Self-Nanoemulsified Drug Delivery System of Hydrochlorothiazide for Increasing Dissolution Rate and Diuretic Activity

Quality by design aided self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems development for the oral delivery of Benidipine: Improvement of biopharmaceutical performance

The primary objective of the research effort is to establish efficient solid self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SNEDDS) for benidipine (BD) through the systematic application of a quality-by-design (QbD)-based paradigm. Utilizing Labrafil M 2125 CS, Kolliphor EL, and Transcutol P, the BD-S-SNEDDS were created. The central composite design was adopted to optimize numerous components. Zeta potential, drug concentration, resistance to dilution, pH, refractive index, viscosity, thermodynamic stability, and cloud point were further investigated in the most efficient formulation, BD14, which had a globule size of 156.20 ± 2.40 nm, PDI of 0.25, zeta potential of -17.36 ± 0.18 mV, self-emulsification time of 65.21 ± 1.95 s, % transmittance of 99.80 ± 0.70%, and drug release of 92.65 ± 1.70% at 15 min. S-SNEDDS were formulated using the adsorption process and investigated via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Differential scanning calorimeter, Scanning electron microscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. Optimized S-SNEDDS batch BD14 dramatically decreased blood pressure in rats in contrast to the pure drug and the commercial product, according to a pharmacodynamics investigation. Accelerated stability tests validated the product's stability. Therefore, the development of oral S-SNEDDS of BD may be advantageous for raising BD's water solubility and expanding their releasing capabilities, thereby boosting oral absorption.

Optimization and characterization of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of iloperidone using box-behnken design and desirability function

PURPOSE

Iloperidone (IP) is an antipsychotic drug which belongs to Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II exhibiting poor aqueous solubility. The current investigation explores the possibility of enhancement of solubility and dissolution characteristics of IP by formulation of liquid self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (L-SNEDDS) utilizing Box-Behnken Design (BBD) and desirability function.

METHODS

The oils, surfactants and co-surfactants used in the study were selected based on solubility of the drug and their emulsification ability. Optimization of the formulation was performed using BBD by employing four response variables such as globule size (nm), percentage transmittance (%), self-emulsification time (sec) and percent drug released in 15min. 2D contour plots and 3D response surface plots were constructed using Design Expert software.

RESULTS

The developed optimal L-SNEDDS of IP through BBD approach resulted in improvement of solubility and dissolution rate as compared with the pure drug. Based on desirability function, optimized formulation was prepared and was assessed for response variables (globule size, percentage transmittance, self-emulsification time and percent drug dissolved in 15min). The characterization studies revealed droplet size to be 21.80±2.41nm, 99.584±0.65% transmittance, 24.43±2.12sec emulsification time and 95.31±1.57% cumulative drug release in 15min.

CONCLUSION

The results conclude the potentiality of prepared L-SNEDDS in improving solubility and dissolution rate of IP.

Formulation and Evaluation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System Derived Tablet Containing Sertraline

Being a biopharmaceutics classification system class II drug, the absorption of sertraline from the gut is mainly limited by its poor aqueous solubility. The objective of this investigation was to improve the solubility of sertraline utilizing self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) and developing it into a tablet dosage form. Ternary phase diagrams were created to identify nanoemulsion regions by fixing oil (glycerol triacetate) and water while varying the surfactant (Tween 80) and co-surfactant (PEG 200) ratio (S_mix). A three-factor, two-level (2³) full factorial design (batches F1–F8) was utilized to check the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. Selected SNEDDS (batch F4) was solidified into powder by solid carrier adsorption method and compressed into tablets. The SNEDDS-loaded tablets were characterized for various pharmaceutical properties, drug release and evaluated in vivo in Wistar rats. A larger isotropic region was noticed with a S_mix ratio of 2:1 and the nanoemulsion exhibited good stability. Screening studies’ data established that all three independent factors influence the dependent variables. The prepared tablets displayed optimal pharmaceutical properties within acceptable limits. In vitro sertraline release demonstrated from solid SNEDDS was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) as compared to pure sertraline. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and X-Ray Diffraction data established the amorphous state of the drug in SNEDDS formulation, while FTIR spectra indicate the compatibility of excipients and drug. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of the SNEDDS tablet demonstrated significant increment (p < 0.0001) in AUC_0-α (~5-folds), C_max (~4-folds), and relative bioavailability (386%) as compared to sertraline suspension. The current study concludes that the solid SNEDDS formulation could be a practicable and effective strategy for oral therapy of sertraline.

Hydrophobic ion-pairing assembled liposomal Rhein with efficient loading for acute pancreatitis treatment

AIM

The present study aimed to develop liposomal Rhein by employing a hydrophobic ion-pairing technique (HIP) for improved pancreatitis therapy.

METHODS

F127 modified liposomal Rhein (F127-RPC-Lip) was prepared using a two-step process consisting of complexation first, followed by a film-ultrasonic dispersion step. The drug-phospholipid interaction was characterised by FT-IR and P-XRD. Particle size and morphology were investigated using DLS and TEM, respectively. Biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of F127-RPC-Lip were evaluated in a rat model of acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

F127-RPC-Lip achieved efficient drug encapsulation after complexation with lipids through non-covalent interactions and had an average hydrodynamic diameter of about 141 nm. F127-RPC-Lip demonstrated slower drug release (55.90 ± 3.60%, w/w) than Rhein solution (90.27 ± 5.11%) within 24 h. Compared with Rhein, F127-RPC-Lip exhibited prolonged systemic circulation time, superior drug distribution, and attenuated injury in the pancreas of rats post-injection.

CONCLUSIONS

HIP-assembled liposomes are a promising strategy for Rhein in treating pancreatitis.

Egg White Protein Carrier-Assisted Development of Solid Dispersion for Improved Aqueous Solubility and Permeability of Poorly Water Soluble Hydrochlorothiazide

Hydrochlorothiazide (HTZ) is a first-line drug used in the treatment of hypertension suffered from low oral bioavailability due to poor aqueous solubility and permeability. Hence, lyophilized egg white protein-based solid dispersion (HTZ-EWP SD) was developed to explore its feasibility as a solid dispersion carrier for enhanced aqueous solubility and permeability of HTZ. The HTZ-EWP SD was prepared using the kneading method. HTZ-EWP SD was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffractometer (PXRD), solubility, in vitro dissolution, and ex vivo permeation studies. The physico-chemical evaluation suggested the formation of the solid dispersion. Optimized HTZ-EWP SD4 drastically enhanced (~32-fold) aqueous solubility (~16.12 ± 0.08 mg/mL) over to pure HTZ (~ 0.51 ± 0.03 mg/mL). The dissolution study in phosphate buffer media (pH 6.8) revealed that HTZ-EWP SD4 significantly enhanced the release rate of HTZ (~ 87 %) over to HTZ (~ 25 %). The permeation rate of HTZ from optimized HTZ-EWP SD4 was enhanced significantly (~ 84 %) compared to pure HTZ (~ 24 %). Optimized HTZ-EWP-SD4 enhanced the rate of HTZ dissolution (~ 86 %) in FeSSIF (fed state simulated intestinal fluid), compared to a low dissolution rate (~ 72 %) in FaSSIF (fasted state simulated intestinal fluid) state after 2-h study. Obtained results conclude that lyophilized egg white protein can be utilized as an alternative solid dispersion carrier for enhancing the solubility and permeability of HTZ.

Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug-Delivery Systems: From the Development to the Current Applications and Challenges in Oral Drug Delivery

Approximately one third of newly discovered drug molecules show insufficient water solubility and therefore low oral bio-availability. Self-nano-emulsifying drug-delivery systems (SNEDDSs) are one of the emerging strategies developed to tackle the issues associated with their oral delivery. SNEDDSs are composed of an oil phase, surfactant, and cosurfactant or cosolvent. SNEDDSs characteristics, their ability to dissolve a drug, and in vivo considerations are determinant factors in the choice of SNEDDSs excipients. A SNEDDS formulation can be optimized through phase diagram approach or statistical design of experiments. The characterization of SNEDDSs includes multiple orthogonal methods required to fully control SNEDDS manufacture, stability, and biological fate. Encapsulating a drug in SNEDDSs can lead to increased solubilization, stability in the gastro-intestinal tract, and absorption, resulting in enhanced bio-availability. The transformation of liquid SNEDDSs into solid dosage forms has been shown to increase the stability and patient compliance. Supersaturated, mucus-permeating, and targeted SNEDDSs can be developed to increase efficacy and patient compliance. Self-emulsification approach has been successful in oral drug delivery. The present review gives an insight of SNEDDSs for the oral administration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds from the experimental bench to marketed products.

Development, Characterization, and in-vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Lamotrigine Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System

Purpose

This study aimed to prepare solid self-nanoemulsified drug delivery system (S-SNEDDS) of lamotrigine (LMG) for enhancing its dissolution and oral bioavailability (BA).

Methods

Nineteen liquid SNEDDS were prepared (R1-R19) using D-optimal design with different ratios of oil, surfactant (S), and cosurfactant (Cos). The formulations were characterized regarding robustness to dilution, droplet size, thermodynamic stability testing, self-emulsification time, in-vitro release in 0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer (PB; pH 6.8). Design Expert^® 11 software was used to select the optimum formulations. Eight S-SNEDDS were prepared (S1-S8) using 2³ factorial design, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimum formulation was chosen regarding in-vitro drug released in 0.1 N HCl and PB, compared to pure LMG and commercial tablet (Lamictal^®). The BA of LMG from the optimized S-SNEDDS formulation was evaluated in rabbits compared to pure LMG and Lamictal^®.

Results

The optimized S-SNEDDS was S2, consisting of R9 adsorbed on Aeroperl^® 300 in a ratio of 1:1, with the best results regarding in-vitro drug released in 0.1 N HCl at 15 min (100%) compared to pure LMG (73.40%) and Lamictal^® (79.43%), and in-vitro drug released in PB at 45 min (100%) compared to pure LMG (30.46%) and Lamictal^® (92.08%). DSC, PXRD, and SEM indicated that LMG was molecularly dispersed within the solid nano-system. The BA of S2 was increased 2.03 and 1.605 folds compared to pure LMG, and Lamictal^®, respectively.

Conclusion

S2 is a promising S-SNEDDS formulation. It can be a potential carrier for improving dissolution, and BA of LMG.

Oral Bioavailability Enhancement and Anti-Fatigue Assessment of the Andrographolide Loaded Solid Dispersion

Andrographolide (AG), a major diterpene lactone isolated from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees (Acanthaceae), possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities. However, its poor water solubility and low bioavailability limit its clinical application. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a solid dispersion (SD) formulation to increase the aqueous solubility and dissolution rate of AG. Different drug-polymer ratios were used to prepare various SDs. The optimized formulation was characterized for differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction. The analysis indicated that the optimized SD enhanced AG solubility and dissolution rates by changing AG crystallinity to an amorphous state. The dissolution behaviors of the optimum SD composed of an AG-polyvinylpyrrolidone K30-Kolliphor EL ratio of 1:7:1 (w/w/w) resulted in the highest accumulated dissolution (approximately 80%). Pharmacokinetic studies revealed that C_max/dose and the AUC/dose increased by 3.7-fold and 3.0-fold, respectively, compared with AG suspension. Furthermore, pretreatment using the optimized AG-SD significantly increased the swimming time to exhaustion by 1.7-fold and decreased the plasma ammonia level by 71.5%, compared with the vehicle group. In conclusion, the optimized AG-SD formulation appeared to effectively improve its dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. Moreover, the optimized AG-SD provides a promising treatment against physical fatigue.

Mefenamic acid-loaded solid SMEDDS: an innovative aspect for dose reduction and improved pharmacodynamic profile

AIM

The current investigation is focused on solid self-microemulsifying drug-delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) of mefenamic acid (MFA) for improving pharmacodynamic activity. Methodology & results: Solubility assessment in various lipid excipients and optimization of pseudoternary plots were carried out for development of liquid SMEDDS. The optimized liquid SMEDD formulation was spray dried to solid dosage form and observed with enhanced amorphization or molecular dispersion of MFA in S-SMEDDS, as evident from x-ray diffractometry and differential scanning calorimetry studies. Enhanced in vitro dissolution rate of optimized formulation was observed, resulting in multifold enhancement in absorption profile of MFA, as compared with pure drug and marketed product. These studies further substantiate the dose reduction in SMEDDS by gaining equivalent therapeutic profile with marketed product. Enhanced analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity was observed with S-SMEDD formulations in acetic acid-induced writhings and carrageenan-induced paw edema models, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The optimized S-SMEDD formulation holds great promise for enhancement of its physiochemical and biological attributes.

Self-microemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Problematic Molecules: An Update

BACKGROUND

The poor bioavailability of a problematic molecule is predominantly due to its high lipophilicity, low solubility in gastric fluids and/or high fist pass metabolism. Self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), a lipidic type IV nano-formulation has been of interest in the field of pharmaceutical research due to its potential for tailoring the physicochemical properties of pharmaceutical molecules.

METHODS

This review provides insights on various recent innovations and reports from the past seven years (2012-2019) of self-emulsifying formulations for the delivery of various types of poorly soluble drugs, phytoconstituents and high molecular peptides and gives exhaustive details of the outcome of the endeavors in this field.

RESULTS

Various types of innovative formulations have been molded from SMEDDS like selfemulsifying powders, granules, tablets, pellets, eutectic and cationic formulations. Till date, many research reports and patents have been filed on self-emulsifying dosage forms and many formulations have gained US-FDA approvals which are summarized in the review article.

CONCLUSION

This review content highlighted the increasing scope of SMEDDS in augmenting the physiochemical properties of an API, the variegated formulation types and the attributes of API that can be improved by SMEDD based formulations.

Inhibition of Co-Crystallization of Olmesartan Medoxomil and Hydrochlorothiazide for Enhanced Dissolution Rate in Their Fixed Dose Combination

Olmesartan medoxomil (Olm) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) are fixed dose combination (FDC) for treatment of hypertension. They have hydrogen bonding sites and may interact during co-processing. The consequences of such interaction are not clear. This study investigated the possibility of this interaction during co-processing. The research was extended to inhibit deleterious interactions. The drugs were co-evaporated from ethanolic solution to maximize the chance of interaction. This was performed in the absence and presence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and/or aerosil. The products were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) in addition to dissolution studies. Co-evaporation of Olm with HCTZ in the absence of excipients produced crystalline material with FTIR spectrum showing intermolecular hydrogen bonding. This material showed thermal pattern of new crystalline species. This was identified as Olm/HCTZ co-crystal by PXRD. This co-crystallization reduced the dissolution rate of both drugs. This co-crystallization was inhibited in the presence of HPMC, but the dissolution rate was not significantly enhanced accordingly. Co-processing in the presence of both HPMC and aerosil eliminated the co-crystallization and minimized the intermolecular drug-drug interaction with subsequent dissolution enhancement. The study introduced a composition for fixed dose combination of Olm and HCTZ with enhanced dissolution.