Preparation and pharmacokinetic study of aprepitant-sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin complex

Oral Bioavailability Enhancement of Poorly Soluble Drug by Amorphous Solid Dispersion Using Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate

The focus of the present work was to develop amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulation of aprepitant (APT) using sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) excipient, evaluate for physicochemical attributes, stability, and bioavailability, and compared with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) based formulation. Various formulations of APT were prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized for physiochemical and in-vivo performance attributes such as dissolution, drug phase, stability, and bioavailability. X-ray powder diffraction indicated crystalline drug conversion into amorphous phase. Dissolution varied as a function of drug:SAIB:excipient proportion. The dissolution was more than 80% in the optimized formulation (F10) and comparable to HPMC based formulation (F13). Stability of F10 and F13 formulations stored at 25 C/60% and 40°C/75% RH for three months were comparable. Both ASD formulations (F10 and F13) were bioequivalent as indicated by the pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax and AUC0-∞. Cmax and AUC0-∞ of F10 and F13 formulations were 2.52 ± 0.39, and 2.74 ± 0.32 μg/ml, and 26.59 ± 0.39, and 24.79 ± 6.02 μg/ml.h, respectively. Furthermore, the bioavailability of ASD formulation was more than twofold of the formulation containing crystalline phase of the drug. In conclusion, stability and oral bioavailability of SAIB based ASD formulation is comparable to HPMC-based formulation of poorly soluble drugs.

Enhanced anti-angiogenic effects of aprepitant-loaded nanoparticles in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Recent advancements in cancer therapy have led to the development of novel nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. This study focuses on evaluating aprepitant-loaded PLGA and Eudragit RS 100 nanoparticles for their potential antiangiogenic effects. Characterization studies revealed that aprepitant-loaded nanoparticles exhibited particle sizes ranging from 208.50 to 238.67 nm, with monodisperse distributions (PDI < 0.7) and stable zeta potentials (between - 5.0 and - 15.0 mV). Encapsulation efficiencies exceeding 99% were achieved, highlighting the efficacy of PLGA and Eudragit RS 100 as carriers for aprepitant. Cellular uptake studies demonstrated enhanced internalization of aprepitant-loaded nanoparticles by HUVEC cells compared to free aprepitant, as confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays revealed significant dose-dependent effects of aprepitant-loaded nanoparticles on HUVEC cell viability, with IC50 values at 24 h of 11.9 µg/mL for Eudragit RS 100 and 94.3 µg/mL for PLGA formulations. Importantly, these nanoparticles effectively inhibited HUVEC cell migration and invasion induced by M2c supernatant, as evidenced by real-time cell analysis and gene expression studies. Moreover, aprepitant-loaded nanoparticles downregulated VEGFA and VEGFB gene expressions and reduced VEGFR-2 protein levels in HUVEC cells, highlighting their potential as antiangiogenic agents. Overall, this research underscores the promise of nanoparticle-based aprepitant formulations in targeted cancer therapy, offering enhanced therapeutic outcomes through improved drug delivery and efficacy against angiogenesis.

Enhanced brain distribution of Ginsenoside F1 via intranasal administration in combination with absorption enhancers

Ginsenoside F1 (GF1) is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, its low oral bioavailability and poor solubility limit clinical application. By utilizing either a direct or indirect approach, intranasal administration is a non-invasive drug delivery method that can deliver drugs to the brain rapidly. But large molecule drug delivered to the brain through intranasal administration may be insufficient to reach required concentration for therapeutic effect. In this study, using GF1 as a model drug, the feasibility of intranasal administration in combination with absorption enhancers to increase brain distribution of GF1 was explored. First of all, the appropriate absorption enhancers were screened by in situ nasal perfusion study. GF1-HP-β-CD inclusion complex was prepared and characterized. Thereafter, in vivo absorption of GF1 after intranasal or intravenous administration of its inclusion complex with/without absorption enhancers was investigated, and safety of the formulations was evaluated. The results showed that 2% Solutol HS 15 was a superior absorption enhancer. HP-β-CD inclusion complex improved GF1 solubility by 150 fold. Following intranasal delivery, the absolute bioavailability of inclusion complex was 46%, with drug brain targeting index (DTI) 247% and nose-to-brain direct transport percentage (DTP) 58%. Upon further addition of 2% Solutol HS 15, the absolute bioavailability was increased to 75%, with DTI 315% and DTP 66%. Both nasal cilia movement and biochemical substances (total protein and lactate dehydrogenase) leaching studies demonstrated 2% Solutol HS 15 was safe to the nasal mucosa. In conclusion, intranasal administration combining with safe absorption enhancers is an effective strategy to enhance drug distribution in the brain, showing promise for treating disorders related to the central nervous system.

Comparison of pharmacokinetics and safety between CE-fosphenytoin sodium, fosphenytoin sodium, and phenytoin sodium after intravenous and intramuscular administration in healthy volunteers

Background: Captisol®-enabled-fosphenytoin sodium (CE-fosphenytoin sodium) injection is a modified formulation of fosphenytoin sodium. Objective: We aim to compare the intravenous and intramuscular bioavailability and safety between CE-fosphenytoin sodium, fosphenytoin sodium (Cerebyx®), and phenytoin sodium (intravenous injection only). Methods: In pivotal study 1, 54 subjects were divided into three sequence groups that receive intravenous injection of 250 mg of phenytoin sodium equivalent (PE), CE-fosphenytoin sodium (T), or fosphenytoin sodium (R1) and 250 mg of phenytoin sodium (R2) in period 1. After a 14-day washout period, 36 subjects were randomized to two treatment sequence groups (T-R1 or R1-T, n = 18 per group) in period 2, in which the subjects who received R2 in period 1 were removed, those who received T in period 1 used R1 (T-R1), while those who previously received R1 used T (R1-T). In pivotal study 2, a single intramuscular dose of T (400 mg PE) or R1 (400 mg PE) was administered according to the individual sequential treatment assignment in each period. There was a washout (14 days) period before receiving the next period study drug. Results: T and R1 have similar pharmacokinetic characteristics regarding total and free phenytoin, showing bioequivalence of both drugs in the intravenous and intramuscular administration. The geometric mean ratio was close to 1 (0.98-1.06). The AUC of total and free phenytoin in subjects who intravenously received T and R1 was very similar to those who received R2, although their Cmax was lower than that of the subjects who received R2. Overall, treatment with T and R1 was safe and well-tolerated, without serious adverse events (SAEs) or grade III adverse events (AEs). With intravenous (i.v.) or intramuscular (i.m.) treatment, the incidence of drug-related AEs using T was similar to that using R1. Treatment with T and R1 had clearly superior tolerability than that with R2. Conclusion: CE-fosphenytoin sodium is a promising substitute for fosphenytoin sodium. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/, CTR20202154 (11 November 2020).

A Novel Semi-Solid Self-Emulsifying Formulation of Aprepitant for Oral Delivery: An In Vitro Evaluation

Aprepitant is the first member of a relatively new antiemetic drug class called NK₁ receptor antagonists. It is commonly prescribed to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Although it is included in many treatment guidelines, its poor solubility causes bioavailability issues. A particle size reduction technique was used in the commercial formulation to overcome low bioavailability. Production with this method consists of many successive steps that cause the cost of the drug to increase. This study aims to develop an alternative, cost-effective formulation to the existing nanocrystal form. We designed a self-emulsifying formulation that can be filled into capsules in a melted state and then solidified at room temperature. Solidification was achieved by using surfactants with a melting temperature above room temperature. Various polymers have also been tested to maintain the supersaturated state of the drug. The optimized formulation consists of Capryol^TM 90, Kolliphor^® CS20, Transcutol^® P, and Soluplus^®; it was characterized by DLS, FTIR, DSC, and XRPD techniques. A lipolysis test was conducted to predict the digestion performance of formulations in the gastrointestinal system. Dissolution studies showed an increased dissolution rate of the drug. Finally, the cytotoxicity of the formulation was tested in the Caco-2 cell line. According to the results, a formulation with improved solubility and low toxicity was obtained.

Preparation and Characterization of Aprepitant Solid Dispersion with HPMCAS-LF

This study focused on improving the physicochemical characteristics of aprepitant with poor water solubility by preparing solid dispersion (SD). To prepare the SD with HPMCAS-LF, the solvent evaporation method was applied. Based on dissolution analysis, the dissolution rate of SD increased by five times compared with aprepitant. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results suggested the presence of amorphous-form aprepitant inside SD. According to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, intermolecular hydrogen bonds were detected between polymer and aprepitant. The Caco-2 cell experiment proved that SD did not lower the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) values but improved the permeation amount of aprepitant. Additionally, the SD of aprepitant displayed excellent stability.

Antinociceptive effects of bupivacaine and its sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex in orofacial pain

Bupivacaine hydrochloride (BVC) represents an option to produce long-lasting analgesia, and complexation in cyclodextrins has shown improvements in biopharmaceutical properties. This study aimed to characterize and test the cytotoxicity and antinociceptive effects of BVC complexed in sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBEβCD). The kinetics and stoichiometry of complexation and BVC-SBEβCD association constant were evaluated by phase solubility study and Job's plot. Evidence of the BVC-SBEβCD complex formation was obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The cytotoxicity was evaluated in keratinocyte (HaCaT) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y). Antinociceptive effects were registered via orofacial pain models: the formalin test, carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia, and postoperative pain (intraoral incision). The complex formation occurred at a 1:1 BVC-SBEβCD molar ratio, with a low association constant (13.2 M^-1). SEM, DSC, and FTIR results demonstrated the host-guest interaction. The IC_50% values determined in SH-SY5Y were 216 µM and 149 µM for BVC and BVC-SBEβCD, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no difference in HaCaT IC_50%. In orofacial pain model, BVC-SBEβCD significantly prolonged antinociceptive effect, in about 2 h, compared to plain BVC. SBEβCD can be used as a drug delivery system for bupivacaine, whereas the complex showed long-lasting analgesic effects.

In Vitro Evaluation of a Solid Supersaturated Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (Super-SNEDDS) of Aprepitant for Enhanced Solubility

Aprepitant (APR) belongs to Class II of the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) because of its low aqueous solubility. The objective of the current work is to develop self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) of APR to enhance its aqueous solubility. Preformulation studies involving screening of excipients for solubility and emulsification efficiency were carried out. Pseudo ternary phase diagrams were constructed with blends of oil (Imwitor^® 988), cosolvent (Transcutol^® P), and various surfactants (Kolliphor^® RH40, Kolliphor^® ELP, Kolliphor^® HS15). The prepared SNEDDS were characterized for droplet size and nanoemulsion stability after dilution. Supersaturated SNEDDS (super-SNEDDS) were prepared to increase the quantity of loaded APR into the formulations. HPMC, PVP, PVP/VA, and Soluplus^® were used as polymeric precipitation inhibitors (PPI). PPIs were added to the formulations at 5% and 10% by weight. The influence of the PPIs on drug precipitation was investigated. In vitro lipolysis test was carried out to simulate digestion of formulations in the gastrointestinal tract. Optimized super-SNEDDS were formulated into free-flowing granules by adsorption on the porous carriers such as Neusilin^® US2. In vitro dissolution studies of solid super-SNEDDS formulation revealed an increased dissolution rate of the drug due to enhanced solubility. Consequently, a formulation to improve the solubility and potentially bioavailability of the drug was developed.

Determination and validation of aprepitant in rat plasma using LC-MS/MS

Aim: The assessment of efficacy should be paralleled with extensive pharmacokinetic parameters, and a valid bioanalytical method is a pre-condition for accurate plasma concentration. Materials & methods: A simple, specific, rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method has been developed for quantitative analysis of aprepitant in rat plasma. A C18 column was used as stationary phase and the mobile phase consisted of a mixture of formic acid in water and formic acid in acetonitrile. Quantification was performed using multiple reaction monitoring mode. Results: The selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness and ruggedness of the method were evaluated in accordance with bioanalytical method validation guideline of ICH and all results were within the acceptable range. Conclusion: The validated LC-MS/MS method was found to be useful for the quantitative analysis of aprepitant in rat plasma samples.

Oral Drug Delivery Systems Based on Ordered Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Modulating the Release of Aprepitant

Two different types of ordered mesoporous nanoparticles, namely MCM-41 and MCM-48, with similar pore sizes but different pore connectivity, were loaded with aprepitant via a passive diffusion method. The percentage of the loaded active agent, along with the encapsulation efficiency, was evaluated using High-performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis complemented by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The determination of the pore properties of the mesoporous particles before and after the drug loading revealed the presence of confined aprepitant in the pore structure of the particles, while Powder X-ray Diffractometry(pXRD), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and FTIR experiments indicated that the drug is in an amorphous state. The release profiles of the drug from the two different mesoporous materials were studied in various release media and revealed an aprepitant release up to 45% when sink conditions are applied. The cytocompatibility of the silica nanoparticles was assessed in Caco-2 cell monolayers, in the presence and absence of the active agent, suggesting that they can be used as carriers of aprepitant without presenting any toxicity in vitro.

Design and Characterization of Phosphatidylcholine-Based Solid Dispersions of Aprepitant for Enhanced Solubility and Dissolution

This study aimed to improve the solubility and dissolution of aprepitant, a drug with poor aqueous solubility, using a phosphatidylcholine (PC)-based solid dispersion system. When fabricating the PC-based solid dispersion, we employed mesoporous microparticles, as an adsorbent, and disintegrants to improve the sticky nature of PC and dissolution of aprepitant, respectively. The solid dispersions were prepared by a solvent evaporation technique and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray powder diffraction. The FTIR results showed that aprepitant interacted with the PC carrier by both hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces that can also be observed in the interaction between aprepitant and polymer carriers. The solid dispersions fabricated with only PC were not sufficient to convert the crystallinity of aprepitant to an amorphous state, whereas the formulations that included adsorbent and disintegrant successfully changed that of aprepitant to an amorphous state. Both the solubility and dissolution of aprepitant were considerably enhanced in the PC-based solid dispersions containing adsorbent and disintegrant compared with those of pure aprepitant and polymer-based solid dispersions. Therefore, these results suggest that our PC-based solid dispersion system is a promising alternative to conventional formulations for poorly water-soluble drugs, such as aprepitant.

Aprepitant Intravenous Emulsion Based on Ion Pairing/Phospholipid Complex for Improving Physical and Chemical Stability During Thermal Sterilization

An aprepitant (APT) cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHEMS) ion pair complex emulsion (AIPE) with high lecithin content was prepared to improve sterilization stability through the film dispersion homogenization method; therefore, it could be a promising delivery system of APT. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) was selected as the oil phase to improve the solubility and stability of APT in oil phase. DSC, XRD, FT-IR, and ¹H-NMR spectroscopies confirmed that the APT-CHEMS ion pair (AIP) was formed between CHEMS and APT. The formation of AIP significantly increased the hydrophobicity of APT, allowing it to be completely embedded in the oil phase core to improve chemical stability and decrease hydrolysis of APT in the water phase. Also, CHEMS had a strong affinity with lecithin and could stabilize lipid membranes, forming a stronger and thicker interface membrane to increase the physical stability of AIPE. As a result, AIPE could withstand autoclaving at 120°C for 8 min without any change of particle size or content. Furthermore, AIPE with a potential of - 53.4 mV remained stable through spatial repulsion during sterilization. The encapsulation efficiency of AIPE was over 90% and the particle size was 106.8 ± 65.62 nm(0.286). Pharmacokinetic study in rats was comparable with that of CINVANTI which yielded a relative bioavailability of 114.31% indicating that the AIPE had similar pharmacokinetic processes in vivo with the analog of CINVANTI®. The AUC0-t of the AIPE was 4.31-fold that of the APT solution.

Evaluation of Dissolution Enhancement of Aprepitant Drug in Ternary Pharmaceutical Solid Dispersions with Soluplus® and Poloxamer 188 Prepared by Melt Mixing

In the present study Aprepitant (APT) ternary solid dispersions (SDs) were developed and evaluated for the first time. Specifically, ternary SDs of APT with Poloxamer 188 and Soluplus® (SOL) were prepared via melt mixing and compared to binary APT/Poloxamer 188 and APT/SOL SDs. Initially, combined thermo-gravimetric and hot-stage polarized light microscopy studies indicated that all tested compounds were thermally stable up to 280 °C, while Poloxamer 188 acted as a plasticizer to SOL by significantly reducing the temperature required to fully solubilize the API during SD preparation. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with wide angle X-ray diffraction studies showed that crystalline API was dispersed in both binary and ternary SDs, while Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy studies revealed no molecular interactions among the components. Scanning electron microscopy combined with EDAX element analysis showed that the API was dispersed in nano-scale within the polymer matrices, while increasing APT content led to increasing API nano-crystals within the SDs. Finally, dissolution studies showed that the prepared formulations enhanced dissolution of Aprepitant and its mechanism analysis was further studied. A mathematical model was also investigated to evaluate the drug release mechanism.

Aprepitant Drug in Ternary Pharmaceutical Solid Dispersions with Soluplus® and Poloxamer 188 Prepared by Melt Mixing

In the present study Aprepitant (APT) ternary solid dispersions (SDs) were developed and evaluated for the first time. Specifically, ternary SDs of APT with Poloxamer 188 and Soluplus® (SOL) were prepared via melt mixing and compared to binary APT/Poloxamer 188 and APT/SOL SDs. Initially, combined thermo-gravimetric and hot-stage polarized light microscopy studies indicated that all tested compounds were thermally stable up to 280 °C, while Poloxamer 188 acted as a plasticizer to SOL by significantly reducing the temperature required to fully solubilize the API during SD preparation. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with wide angle X-ray diffraction studies showed that crystalline API was dispersed in both binary and ternary SDs, while Fourier transformation-infrared spectroscopy studies revealed no molecular interactions among the components. Scanning electron microscopy combined with EDAX element analysis showed that the API was dispersed in nano-scale within the polymer matrices, while increasing APT content led to increasing API nano-crystals within the SDs. Finally, dissolution studies showed that the prepared formulations enhanced dissolution of Aprepitant and its mechanism analysis was further studied. A mathematical model was also investigated to evaluate the drug release mechanism

Nanocrystalization: An Emerging Technology to Enhance the Bioavailability of Poorly Soluble Drugs

Most of the active pharmaceutical ingredient used in the management of disease have poor water solubility and offer grueling problems in drug formulation development since low solubility is generally associated with poor dissolution characteristics which leads to poor oral bioavailability. The great challenge for the development of a pharmaceutical product is to create its new formulation and drug delivery system to limit solubility problems of existing drug candidate. Limited drug-loading capacity requires a large amount of carrier material to get appropriate encapsulation of the drug, which is another major challenge in the development of pharmaceutical product which could be resolved by developing nanocrystals (NCs). A significant research in the past few years has been done to develop NCs which helps in the delivery of poorly water soluble drugs via different routes. The technology could continue to thrive as a useful tool in pharmaceutical sciences for the improvement of drug solubility, absorption and bioavailability. Many crystalline compounds have pulled in incredible consideration much of the time, due to their ability to show good physical and chemical properties when contrasted with their amorphous counterparts. Nanocrystals have been proven to show atypical properties compared to the bulk. This review article explores the principles of the important nanocrystallization techniques including NCs characterization and its application.

Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation of the Complexes of Posaconazole with β- and 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin

Posaconazole is a triazole antifungal drug that with extremely poor aqueous solubility. Up to now, this drug can be administered via intravenous injection and oral suspension. However, its oral bioavailability is greatly limited by the dissolution rate of the drug. This study aimed to improve water solubility and dissolution of posaconazole through characterizing the inclusion complexes of posaconazole with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and 2,6-di-O-methyl-β-cyclodextrin (DM-β-CD). Phase solubility studies were performed to calculate the stability constants in solution. The results of FT-IR, PXRD, ¹H and ROESY 2D NMR, and DSC all verified the formation of the complexes in solid state. The complexes showed remarkably improved water solubility and dissolution rate than pure posaconazole. Especially, the aqueous solubility of the DM-β-CD complex is nine times higher than that of the β-CD complex. Preliminary in vitro antifungal susceptibility tests showed that the two inclusion complexes maintained high antifungal activities. These results indicated that the DM-β-CD complexes have great potential for application in the delivery of poorly water-soluble antifungal agents, such as posaconazole.

Preparation and evaluation of naringenin-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles for ocular drug delivery

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the naringenin-loaded sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin/chitosan nanoparticles (Nag-CD/CS-NPs) and evaluate their potential for the topical ophthalmic delivery. Naringenin was first complexed with sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD), which can significantly enhance the solubility of poorly soluble drugs. Then, nanoparticles were prepared by ionic gelation of chitosan with SBE-β-CD, and their in vitro and vivo properties were investigated, respectively. The resulting nanoparticles showed an average size of 446.4±112.8nm and zeta potential of +22.5±4.91mV with predominant spherical in shape. The FT-IR and DSC confirmed the formation of Nag-CD/CS-NPs. The in vitro release study indicated that Nag-CD/CS-NPs achieved moderate sustained-release effect, and the in vivo study revealed that the prepared nanoparticles was nonirritating to rabbit's eye and had better ability to prolong the residence time than the naringenin suspension, which can significantly increase naringenin bioavailability in the aqueous humor. In conclusion, the developed CD/CS nanoparticles offer a potential alternative for the ocular administration of poorly soluble drugs.

Hot melt extruded Aprepitant-Soluplus solid dispersion: preformulation considerations, stability and in vitro study

CONTEXT

Solubility limitation of BCS class II drugs pose challenges to in vitro release.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the miscibility of Aprepitant (APR) and Soluplus(®) (SOL) for hot melt extrusion (HME) viability and improved in vitro release of APR.

METHODS

Solubility parameters of APR and SOL from group contribution methods were evaluated. Heat-cool-heat differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) scans were assessed for determining the glass forming ability (GFA) and glass stability (GS) of APR. An optimum HME temperature was selected based on melting point depression in physical mixtures. Moisture sorption isotherms were collected using a dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analyzer at 25 °C. A 1:4 APR:SOL physical mixture was extruded in a co-rotating 12 mm twin screw extruder and in vitro release was assessed in fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) with 0.25% SLS. Extrudates were analyzed using TGA, DSC, XRD and FTIR.

RESULTS

APR was classified as a class II glass former. APR and SOL had composition dependent miscibility based on Gibb's free energy of mixing. Extrudate prepared using HME had an amorphous as well as a crystalline phase that showed good stability in accelerated stability conditions. Smaller particle size extrudates exhibited a higher % moisture uptake and in vitro release compared to larger particle size extrudates. Enhanced in vitro release of APR from extrudates was attributed to amorphization of APR, solubilization as well as crystal growth inhibition effect of SOL due to H-bond formation with APR.

CONCLUSIONS

A solid dispersion of APR with improved in vitro release was successfully developed using HME technology.

Development of aprepitant loaded orally disintegrating films for enhanced pharmacokinetic performance

The present investigation was aimed to prepare orally disintegrating films (ODFs) containing aprepitant (APT), an antiemetic drug employing pullulan as film forming agent, tamarind pectin as wetting agent and liquid glucose as plasticizer and solubiliser. The ODFs were prepared using solvent casting method. The method was optimized employing 3(2) full factorial design considering proportion of pullulan: tamarind pectin and concentration of liquid glucose as independent variables and disintegration time, wetting time, folding endurance, tensile strength and extensibility as dependent variables. The optimized ODF was evaluated for various physicochemical, mechanical, drug release kinetics and bioavailability studies. The results suggested prepared film has uniform film surface, non-sticky and disintegrated within 18s. The in-vitro release kinetics revealed more than 87% aprepitant was released from optimized ODF as compared to 85%, 49%, and 12% aprepitant release from marketed formulation Aprecap, micronized aprepitant and non micronized aprepitant, respectively. The results of animal preference study indicated that developed aprepitant loaded ODFs are accepted by rabbits as food material. Animal pharmacokinetic (PK) study showed 1.80, 1.56 and 1.36 fold enhancement in relative bioavailability for aprepitant loaded ODF, Aprecap and micronized aprepitant respectively, in comparison with non-micronized aprepitant. Overall, the solubilised aprepitant when incorporated in the form of aprepitant loaded ODF showed enhanced bioavailability as compared to micronized/non-micronized aprepitant based oral formulations. These findings suggested that aprepitant loaded ODF could be effective for antiemesis during cancer chemotherapy.

Formulation optimization of aprepitant microemulsion-loaded silicated corn fiber gum particles for enhanced bioavailability

The present investigation was aimed at development of silicate corn fiber gum (SCFG) particles as superior solid carrier for the preparation of Aprepitant (APT)-loaded self-emulsifying powder (SEP) system. 2(4) D-optimal mixture design with three level process variables was employed to develop SCFG particles, utilizing flow descriptors and hydrophobicity descriptors as response variables. The results indicated that blending of CFG (51.4% w/w) and magnesium silicate (MS) (48.6% w/w) using freeze-drying technique was found to have highest desirability (0.904). The developed SEP showed highest oil desorbing capacity, low self-emulsification time and highest drug content. It was observed that SCFG-SEP (F2 formulation) showed lowest PDI (0.2445 ± 0.03) as well as smallest particle size (127 ± 5.8 nm). The droplets were uniform and maintain their integrity after reconstitution (TEM analysis). Furthermore, APT-loaded SEP showed enhanced in vitro dissolution (4 folds) and ex vivo performance (7-fold enhanced Papp) as compared to pure APT. Furthermore, in vivo pharmacokinetic study showed that significant enhancement (p > 0.05) in Cmax was evident with APT-loaded F2 (SCFG-SEP) (1.93-fold) and F4 (Aerosil 200-SEP) (1.58-fold). The data also suggested increase in absorption rate when APT incorporated into SCFG-SEP. Thus, findings pointed toward enhanced bioavailability of APT when loaded into SCFG particles. Overall, the developed SCFG particles could be considered as a better alternative to already available solid carrier(s).

Aprepitant loaded solid preconcentrated microemulsion for enhanced bioavailability: A comparison with micronized Aprepitant

Aprepitant (APT) is a lipophilic, poorly water soluble drug with moderate permeability characteristic. Therefore, we aimed to improve solubility as well as permeability that could possibly improve oral bioavailability of APT. For this purpose, Quality by design (QbD) approach employing simplex lattice mixture design was used to prepare solid preconcentrated microemulsion (S-PCM). Further, the software generated numerically optimized S-PCM formulations were developed by utilizing desirability function. The spectral attributes (powder X-ray diffraction, ATR-FTIR, and differential scanning calorimetry) of S-PCM formulations suggested that APT was present in amorphous form. The results of droplet size (150-180 nm), zeta potential (-13 to -15 mV), poly dispersity index (PDI) (0.211-0.238) and emulsification time (<1 min), of these S-PCM formulations (SP1, SP2 and SP3) suggested spherical shape morphology (Transmission electron microscopy) with thermodynamic stability. The comparison of in vitro/ex vivo behavior of S-PCM (SP1) with micronized and non-micronized formulations of APT suggested 2-fold and 5-fold enhancement in solubility and permeability, respectively. This was further evident from pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits that showed 1.5-fold enhancement in bioavailability of S-PCM with respect to micronized APT. Thus, it could be envisaged that development of S-PCM formulation of APT is the best alternative to micronization technology based APT formulations reported earlier.