Polyethylene oxide matrix tablet swelling evolution: The impact of molecular mass and tablet composition

In-situ monitoring of in vitro drug release processes in tablets using optical coherence tomography

Film-coated modified-release tablets are an important dosage form amenable to targeted, controlled, or delayed drug release in the specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Depending on the film composition and interaction with the GI fluid, such coated products can modulate the local bioavailability, systemic absorption, protection as an enteric barrier, etc. Although the interaction of a dosage form with the surrounding dissolution medium is vital for the resulting release behavior, the underlying physicochemical phenomena at the film and core levels occurring during the drug release process have not yet been well described. In this work, we attempted to tackle this limitation by introducing a novel in vitro test based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) that allows an in-situ investigation of the sub-surface processes occurring during the drug release. Using a commercially available tablet based on osmotic-controlled release oral delivery systems (OROS), we demonstrated the performance of the presented prototype in terms of monitoring the membrane thickness and thickness variability, the surface roughness, the core swelling behavior, and the porosity of the core matrix throughout the in vitro drug release process from OROS. The superior spatial (micron scale) and temporal (less than 10 ms between the subsequent tomograms) resolution achieved in the proposed setup provides an improved understanding of the dynamics inside the microstructure at any given time during the dissolution procedure with the previously unattainable resolution, offering new opportunities for the design and testing of patient-centric dosage forms.

Design of experiments and multivariate analysis approach to study dissolution stability of a modified-release drug product to support lean design strategies

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to present the use of Design of Experiments and multivariate analysis for evaluation of a modified-release drug product stability to support post-approval lean stability approaches. The focus of the paper was to investigate potential root-causes for acceleration of dissolution upon stability.

METHODS

For statistical evaluation of stability data, multiple linear regression statistics was used. The design space of the stability study was modeled using MODDE 12.1 software. For experimental set-up, parameters such as Temperature, Time, Packaging, Batch, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient supplier were selected.

RESULTS

With multiple linear regression modeling of the all generated stability data until six months, we were able to identify or confirm the Stability-related quality attributes and Shelf life limiting attributes. From the multiple linear regression correlation coefficients, we have evaluated that decrease of an antioxidant upon stability could cause potential shift in dissolution. However, main factors for accelerated dissolution can be attributed to other material and process variables. In the last part of the study, we have shown the usefulness of these methodologies for supporting lean stability approaches. With enhanced drug product knowledge, we designed two reduced long-term stability studies and showed that with 'One-half' reduced design, we would still be able to confirm 24-month shelf life.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing Quality by design approaches on stability studies could reduce the need for excessive analytical testing, help to evaluate meaningfulness of the data and set a risk-based stability testing strategy.