, following the natural route of infection, represents a logical therapeutic approach for treatment or vaccination against TB. Pulmonary delivery is non-invasive, avoids first-pass metabolism in the liver and enables targeting of therapeutic agents to the infection site. Inhaled delivery also potentially reduces the dose requirement and the accompanying side effects. Dry powder is a stable formulation of drug that can be stored without refrigeration compared to liquids and suspensions. The dry powder inhalers are easy to use and suitable for high-dose formulations. This review focuses on the current innovations of inhalable dry powder formulations of drug and vaccine delivery for TB, including the powder production method, preclinical and clinical evaluations of inhaled dry powder over the last decade. Finally, the risks associated with pulmonary therapy are addressed. A novel dry powder formulation with high percentages of respirable particles coupled with a cost effective inhaler device is an appealing platform for TB drug delivery.

PEGylated liposomes of anastrozole for long-term treatment of breast cancer: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of present study was to develop conventional and PEGylated (long circulating), liposomes containing anastrozole (ANS) for effective treatment of breast cancer. ANS is a third-generation non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor of the triazole class used for the treatment of advanced and late-stage breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Under such disease conditions the median duration of therapy should be prolonged until tumor regression ends (>31 months). Liposomes were prepared by the thin film hydration method by using ANS and various lipids such as soyaphosphatidyl choline, cholesterol and methoxy polyethylene glycol distearoyl ethanolamine in different concentration ratios and evaluated for physical characteristics, in vitro drug release and stability. Optimized formulations of liposome were studied for in vitro cytotoxic activity against the BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines and in vivo behavior in Wistar rats. Preformulation studies, both Fourier transform infrared study and differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed no interaction between the drug and the excipients used in the formulations. The optimized formulations AL-07 and AL-09 liposomes showed encapsulation efficiencies in the range 65.12 ± 1.05% to 69.85 ± 3.2% with desired mean particle size distribution of 101.1 ± 5.9 and 120.2 ± 2.8 nm and zeta potentials of -43.7 ± 4.7 and -62.9 ± 3.5 mV. All the optimized formulations followed Higuchi-matrix release kinetics and when plotted in accordance with the Korsemeyer-Peppas method, the n-value 0.5 < n < 1.0 suggests an anomalous (non-Fickian) transport. Likewise, the PEGylated liposomes showed greater tumor growth inhibition on BT-549 and MCF-7 cell lines from in vitro cytotoxicity studies (p < 0.05). Pharmacokinetic study of conventional and PEGylated liposomes in Wistar rats demonstrated a 3.33- and 20.28-fold increase in AUC(0-∞) values when compared to pure drug (p < 0.001). Among the formulations, PEGylated liposomes showed encouraging results by way of their long circulation and sustained delivery properties for effective treatment of breast cancer.

Pulmonary drug delivery systems for tuberculosis treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem as it is the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide, after the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Conventional treatments fail either because of poor patient compliance to the drug regimen or due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. The aim of this review is to give an update on the information available on tuberculosis, its pathogenesis and current antitubercular chemotherapies. Direct lung delivery of anti-TB drugs using pulmonary delivery systems is then reviewed since it appears as an interesting strategy to improve first and second line drugs. A particular focus is place on research performed on inhalable dry powder formulations of antitubercular drugs to target alveolar macrophages where the bacteria develop. Numerous studies show that anti-TB drugs can be incorporated into liposomes, microparticles or nanoparticles which can be delivered as dry powders to the deep lungs for instantaneous, targeted and/or controlled release. Treatments of infected animals show a significant reduction of the number of viable bacteria as well as a decrease in tissue damage. These new formulations appear as interesting alternatives to deliver directly drugs to the lungs and favor efficient TB treatment.

Single step spray drying method to develop proliposomes for inhalation: a systematic study based on quality by design approach

Quality by Design (QbD) is a systematic approach to develop drug products which includes evaluation of formulation parameters to achieve defined final product quality. In the present study principles of QbD were extended to the preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo performance of rifapentine-loaded proliposomes for pulmonary inhalation where final product needs to comply with specific properties. The rifapentine-loaded proliposomes for the treatment of tuberculosis were prepared in single step by spray drying method and independent variables were optimized using factorial design approach. Contour plots and multiple regression analysis were used to study the effect of selected independent variables on dependent variables. The effect of presence of drug: hydrogenated soya phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and type of charged lipid in the formulation at three levels were studied on mass median diameter (MMD), liposomal vesicle size, % encapsulation efficiency (% EE), mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and fine particle fraction (FPF) as critical quality attributes. Optimized formulation (R-LDPI-7) with drug: HSPC ratio of 1:2 and stearyl amine as charged lipid were found to give respirable proliposomes with MMAD of 1.56 ± 0.16 μm and FPF of 92.5 ± 1.5%. Sustained drug release with Higuchi diffusion kinetics was achieved from liposomally encapsulated rifapentine. Pulmonary pharmacokinetics of optimized batch R-LDPI-7 revealed longer retention of drug in lungs with 7 fold increase in both, the mean residence time and t1/2 as compared to R-DPI-0. The study results demonstrated the application of QbD principles and design of experiment (DOE) approach to develop drug encapsulated proliposomes for inhalation by spray drying in single step.

Pulmonary vaccine delivery

This review will discuss developments in the field of pulmonary vaccine delivery. The possibilities of adopting aerosol-generation technology and specific pharmaceutical formulations for the purpose of pulmonary immunization are described. Aerosol-generation systems might offer advantages with respect to vaccine stability and antigenicity. Adjuvants and their inclusion in vaccine-delivery systems are described. Other formulation components, such as surfactants, particulate systems and dispersion of the aerosols are detailed in this paper. The noninvasive, relatively safe and low-cost nature of pulmonary delivery may provide great benefits to the public health vaccination campaign.

Tobramycin Inhalation Powder (TIP): An Efficient Treatment Strategy for the Management of Chronic Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection in Cystic Fibrosis

Repeated bouts of acute and chronic lung infections are responsible for progressive pulmonary function decline in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), ultimately leading to respiratory failure and death. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the archetypical CF pathogen, causes chronic infection in 70% of individuals, and is associated with an accelerated clinical decline. The management of P. aeruginosa in CF has been revolutionized with the development and widespread use of inhaled antibiotics. Aerosol delivery of antimicrobial compounds in CF enables extremely high concentrations of antibiotics to be reached directly at the site of infection potentially overcoming adaptive resistance and avoiding the potential for cumulative systemic toxicities. Tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP) represents the first dry powder inhaled (DPI) antibiotic available for use in CF. DPIs are notable for a markedly reduced time for administration, ease of portability, and increased compliance. TIP has been developed as a therapeutic alternative to tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS), the standard of care for the past 20 years within CF. Relative to TIS 300 mg nebulized twice daily in on-and-off cycles of 28 days duration, TIP 112 mg twice daily via the T-326 inhaler administered on the same schedule is associated with marked time savings, increased patient satisfaction, and comparable clinical end points. TIP represents an innovative treatment strategy for those individuals with CF and holds the promise of increased patient compliance and thus the potential for improved clinical outcomes.

Biodistribution of amikacin solid lipid nanoparticles after pulmonary delivery

The main purpose of the present work was studying the biodistribution of amikacin solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) after pulmonary delivery to increase its concentration in the lungs for treatment of cystic fibrosis lung infections and also providing a new method for clinical application of amikacin. To achieve this aim, (99m)Tc labelled amikacin was loaded in cholesterol SLNs and after in vitro optimization, the desired SLNs and free drug were administered through pulmonary and i.v. routes to male rats and qualitative and biodistribution studies were done. Results showed that pulmonary delivery of SLNs of amikacin by microsprayer caused higher drug concentration in lungs than kidneys while i.v. administration of free drug caused reverse conditions. It seems that pulmonary delivery of SLNs may improve patients' compliance due to reduction of drug side effects in kidneys and elongation of drug dosing intervals due to the sustained drug release from SLNs.

(99m)Tc-labeled therapeutic inhaled amikacin loaded liposomes

The radiolabeling of the liposome surface can be a useful tool for in vivo tracking of therapeutic drug loaded liposomes. We investigated radiolabeling therapeutic drug (i.e. an antibiotic, amikacin) loaded liposomes with (99m)Tc, nebulization properties of (99m)Tc-labeled liposomal amikacin for inhalation ((99m)Tc-LAI), and its stability by size exclusion low-pressure liquid chromatography (LPLC). LAI was reacted with (99m)Tc using SnCl2 dissolved in ascorbic acid as a reducing agent for 10 min at room temperature. The labeled products were then purified by anion exchange resin. The purified (99m)Tc-LAI in 1.5% NaCl solution was incubated at 4 °C to assess its stability by LPLC. The purified (99m)Tc-LAI was subjected to studies with a clinically used nebulizer (PARI eFlow®) and the Anderson Cascade Impactor (ACI). The use of ascorbic acid at 0.91 mM resulted in a quantitative labeling efficiency. The LPLC profile showed that the liposomal peak of LAI detected by a UV monitor at both 200 nm and 254 nm overlapped with the radioactivity peak of (99m)Tc-LAI, indicating that (99m)Tc-LAI is suitable for tracing LAI. The ACI study demonstrated that the aerosol droplet size distribution determined gravimetrically was similar to that determined by radioactivity. The liposome surface labeling method using SnCl₂ in 0.91 mM ascorbic acid produced (99m)Tc-LAI with a high labeling efficiency and stability that are adequate to evaluate the deposition and clearance of inhaled LAI in the lung by gamma scintigraphy.

The effect of engineered mannitol-lactose mixture on dry powder inhaler performance

PURPOSE

To co-crystallise mannitol and lactose with a view to obtaining crystals with more favourable morphological features than either lactose or mannitol alone, suitable for use as carriers in formulations for dry powder inhalers (DPIs) using simultaneous engineering of lactose-mannitol mixtures.

METHODS

Mannitol and lactose individually and the two sugars with three different ratios were crystallised/co-crystallised using anti-solvent precipitation technique. Obtained crystals were sieved to separate 63-90 μm size fractions and then characterised by size, shape, density and in vitro aerosolisation performance. Solid state of crystallized samples was studied using FT-IR, XRPD and DSC.

RESULTS

At unequal ratios of mannitol to lactose, the elongated shape dominated in the crystallisation process. However, lactose exerted an opposite effect to that of mannitol by reducing elongation ratio and increasing the crystals' width and thickness. Crystallised β-lactose showed different anomers compared to commercial lactose (α-lactose monohydrate). Crystallised α-mannitol showed different polymorphic form compared to commercial mannitol (β-mannitol). Crystallised mannitol:lactose showed up to 5 transitions corresponding to α-mannitol, α-lactose monohydrate, β-lactose, 5α-/3β-lactose and 4α-/1β-lactose. In vitro deposition assessments showed that crystallised carriers produced more efficient delivery of salbutamol sulphate compared to formulations containing commercial grade carriers.

CONCLUSION

The simultaneous crystallization of lactose-mannitol can be used as a new approach to improve the performance of DPI formulations.

Physico-chemical aspects of lactose for inhalation

A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a dosage form that consists of a powder formulation in a device which is designed to deliver an active ingredient to the respiratory tract. It has been extensively investigated over the past years and several aspects relating to device and particulate delivery mechanisms have been the focal points for debate. DPI formulations may or may not contain carrier particles but whenever a carrier is included in a commercial formulation, it is almost invariably lactose monohydrate. Many physicochemical properties of the lactose carrier particles have been reported to affect the efficiency of a DPI. A number of preparation methods have been developed which have been claimed to produce lactose carriers with characteristics which lead to improved deposition. Alongside these developments, a number of characterization methods have been developed which have been reported to be useful in the measurement of key properties of the particulate ingredients. This review describes the various physicochemical characteristics of lactose, methods of manufacturing lactose particulates and their characterization.

Stability and antimicrobial effect of amikacin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of amikacin were designed in this study for pulmonary delivery to reduce the dose or its administration intervals leading to reduction of its toxicities especially in long term treatment. Nanoparticles of amikacin were prepared from cholesterol by solvent diffusion technique and homogenization. The size, zeta potential, loading efficiency, and release profile of the nanoparticles were studied. The conventional broth macrodilution tube method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacteriostatic concentration (MBC) of amikacin SLNs with respect to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. To guarantee the stability of desired SLNs, they were lyophilized using cryoprotectants. Results showed that considering the release profile of amikacin from the studied nanocarrier, MIC and MBC of amikacin could be about two times less in SLNs of amikacin compared to the free drug. Therefore, fewer doses of amikacin in SLNs can clear the infection with less adverse effects and more safety. Particle size enlargement after lyophilization of desired SLNs after two months storage was limited in comparison with non-lyophilized particles, 996 and 194 nm, respectively. Zeta potential of lyophilized particles was increased to +17 mV from +4 mV before lyophilization. Storage of particles in higher temperature caused accelerated drug release.

A dry powder formulation of liposome-encapsulated recombinant secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (rSLPI) for inhalation: preparation and characterisation

Inhaled recombinant secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (rSLPI) has shown potential for the treatment of inflammatory lung conditions. Rapid inactivation of rSLPI by cathepsin L (Cat L) and rapid clearance from the lungs has limited clinical efficacy to date. Previous studies by us have shown that encapsulation of rSLPI within1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-[phospho-L-serine]/cholesterol (DOPS/Chol) liposomes protects rSLPI against Cat L inactivation in vitro. Liquid DOPS-rSLPI preparations were found to be unstable upon long-term storage and nebulisation. The aim of this study was therefore to develop a method of manufacture for preparing DOPS-rSLPI liposomes as a dry powder for inhalation. DOPS-rSLPI dry powders were lyophilised and subsequently micronised with a novel micronisation aid. The effects of formulation and processing on rSLPI stability, activity, and uniformity of content within the powders were characterised. Using D-mannitol as the micronisation aid, dry powder particles in the inhalable size range (<5 μm) were prepared. By optimising process parameters, up to 54% of rSLPI was recovered after micronisation, of which there was no significant loss in anti-neutrophil elastase activity and no detectable evidence of protein degradation. Aerosolisation was achieved using a dry powder inhaler, and mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) was evaluated after collection in a cascade impactor. Aerosolisation of the DOPS-rSLPI dry powder yielded 38% emitted dose, with 2.44 μm MMAD. When challenged with Cat L post-aerosolisation, DOPS-rSLPI dry powder was significantly better at retaining a protective function against Cat L-induced rSLPI inactivation compared to the aqueous DOPS-rSLPI liposome dispersion and was also more stable under storage.

Development of budesonide microparticles using spray-drying technology for pulmonary administration: design, characterization, in vitro evaluation, and in vivo efficacy study

The purpose of this research was to generate, characterize, and investigate the in vivo efficacy of budesonide (BUD) microparticles prepared by spray-drying technology with a potential application as carriers for pulmonary administration with sustained-release profile and improved respirable fraction. Microspheres and porous particles of chitosan (drug/chitosan, 1:2) were prepared by spray drying using optimized process parameters and were characterized for different physicochemical parameters. Mass median aerodynamic diameter and geometric standard deviation for conventional, microspheres, and porous particles formulations were 2.75, 4.60, and 4.30 microm and 2.56, 1.75, and 2.54, respectively. Pharmacokinetic study was performed in rats by intratracheal administration of either placebo or developed dry powder inhalation (DPI) formulation. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated (Ka, Ke, T(max), C(max), AUC, and Vd) and these results indicated that developed formulations extended half life compared to conventional formulation with onefold to fourfold improved local and systemic bioavailability. Estimates of relative bioavailability suggested that developed formulations have excellent lung deposition characteristics with extended T(1/2) from 9.4 to 14 h compared to conventional formulation. Anti-inflammatory activity of BUD and developed formulations was compared and found to be similar. Cytotoxicity was determined in A549 alveolar epithelial cell line and found to be not toxic. In vivo pulmonary deposition of developed conventional formulation was studied using gamma scintigraphy and results indicated potential in vitro-in vivo correlation in performance of conventional BUD DPI formulation. From the DPI formulation prepared with porous particles, the concentration of BUD increased fourfold in the lungs, indicating pulmonary targeting potential of developed formulations.

Recent advances in liposomal dry powder formulations: preparation and evaluation

Liposomal drug dry powder formulations have shown many promising features for pulmonary drug administration, such as selective localization of drug within the lung, controlled drug release, reduced local and systemic toxicities, propellant-free nature, patient compliance, high dose carrying capacity, stability and patent protection. Critical review of the recent developments will provide a balanced view on benefits of liposomal encapsulation while developing dry powder formulations and will help researchers to update themselves and focus their research in more relevant areas. In liposomal dry powder formulations (LDPF), drug encapsulated liposomes are homogenized, dispersed into the carrier and converted into dry powder form by using freeze drying, spray drying and spray freeze drying. Alternatively, LDPF can also be formulated by supercritical fluid technologies. On inhalation with a suitable inhalation device, drug encapsulated liposomes get rehydrated in the lung and release the drug over a period of time. The prepared LDPF are evaluated in vitro and in vivo for lung deposition behavior and drug disposition in the lung using a suitable inhaler device. The most commonly used liposomes are composed of lung surfactants and synthetic lipids. Delivery of anticancer agents for lung cancer, corticosteroids for asthma, immunosuppressants for avoiding lung transplantation rejection, antifungal drugs for lung fungal infections, antibiotics for local pulmonary infections and cystic fibrosis and opioid analgesics for pain management using liposome technology are a few examples. Many liposomal formulations have reached the stage of clinical trials for the treatment of pulmonary distress, cystic fibrosis, lung fungal infection and lung cancer. These formulations have given very promising results in both in vitro and in vivo studies. However, modifications to new therapies for respiratory diseases and systemic delivery will provide new challenges in conducting well-designed inhalation toxicology studies to support these products, especially for chronic diseases.

Spray-freeze-dried dry powder inhalation of insulin-loaded liposomes for enhanced pulmonary delivery

Nowadays, growing attention has been paid to the pulmonary region as a target for the delivery of peptide and protein drugs, especially macromolecules with systemic effect like insulin, since the pulmonary route exhibits numerous benefits to be an alternative for repeated injection. Furthermore, encapsulation of insulin into liposomal carriers is an attractive way to increase drug retention time and control the drug release in the lung; however, its long-term stability during storage in the reservoir and the process of aerosolization might be suspected when practically applied. Thus, the aim of this study was to design and characterize dry powder inhalation of insulin-loaded liposomes prepared by novel spray-freeze-drying method for enhanced pulmonary delivery. Process variables such as compressed air pressure, pump speed, and concentration were optimized for parameters such as mean particle diameter, moisture content, and fine particle fraction of the produced powders. Influence of different kinds and amounts of lyoprotectants was also evaluated for the best preservation of the drug entrapped in the liposome bilayers after the dehydration-rehydration cycle. The in vivo study of intratracheal instillation of insulin-loaded liposomes to diabetic rats showed successful hypoglycemic effect with low blood glucose level and long-lasting period and a relative pharmacological bioavailability as high as 38.38% in the group of 8 IU/kg dosage.

Chapter 9 - Nanoliposomal dry powder formulations

Liposomal dry powder formulations (DPFs) have proven their superiority over conventional DPFs due to favorably improved pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of entrapped drugs, and thus, reduced local and systemic toxicities. Nanoliposomal DPFs (NLDPFs) provide stable, high aerosolization efficiency to deep lung, prolonged drug release, slow systemic dilution, and avoid macrophage uptake of encapsulated drug by carrier-based delivery of nano-range liposomes. This chapter describes methods of preparation of nanoliposomes (NLs) and NLDPFs, using various techniques, and their characterization with respect to size distribution, flow behavior, in vitro drug release profile, lung deposition, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity, and in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Some examples have been detailed for better understanding of the methods of preparation and evaluation of NLDPFs by investigators.

Particle size analysis in pharmaceutics: principles, methods and applications

Physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of drug substances and dosage forms can be highly affected by the particle size, a critical process parameter in pharmaceutical production. The fundamental issue with particle size analysis is the variety of equivalent particle diameters generated by different methods, which is largely ascribable to the particle shape and particle dispersion mechanism involved. Thus, to enable selection of the most appropriate or optimal sizing technique, cross-correlation between different techniques may be required. This review offers an in-depth discussion on particle size analysis pertaining to specific pharmaceutical applications and regulatory aspects, fundamental principles and terminology, instrumentation types, data presentation and interpretation, in-line and process analytical technology. For illustration purposes, special consideration is given to the analysis of aerosols using time-of-flight and cascade impactor measurements, which is supported by a computational analysis conducted for this review.