Formulation of Gelucire®-Based Solid Dispersions of Atorvastatin Calcium: In Vitro Dissolution and In Vivo Bioavailability Study

Molecular insights into the aggregation and solubilizing behavior of biocompatible amphiphiles Gelucire® 48/16 and Tetronics® 1304 in aqueous media

A comparative analysis of the micellar and solubilizing properties of two polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based amphiphilic biocompatible excipients: Gelucire® 48/16 (Ge 48/16) and Tetronics® 1304 (T1304), in the presence and absence of salt, was conducted. As there is a dearth of research in this area, the study aims to shed light on the behavior of these two nonionic surfactants and their potential as nanocarriers for solubilizing pharmaceuticals. Various techniques such as cloud point (CP), dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV spectrophotometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were employed. The solubility of quercetin (QCT), a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, was evaluated and the interaction between QCT and the micellar system was examined. The analysis revealed the occurrence of strong interactions between QCT and surfactant molecules, resulting in enhanced solubility. It was observed that the micellar size and solubilizing ability were significantly improved in the presence of salt, while the CP decreased. Ge 48/16 exhibited superior performance, with a remarkable increase in the solubility of QCT in the presence of salt, suggesting its potential as an effective nanocarrier for a range of pharmaceutics, and yielding better therapeutic outcomes.

Atorvastatin-loaded pro-nanolipospheres with ameliorated oral bioavailability and antidyslipidemic activity

Despite significant advances in oral drug delivery technologies, many drugs are prone to limited oral bioavailability due to biological barriers that hinder drug absorption. Pro-nanolipospheres (PNL) are a form of delivery system that can potentiate the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs through a variety of processes, including increased drug solubility and protecting them from degradation by intestinal or hepatic first-pass metabolism. In this study, pro-nanolipospheres were employed as a delivery vehicle for improving the oral bioavailability of the lipophilic statin, atorvastatin (ATR). Various ATR-loaded PNL formulations, composed of various pharmaceutical ingredients, were prepared by the pre-concentrate method and characterized by determining particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency. An optimized formula (ATR-PT PNL) showing the smallest particle size, highest zeta potential, and highest encapsulation efficiency was selected for further in vivo investigations. The in vivo pharmacodynamic experiments demonstrated that the optimized ATR-PT PNL formulation exerted a potent hypolipidemic effect in a Poloxamer® 407-induced hyper-lipidaemia rat model by restoring normal cholesterol and triglyceride serum levels along with alleviating serum levels of LDL while elevating serum HDL levels, compared to pure drug suspensions and marketed ATR (Lipitor®). Most importantly, oral administration of the optimized ATR-PT PNL formulation showed a dramatic increase in ATR oral bioavailability, as evinced by a 1.7- and 3.6-fold rise in systemic bioavailability when compared with oral commercial ATR suspensions (Lipitor®) and pure drug suspension, respectively. Collectively, pro-nanolipospheres might represent a promising delivery vehicle for enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Enhancing the biopharmaceutical attributes of atorvastatin calcium using polymeric and lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles: An approach for atherosclerosis treatment

Atherosclerosis is associated with inflammation in the arteries, a significant cause of heart attacks and strokes. Although statin therapy can reduce the chances of atherosclerotic plaque formation, they need to be administered in high doses due to low systemic bioavailability and encountered with side effects. To overcome these challenges, we developed nanoparticles using biocompatible and biodegradable lipids and polymers for improving systemic drug absorption and therapeutic response. The polymeric nanoparticles were prepared using PLGA and PVA, while hybrid nanoparticles were prepared using PLGA and Phospholipon 90 G. Both nanoparticles were systematically optimized by I-optimal response surface design. The optimum formulation composition exhibited particle size of less than 250 nm, polydispersity index of less than 0.3, entrapment efficiency of more than 70%, and sustained drug release up to 6 h. In vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation in rats indicated multi-fold improvement in the extent of drug absorption (C_max and AUC_total) for atorvastatin from the nanoparticles vis-à-vis the pure drug suspension. In vivo pharmacodynamic studies also indicated the excellent ability of nanoparticles to lower the elevated levels of lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins) and increase the level of high-density lipoproteins as compared to that of the pure drug suspension.

Production challenges of tablets containing lipid excipients: Case study using cannabidiol as drug model

The aims of this study were, firstly, to select an optimal lipid solid dispersion of cannabidiol among different lipid excipients (Gelucire® 50/13, 48/16, 44/14 and Labrasol®) and inorganic carriers (colloidal silica, Syloid® XDP and Neusilin® US2) through a screening plan. The enhancement of aqueous solubility of cannabidiol from a free-flowing powder with adequate drug content was obtained by mixing cannabidiol (20%) with Gelucire® 50/13 (40%; Gattefossé, France), both incorporated inside mesopores of mesoporous silica Syloid® XDP (40%; Grace, Germany). Secondly, we have studied the tableting properties of this selected dispersion through a Design of Experiments (DoE) by manufacturing tablets with other excipients with using a compression simulator (Styl'One® Evo, Medelpharm, France). The design of experiments included the percentage of lipid solid dispersion, of glidant, of lubricant and different compression forces. The dissolution efficiency, the drug content, the tensile strength and the ejection force were analyzed. The DoE showed that % of dispersion as well as compression forces were the main influential variables. An exit of lipid materials outside the mesopores of silica due to compression process has been highlighted, reflected by reduced tensile strength. This study showed the possibility of manufacturing tablets with lipid materials even if limitations have been highlighted. Indeed, the dispersion percentage must not exceed 27% and compression forces up to 13 kN are required to produce lipid tablets with optimal properties.

Solid dispersions of atorvastatin with Kolliphor RH40: Enhanced supersaturation and improvement in a hyperlipidemic rat model

Atorvastatin is a potent lipid-lowering drug with poor solubility and high presystemic clearance that limits its therapeutic efficacy. The aim of this study was to develop solid dispersions and micellar systems to obtain fast-dissolving atorvastatin systems that enhances their anti-hyperlipidemic effect. Solubility and wettability studies allow the development of solid dispersions with low proportions of croscarmellose sodium as hydrophilic carrier. Solid state characterization studies indicated that the addition of Kolliphor® RH40 surfactant to solid dispersions increases intermolecular hydrogen bonding between drug and polymer chains. Dissolution studies in biorelevant Fasted State Simulate Intestinal Fluid (FaSSIF pH 6.5) medium showed for atorvastatin solid dispersion a supersaturation peak of atorvastatin followed by an aggregation/precipitation process. Only the presence of a surfactant such as Kolliphor® RH40 in atorvastatin micellar system, promotes the presence of micelles that achieve delayed recrystallization. Efficacy studies were carried out using a hyperlipidemic model of rats fed with a high- fat diet. The atorvastatin micellar system at doses of 10 mg/kg, revealed a significant improvement in serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and triglycerides compared to atorvastatin raw material. This micellar system also exhibited more beneficial effects on liver steatosis, inflammation and ballooning injury.

Design and Characterization of HY-038 Solid Dispersions via Spray Drying Technology: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations

The aim of this study was to prepare HY-038 solid dispersions (SDs) with single carrier at high drug loading and then forming a tablet to enhance solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability via spray drying technology. At the same time, we hope to develop a more convenient in vitro method to predict the absorption behavior of different formulations in vivo. Different solid dispersions, varying in drug/polymer ratios, were prepared. Infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction were used to perform solid-state characterizations of the pure drug and SDs. Contact angle of water, dissolution in pH = 6.8 phosphate buffer, and in vivo absorption in dogs were studied. As a result, solid-state characterization demonstrated the transformation of the crystalline HY-038 to an amorphous state in the solid dispersions, and the in vivo exposure followed with the trend of the dissolution curve combined with contact angle. Compared with the prototype formulation, the C_max and AUC_0-∞ of optimized formulation SD2 (HY-038-HPMCAS 3:1) increased by about 5 ~ 9 times at the same dose. More importantly, the SD2 formulation showed approximately linear increases in C_max and AUC_0-∞ as the dose increased from 50 to 100 mg, while the prototype formulation reached absorption saturation at 50 mg. SD2 (HY-038-HPMCAS 3:1) was selected as the best formulation for the downstream development.