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Zulbeari N, Holm R. A Systematic Investigation of Process Parameters for Small-Volume Aqueous Suspension Production by the Use of Focused Ultrasonication. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:185. [PMID: 39138704 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02907-6] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Aqueous suspensions containing crystalline drug in the sub-micron range is a favorable platform for long-acting injectables where particle size can be used to obtain a desired plasma-concentration profile. Stabilizers are added to the suspensions and screened extensively to define the optimal formulation composition. In the initial formulation screening the amount of drug compound can be limited, necessitating milling methods for small-volume screening predictable for scale-up. Hence, adaptive focused ultrasound was investigated as a potential milling method for rapid small-volume suspensions by identifying the critical process parameters during preparation. Suspensions containing drug compounds with different mechanical properties and thereby grindability, i.e., cinnarizine, haloperidol, and indomethacin with brittle, elastic, and plastic properties, respectively, were investigated to gain an understanding of the manufacturing with adaptive focused acoustics as well as comparison to already established milling techniques. Using a DoE-design, peak incident power was identified as the most crucial process parameter impacting the milling process for all three compounds. It was possible to decrease the sizes of drug particles to micron range after one minute of focused ultrasound exposure which was superior compared to other milling techniques (e.g., non-focused ultrasound exposure). The addition of milling beads decreased the drug particle sizes even further, thus to a lower degree than other already established milling techniques such as milling by dual centrifugation. This study thereby demonstrated that adaptive focused ultrasonication was a promising method for rapid homogenization and particle size reduction to micron range for different compounds varying in grindability without altering the crystalline structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadina Zulbeari
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark
| | - René Holm
- Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense, Denmark.
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2
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Jain KMH, Ho T, Hoe S, Wan B, Muthal A, Subramanian R, Foti C. Accelerated and Biopredictive In Vitro Release Testing Strategy for Single Agent and Combination Long-Acting Injectables. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1885-1897. [PMID: 38369022 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.02.013] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro release testing (IVRT) strategy to predict the pre-clinical performance of single agent and combination long acting injectable (LAI) suspension products. Two accelerated IVRT methods were developed using USP apparatus 2 to characterize initial, intermediate, and terminal phases of drug release. Initial and intermediate phases were captured using a suspension cup with moderate agitation to ensure a constant, low surface area exposure of the LAI suspension to the release media. The terminal phase was obtained by exposing the LAI suspension to a high initial paddle speed. This resulted in smaller suspension particulates with high cumulative surface area that were dispersed throughout the release media, enabling rapid drug release. The in vitro release profiles obtained with these two methods in 48 h or less were independently time scaled to reflect the in vivo time scale of approximately 1800 h. Level-A in vitro in vivo correlations (IVIVCs) were separately developed for each method and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) using in vivo absorption profiles obtained by deconvolution of rat plasma concentration-time profiles. The IVIVCs were successfully validated for each API. This work provides a framework for evaluating individual phases of drug release of complex LAIs to ultimately predict their in vivo performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krutika Meena Harish Jain
- Analytical Development and Operations, Gilead Sciences, 355 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA.
| | - Tien Ho
- Analytical Development and Operations, Gilead Sciences, 355 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Susan Hoe
- Formulation and Process Development, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Bo Wan
- Analytical Development and Operations, Gilead Sciences, 355 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Anumeha Muthal
- Analytical Development and Operations, Gilead Sciences, 355 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Raju Subramanian
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
| | - Chris Foti
- Analytical Development and Operations, Gilead Sciences, 355 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, CA 94404, USA
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3
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Thapa Magar K, Boucetta H, Zhao Z, Xu Y, Liu Z, He W. Injectable long-acting formulations (ILAFs) and manufacturing techniques. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:881-904. [PMID: 38953767 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2374807] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most therapeutics delivered using short-acting formulations need repeated administration, which can harm patient compliance and raise failure risks related to inconsistent treatment. Injectable long-acting formulations (ILAFs) are controlled/sustained-release formulations fabricated to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and extend their half-life over days to months. Longer half-lives of ILAFs minimize the necessity for frequent doses, increase patient compliance, and reduce the risk of side effects from intravenous (IV) infusions. Using ILAF technologies, the immediate drug release can also be controlled, thereby minimizing potential adverse effects due to high initial drug blood concentrations. AREA COVERED In this review, we have discussed various ILAFs, their physiochemical properties, fabrication technologies, advantages, and practical issues, as well as address some major challenges in their application. Especially, the approved ILAFs are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION ILAFs are sustained-release formulations with extended activity, which can improve patient compliance. ILAFs are designed to deliver APIs like proteins and peptides and extend their half-life over days to months. The specific properties of each ILAF preparation, such as extended-release and improved drug targeting capabilities, make them an effective approach for precise and focused therapy. Furthermore, this is especially helpful for biopharmaceuticals with short biological half-lives and low stability since most environmental conditions can protect them from sustained-release delivery methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosheli Thapa Magar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hamza Boucetta
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Zongmin Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengxia Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei He
- Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Amaral Silva D, Le Merdy M, Alam KD, Wang Y, Bao Q, Malavia N, Burgess D, Lukacova V. Development of Mechanistic In Vitro-In Vivo Extrapolation to Support Bioequivalence Assessment of Long-Acting Injectables. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:552. [PMID: 38675213 PMCID: PMC11054330 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16040552] [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] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations provide sustained drug release over an extended period ranging from weeks to several months to improve efficacy, safety, and compliance. Nevertheless, many challenges arise in the development and regulatory assessment of LAI drug products due to a limited understanding of the tissue response to injected particles (e.g., inflammation) impacting in vivo performance. Mechanism-based in silico methods may support the understanding of LAI-physiology interactions. The objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to use a mechanistic modeling approach to delineate the in vivo performance of DepoSubQ Provera® and formulation variants in preclinical species; (2) to predict human exposure based on the knowledge gained from the animal model. The PBPK model evaluated different elements involved in LAI administration and showed that (1) the effective in vivo particle size is potentially larger than the measured in vitro particle size, which could be due to particle aggregation at the injection site, and (2) local inflammation is a key process at the injection site that results in a transient increase in depot volume. This work highlights how a mechanistic modeling approach can identify critical physiological events and product attributes that may affect the in vivo performance of LAIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Amaral Silva
- Simulations Plus, Incorporated, 42505 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, USA; (M.L.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Maxime Le Merdy
- Simulations Plus, Incorporated, 42505 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, USA; (M.L.M.); (V.L.)
| | - Khondoker Dedarul Alam
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling, Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (K.D.A.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yan Wang
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling, Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA; (K.D.A.); (Y.W.)
| | - Quanying Bao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (Q.B.); (N.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Nilesh Malavia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (Q.B.); (N.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Diane Burgess
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (Q.B.); (N.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Viera Lukacova
- Simulations Plus, Incorporated, 42505 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534, USA; (M.L.M.); (V.L.)
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5
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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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6
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Zulbeari N, Holm R. Is roller milling - the low energy wet bead media milling - a reproducible and robust milling method for formulation investigation of aqueous suspensions? Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123733. [PMID: 38142873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123733] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectables have shown to offer a prolonged release of a drug compound up to several months, providing the opportunity to increase patient compliance for treatment of long-term and chronic conditions. Different formulation technologies have already been utilized for long-acting injectables, and especially aqueous suspensions with crystalline drug particles in the sub-micron range have sparked an interest for future development of long-acting injectables. Wet bead milling is a common top-down process used to prepare nano- and microsuspensions of crystalline drug particles with the addition of surfactants in the dispersion medium, which are working as stabilizers to prevent agglomeration or crystal growth that ultimately may influence the physical stability of nano- and microsuspensions. To examine the reproducibility of the suspensions manufactured and the behavior of their physical stability, i.e., changes in particle sizes over time, low-energy roller mill was utilized for the manufacturing of nano- and microsuspensions in the present study. Investigated formulation parameters was stabilizer type and concentration and milling parameters varied in bead size and duration of milling. The obtained results demonstrated that the physical stability of suspensions containing the two model compounds, cinnarizine and indomethacin, was highly affected by the constitution of surfactant and processing. Various size classes were obtained and accompanied by high variations between the individual samples that indicated uneven and unpredictable milling by the low-energy roller mill, limiting the possibility to prepare reproducible and physical stable suspensions. Short-term stability studies revealed clear tendencies towards reversed Ostwald ripening of suspensions stabilized with poloxamer 188 that contained cinnarizine as the drug compound, and to a smaller extent suspensions containing indomethacin. Furthermore, X-ray Powder Diffraction confirmed no alteration of the drug compounds crystal structure after roller milling for multiple days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadina Zulbeari
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - René Holm
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
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7
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Markowicz-Piasecka M, Kubisiak M, Asendrych-Wicik K, Kołodziejczyk M, Grzelińska J, Fabijańska M, Pietrzak T. Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics-A Review on Formulation and In Vitro Dissolution. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:28. [PMID: 38258037 PMCID: PMC10820045 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010028] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-acting injectable (LAI) neuroleptics constitute an effective therapeutical alternative for individuals suffering from persistent mental illness. These injectable pharmaceuticals help patients manage their condition better and improve long-term outcomes by preventing relapses and improving compliance. This review aims to analyse the current formulation aspects of LAI neuroleptics, with particular emphasis on analysis of drug release profiles as a critical test to guarantee drug quality and relevant therapeutical activity. While there is no officially approved procedure for depot parenteral drug formulations, various dissolution tests which were developed by LAI manufacturers are described. In vitro dissolution tests also possess a critical function in the estimation of the in vivo performance of a drug formulation. For that reason, thorough inspection of the in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Kubisiak
- Liquid Dosage Form Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Polfa Warszawa S.A., Karolkowa 22/24, 01-207 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.A.-W.); (J.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Katarzyna Asendrych-Wicik
- Liquid Dosage Form Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Polfa Warszawa S.A., Karolkowa 22/24, 01-207 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.A.-W.); (J.G.); (T.P.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Radiopharmacy, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michał Kołodziejczyk
- Department of Drug Form Technology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Grzelińska
- Liquid Dosage Form Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Polfa Warszawa S.A., Karolkowa 22/24, 01-207 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.A.-W.); (J.G.); (T.P.)
| | - Małgorzata Fabijańska
- Department of Bioinorganic Chemistry, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Pietrzak
- Liquid Dosage Form Laboratory, Research and Development Department, Polfa Warszawa S.A., Karolkowa 22/24, 01-207 Warsaw, Poland; (M.K.); (K.A.-W.); (J.G.); (T.P.)
- Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Nandi S, Padrela L, Tajber L, Collas A. Development of long-acting injectable suspensions by continuous antisolvent crystallization: An integrated bottom-up process. Int J Pharm 2023; 648:123550. [PMID: 37890647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123550] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehashis Nandi
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development & Supply, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland; SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Luis Padrela
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland; SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Lidia Tajber
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Alain Collas
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Development & Supply, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium.
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9
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Zulbeari N, Holm R. Wet bead milling by dual centrifugation - An approach to obtain reproducible and differentiable suspensions. Int J Pharm 2023; 646:123455. [PMID: 37776963 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Aqueous nano- and microsuspensions containing poorly water-soluble, crystalline drug particles have in the recent years sparked an interest for the preparation of long-acting injectables (LAIs), which increase patient compliance for patients treated for long-term or chronic conditions. Nano- and microsuspensions are often prepared by top-down methods, such as wet bead milling, with the addition of stabilizers in the dispersion media, such as surfactants, which influence the particle sizes and physical stability of the suspension. To improve the efficacy of formulation screening for nano- and microsuspensions, dual centrifugation was utilized in this study whereby 40 samples could be manufactured simultaneously to support the formulation definition. Hence, the type and concentration of stabilizer as well as bead size and milling speed was investigated throughout the presented study, but also the ability of the method to produce consistent data was investigated. The obtained results demonstrated that the particle profile obtained after milling was very consistent from run to run and so was the observed stability data, i.e., running n = 1 experiment per combination could clearly be justified as a predictable approach for the formulation screening. The data also showed that the stabilizer, as well as its concentration highly influenced the physical stability of suspensions containing both the two investigated model compounds, i.e., both cinnarizine and indomethacin, where the biggest increase in particle sizes was observed within the first week. For short-term studies, polysorbate 20 was found to be a suitable stabilizer for suspensions of cinnarizine, whereas sodium dodecyl sulphate was more suitable for indomethacin suspensions immediately after the milling even with 1% (w/v) stabilizer solution, but not sufficient for short-term stability due to an insufficient stabilizer concentration. Smaller particles sizes could be achieved by milling the suspensions with the smallest bead sizes and at the highest speed of 1500 rpm without disrupting the crystal structure of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which was confirmed by X-ray Powder Diffraction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadina Zulbeari
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - René Holm
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
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10
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Development of in vitro-in vivo correlations for long-acting injectable suspensions. Int J Pharm 2023; 634:122642. [PMID: 36709013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable (LAI) aqueous suspensions achieve extended drug release over a duration of weeks to months via slow dissolution of drug crystals with low solubility. There have been around ten LAI aqueous suspensions approved by the FDA to date and there are no generic equivalents for most of them. This may be largely due to the complex formulation development as well as the challenges in establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for these products. Level A IVIVCs, using animal models, have been proven feasible for complex long-acting microsphere formulations with multiphasic release characteristics. Accordingly, it may be possible to develop IVIVCs for LAI aqueous drug suspensions since their release characteristics are relatively simple with only a drug dissolution phase. To establish IVIVCs for LAI drug suspensions, four compositionally equivalent medroxyprogesterone acetate LAIs with differences in processing and formulation factors (drug particle size and excipient source) were prepared using Depo-SubQ Provera 104 as the reference listed drug (RLD). Two in vitro release testing methods, modified based on USP apparatus 2 (with enhancer cells) and USP apparatus 4 (with semisolid adapters), were used. The in vivo release was investigated using a rabbit model. Level A IVIVCs were successfully established using the in vitro release profiles obtained with the USP apparatus 4. This is the first report of an IVIVC for LAI aqueous suspensions.
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11
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Nguyen VTT, Darville N, Vermeulen A. Pharmacokinetics of Long-Acting Aqueous Nano-/Microsuspensions After Intramuscular Administration in Different Animal Species and Humans-a Review. AAPS J 2022; 25:4. [PMID: 36456852 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00771-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vy Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nicolas Darville
- Pharmaceutical Product Development & Supply, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340, Beerse, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Vermeulen
- Ghent University, Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry and Clinical Analysis, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, B-9000, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Surface analysis of sequential semi-solvent vapor impact (SAVI) for studying microstructural arrangements of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles. J Control Release 2022; 350:600-612. [PMID: 36057396 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.08.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microparticles have been used as long-acting injectable (LAI) drug delivery systems for more than three decades. Despite extensive use, few tools have been available to examine and compare the three-dimensional (3D) structures of microparticles prepared using different compositions and processing parameters, all collectively affecting drug release kinetics. Surface analysis after sequential semi-solvent impact (SASSI) was conducted by exposing PLGA microparticles to different semi-solvent in the liquid phase. The use of semi-solvent liquids presented practical experimental difficulties, particularly in observing the same microparticles before and after exposure to semi-solvents. The difficulties were overcome by using a new sequential semi-solvent vapor (SSV) method to examine the morphological changes of the same microparticles. The SASSI method based on SSV is called surface analysis of semi-solvent vapor impact (SAVI). Semi-solvents are the solvents that dissolve PLGA polymers depending on the polymer's lactide:glycolide (L:G) ratio. A sequence of semi-solvents was used to dissolve portions of PLGA microparticles in an L:G ratio-dependent manner, thus revealing different structures depending on how microparticles were prepared. Exposing PLGA microparticles to semi-solvents in the vapor phase demonstrated significant advantages over using semi-solvents in the liquid phase, such as in control of exposure conditions, access to imaging, decreasing the time for sequential exposure of semi-solvents, and using the same microparticles. The SSV approach for morphological analysis provides another tool to enhance our understanding of the microstructural arrangement of PLGA polymers. It will improve our comprehensive understanding of the factors controlling drug release from LAI formulations based on PLGA polymers.
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Bassand C, Villois A, Gianola L, Laue G, Ramazani F, Riebesehl B, Sanchez-Felix M, Sedo K, Ullrich T, Duvnjak Romic M. Smart design of patient centric long-acting products: from preclinical to marketed pipeline trends and opportunities. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1265-1283. [PMID: 35877189 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2106213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Bassand
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Alessia Villois
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Gianola
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Grit Laue
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Farshad Ramazani
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Riebesehl
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Sanchez-Felix
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, 700 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kurt Sedo
- PharmaCircle LLC, Sunny Isles Beach, FL, USA
| | - Thomas Ullrich
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel 4002, Switzerland
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14
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Bao Q, Wang X, Zou Y, Wang Y, Burgess DJ. In vitro release testing method development for long-acting injectable suspensions. Int J Pharm 2022; 622:121840. [PMID: 35595043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Long-acting injectable (LAI) suspensions are complex parenterals intended to control drug release over a duration of weeks to months. Any unpredictive drug release behavior may cause serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to understand the in vitro and in vivo performance, as well as the in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) of these products. There are some US FDA recommended in vitro release testing methods for LAI suspensions. However, the release duration of all the recommended methods is less than two days which may not be appropriate for the establishment of IVIVCs for LAIs considering that their in vivo efficacies range from weeks to months. To develop in vitro release testing methods that may better correlate with in vivo release with longer durations, three compositionally equivalent medroxyprogesterone acetate suspensions were prepared with different particle size, using Depo-SubQ Provera 104® as the reference listed drug (RLD). Four different methods based on USP apparatus 2 (with dialysis sacs, enhancer cells or in-house designed devices) and USP apparatus 4 (with semisolid adapters) were utilized. USP apparatus 2 with enhancer cells and USP apparatus 4 with semisolid adapters showed the best discriminatory ability and reproducibility for the LAI suspensions investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanying Bao
- University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Yuan Zou
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Yan Wang
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Diane J Burgess
- University of Connecticut, School of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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Muddineti OS, Omri A. Current trends in PLGA based long-acting injectable products: The industry perspective. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:559-576. [PMID: 35534912 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2075845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) has been used in many long-acting drug formulations, which have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PLGA has unique physicochemical properties, which results in complexities in the formulation, characterization, and evaluation of generic products. To address the challenges of generic development of PLGA-based products, the FDA has established an extensive research program to investigate novel methods and tools to aid product development and regulatory review. AREAS COVERED This review article intends to provide a comprehensive review on physicochemical properties of PLGA polymer, characterization, formulation, and analytical aspects, manufacturing conditions on product performance, in-vitro release testing, and bioequivalence. Current research on formulation development as per QbD in vitro release testing methods, regulatory research outcomes, and bioequivalence. EXPERT OPINION The development of PLGA based long-acting injectables is promising and challenging when considering the numerous interrelated delivery-related factors. Achieving a successful formulation requires a thorough understanding of the critical interactions between polymer/drug properties, release profiles over time, up-to-date knowledge on regulatory guidance, and elucidation of the impact of multiple in vivo conditions to methodically evaluate the eventual clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkara Swami Muddineti
- Formulation Research & Development, Vimta Labs Limited, Plot No.5, M N Park, Genome Valley, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - Abdelwahab Omri
- The Novel Drug & Vaccine Delivery Systems Facility, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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Shah JC, Hong J. Model for Long Acting Injectables (Depot Formulation) Based on Pharmacokinetics and Physical Chemical Properties. AAPS J 2022; 24:44. [PMID: 35298711 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-022-00695-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective was to develop a model to a priori identify the most suitable depot technology for a candidate based upon its therapeutic index (TI), pharmacokinetics (PK), and physical chemical properties. A depot map of release rates needed to achieve target PK in TI against release rates predicted based on intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) and particle size (PS) clearly identified three zones: (a) products and candidates around the line of identity for which suspension is the appropriate depot technology, (b) area to the right of line of identity in which depot candidates would require a controlled release technology such as PLGA microspheres since in vivo release rate needed for PK in TI is significantly lower than predicted based on IDR and PS, and (c) area to the left of the line of identity where IDR is not sufficient to achieve target in vivo release rate for PK in TI and hence enhanced dissolution is needed such as with nanoparticles. Dose-solubility technology map of approved depot products and candidates showed clusters of products around a depot technology such as suspensions and microspheres, for drugs with high dose/low solubility and low dose/high solubility compounds, respectively. Novel PK-based computational tool showed how all combinations of depot doses and release rate constants for a candidate can be calculated to achieve plasma levels within the TI bounded by minimum effective and minimum toxic concentrations (MEC and MTC). The PK predictions for several drugs such as estradiol, risperidone, medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), and ziprasidone showed how these predictions can guide scientists to target specific depot doses and release rates into the depot formulation. In parallel, IDR of depot compounds clearly showed differentiation of compounds by successful depot technologies to achieve target dose and duration. For drugs with IDR between 0.1 and 1 mg/h/cm2, aqueous suspension has successfully delivered depot PK profile, while for candidates with IDRs greater than 1 mg/h/cm2, controlled release technology such as microsphere or in situ gel was required. The framework, prediction tools, and depot map will reduce the need for semi-empirical formulation work and preclinical studies to design depot formulations. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaymin C Shah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, 441 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA.
| | - Jinyang Hong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule, Pfizer Worldwide Research, Development and Medical, 441 Eastern Point Road, Groton, Connecticut, 06340, USA
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