Synthesis and properties of a naproxen polymeric prodrug

A Novel Polymer Insect Repellent Conjugate for Extended Release and Decreased Skin Permeation of Para-Menthane-3,8-Diol

BACKGROUND

We developed a novel polymer insect repellent conjugate for extended release and decreased skin permeation of the volatile insect repellent p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).

METHODS

PMD was conjugated with acryloyl chloride via an ester bond to form acryloyl-PMD, which was subsequently copolymerised with acrylic acid at varying molar ratios. Copolymer structures were characterised by 1H NMR and FT-IR, analysed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), molecular weights and reactivity ratios determined, and repellent loading assessed.

RESULTS

Using porcine liver esterases, ~45% of the insect repellent was released over five days. Penetration and permeation studies of the copolymer and free repellent using excised, full-thickness porcine ear skin showed no detectable permeation of the copolymer through skin compared to the PMD. Moreover, tape stripping revealed that over 90% of the copolymer remained on the outer surface of the skin, whereas free PMD was within all skin layers. A planarian toxicity fluorescence assay indicated that that the copolymer is unlikely to be a significant irritant when applied topically.

CONCLUSIONS

this study demonstrates the feasibility of the copolymer approach to develop extended-release insect repellents while reducing skin uptake and transdermal permeation of the small-molecular-weight active ingredient, in order to minimise any adverse effects.

A Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC-UV Method for Determination and Chemical Hydrolysis Study of a Novel Naproxen Prodrug

A new naproxen amide prodrug was synthesized and spectrally characterized and a simple, precise, and accurate stability-indicating RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for determination and chemical hydrolysis study of the prodrug. Forced degradation studies were conducted as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines to establish the stability-indicating power of the method. Separations were performed on a C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm p.s.). The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and phosphate buffer pH 4.0 in the ratio 60 : 40. The flow rate and injection volume were 1.0 mL/min and 15 μL, respectively. The peaks were monitored at 272 nm. The average retention time is 5.136 min. The linearity of the method was investigated in the range of 10–50 μg/mL and r2 was found to be larger than 0.9987. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 1.853 and 5.615 μg/mL, respectively. Results indicated that the degradants are well resolved and separated from the prodrug. Hydrolysis kinetics studies were carried out in buffer solutions (pH 1.2, 5.5 and 7.4) to establish the fate of the prodrug. The half-lives in the respective buffers were 23.5, 262, and 334 hours indicating sufficient stability to attain the goal of oral delivery.

Spacer/linker based synthesis and biological evaluation of mutual prodrugs as antiinflammatory agents

Mutual prodrugs of some antiinflammatory agents were synthesized with the aim of improving the therapeutic index through prevention of gastrointestinal complications and to check the efficiency of release of the parent drug in presence of spacer. These mutual prodrugs were synthesized by direct condensation method using dicyclohexyl carbodiimide as a coupling agent and glycine as a spacer. The title compounds were characterized by spectral techniques and the release of the parent drug from mutual prodrug was studied in two different non-enzymatic buffer solutions at pH 1.2, pH 7.4 and in 80% human plasma. All mutual prodrugs exhibited encouraging hydrolysis profile in 80% human plasma. Biological activity of title compounds was studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema method. From the results obtained, it was concluded that these compounds retain the antiinflammatory action.

Synthesis, pharmacological activity and hydrolytic behavior of glyceride prodrugs of ibuprofen

For reducing the gastrointestinal toxicity associated with ibuprofen its carboxylic group was condensed with the hydroxyl group of 1,2,3-trihydroxy propane 1,3-dipalmitate/stearate to give the ester prodrugs 3a and 3b. The release of ibuprofen from these prodrugs has been studied at pH 3, 4, 5 and 7.4 by HPLC using methanol and 0.05% phosphoric acid (80%) (70:30) as mobile phase. The prodrugs showed insignificant hydrolysis at pH 5 compared to pH 7.4 indicating that the prodrugs do not break in stomach but release ibuprofen at pH 7.4 in adequate amounts. In vivo hydrolysis studies in rats, the peak plasma concentration of ibuprofen was attained in 1.5 h in case of ibuprofen and in 2 h in prodrugs treated animals. The plasma concentration was found to be less at all times in animals treated with ibuprofen compared to the prodrugs treated animals. The maximum anti-inflammatory activity of ibuprofen was observed at 2 h whereas prodrugs showed maximum activity at 3 h and remained practically constant upto 8 h whereas a decrease in activity was observed with free ibuprofen. Further the prodrugs showed less gastric ulcers compared to ibuprofen. An average score of 0.16, 0.45, 0.97 and 0.20, 0.76, 1.02 of ulcers was observed with 3a and 3b compared to an average score of 0.75, 1.10, and 2.97 with ibuprofen. These prodrugs also showed significant protection against acetic acid induced writhings in rats. These finding suggested that both the prodrugs are better in action as compared to the parent drug and are advantageous in having less gastrointestinal side effects.

Release from polymeric prodrugs: linkages and their degradation

Polymeric prodrugs have evolved into a very useful class of drug delivery agents. Numerous polymeric prodrugs have been prepared for applications ranging from passive drug targeting to controlled release. The mechanistic aspects of the release processes, however, have not been clearly delineated. This review highlights the salient features of the chemical reactions that are responsible for drug release from these systems. The mechanisms of release from polymeric prodrugs employing various chemical linkages, esters, carbonates, carbamates, C=N linkage and amides, are discussed.