Development and Evaluation of Poorly Water-Soluble Celecoxib as Solid Dispersions Containing Nonionic Surfactants Using Fluidized-Bed Granulation

Rubusoside As a Multifunctional Stabilizer for Novel Nanocrystal-Based Solid Dispersions with a High Drug Loading: A Case Study

The oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs has always been the focus of pharmaceutical researchers. We innovatively combined nanocrystal technology and solid dispersion technology to prepare novel nanocrystalline solid dispersions (NCSDs), which enable both the solidification and redispersion of nanocrystals, offering a promising new pathway for oral delivery of insoluble Chinese medicine ingredients. The rubusoside (Rub) was first used as the multifunctional stabilizer of novel apigenin nanocrystal-based solid dispersions (AP-NSD), improving the in vitro solubilization rate of the insoluble drug apigenin(AP). AP-NSD has been produced using a combination of homogenisation and spray-drying technology. The effects of stabilizer type and concentration on AP nanosuspensions (AP-NS) particles, span, and zeta potential were studied. And the effects of different types of protective agents on the yield and redispersibility of AP-NSD were also studied. Furthermore, AP-NSD was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Solubility was used to assess the in vitro dissolution of AP-NSD relative to APIs and amorphous solid dispersions (AP-ASD), and AP-ASD was prepared by the solvent method. The results showed that 20% Rub stabilized AP-NSD exhibited high drug-loading and good redispersibility and stability, and higher in vitro dissolution rate, which may be related to the presence of Rub on surface of drug. Therefore provides a natural and safe option for the development of formulations for insoluble drugs.

QbD-Guided Traditional Chinese Medicine Manufacturing Process: Development and Optimization of Fluid-Bed Granulation and Drying Processes for Xiaochaihu Capsules

Traditional methods of producing Xiaochaihu (XCH) capsules, a traditional Chinese medicine, are time-consuming, costly, and labor-intensive, which is not conductive to modernizing TCM. To address the challenges, new fluid-bed granulation and drying processes with water as the binder were developed and optimized guided by the principles of Quality by Design (QbD) in this study. Ishikawa diagram was applied to conduct a preliminary risk assessment, followed by 6-factor definitive screening design (DSD) serving as a QbD statistical tool to develop and optimize the new processes. Multiple potential factors and interactions were studied with a small number of experiments using the DSD. This study identified critical process parameters (CPPs), established quadratic regression models to reveal CPP-critical quality attributes (CQAs) connections within the DSD framework, and defined a dependable design space. Processes conducted by parameter combinations in the design space produced qualified granules with production yield and raw material utilization higher than 90% and moisture content lower than 4%. Furthermore, quantitative analysis of baicalin of all the granules ensured qualified contents of active pharmaceutical ingredient. The newly developed processes for XCH capsules, with advantages of shorter time, environmental friendliness, and decreased cost, exemplify the effective application of QbD and design of experiments (DoE) methodologies in the modernization of TCM manufacturing processes.

Solvent electrospinning amorphous solid dispersions with high itraconazole, celecoxib, mebendazole and fenofibrate drug loading and release potential

In this work, the feasibility of ultra-high drug loaded amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) for the poorly soluble itraconazole, mebendazole and celecoxib via solvent electrospinning in combination with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and fenofibrate in combination with polyvinylpyrrolidone is demonstrated. By lowering the polymer concentration in the electrospinning solution below its individual spinnable limit, ASDs with a drug content of up to 80 wt% are obtained. This is attributed to drug-polymer interactions not being limited by default to hydrogen bonds, as also Van der Waals interactions can result in high drug loadings. The theoretically predicted miscibility by the Flory-Huggins theory is corroborated by the experimental findings based on (modulated) differential scanning calorimetry and x-ray diffraction. Globally, the maximally obtained amorphous drug loadings are higher compared to the loadings found in literature. Additionally, non-sink dissolution tests demonstrate an increase in solubility of up to 50 times compared to their crystalline counterparts. Moreover, due to the lack of precipitation biocompatible PEtOx succeeds in stabilizing the dissolved drug and inhibiting its instant precipitation. The current work thus demonstrates the broader applicability of the electrospinning technique for the production of physically stable ASDs with ultra-high drug loadings, a result which has been validated for several Biopharmaceutics Classification System class II drugs.

Comparative analysis of drug-salt-polymer interactions by experiment and molecular simulation improves biopharmaceutical performance

The propensity of poorly water-soluble drugs to aggregate at supersaturation impedes their bioavailability. Supersaturated amorphous drug-salt-polymer systems provide an emergent approach to this problem. However, the effects of polymers on drug-drug interactions in aqueous phase are largely unexplored and it is unclear how to choose an optimal salt-polymer combination for a particular drug. Here, we describe a comparative experimental and computational characterization of amorphous solid dispersions containing the drug celecoxib, and a polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate (PVP-VA) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, with or without Na+/K+ salts. Classical models for drug-polymer interactions fail to identify the best drug-salt-polymer combination. In contrast, more stable drug-polymer interaction energies computed from molecular dynamics simulations correlate with prolonged stability of supersaturated amorphous drug-salt-polymer systems, along with better dissolution and pharmacokinetic profiles. The celecoxib-salt-PVP-VA formulations exhibit excellent biopharmaceutical performance, offering the prospect of a low-dosage regimen for this widely used anti-inflammatory, thereby increasing cost-effectiveness, and reducing side-effects.

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.

Celecoxib Nanoformulations with Enhanced Solubility, Dissolution Rate, and Oral Bioavailability: Experimental Approaches over In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Celecoxib (CXB) is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II molecule with high permeability that is practically insoluble in water. Because of the poor water solubility, there is a wide range of absorption and limited bioavailability following oral administration. These unfavorable properties can be improved using dry co-milling technology, which is an industrial applicable technology. The purpose of this study was to develop and optimize CXB nanoformulations prepared by dry co-milling technology, with a quality by design approach to maintain enhanced solubility, dissolution rate, and oral bioavailability. The resulting co-milled CXB composition using povidone (PVP), mannitol (MAN) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) showed the maximum solubility and dissolution rate in physiologically relevant media. Potential risk factors were determined with an Ishikawa diagram, important risk factors were selected with Plackett-Burman experimental design, and CXB compositions were optimized with Central Composite design (CCD) and Bayesian optimization (BO). Physical characterization, intrinsic dissolution rate, solubility, and stability experiments were used to evaluate the optimized co-milled CXB compositions. Dissolution and permeability studies were carried out for the resulting CXB nanoformulation. Oral pharmacokinetic studies of the CXB nanoformulation and reference product were performed in rats. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies show that the CXB nanoformulations have enhanced solubility (over 4.8-fold (8.6 ± 1.06 µg/mL vs. 1.8 ± 0.33 µg/mL) in water when compared with celecoxib pure powder), and dissolution rate (at least 85% of celecoxib is dissolved in 20 min), and improved oral pharmacokinetic profile (the relative bioavailability was 145.2%, compared to that of Celebrex^®, and faster t_max 3.80 ± 2.28 h vs. 6.00 ± 3.67 h, indicating a more rapid absorption rate).

Solventless amorphization and pelletization using a high shear granulator. Part I; feasibility study using indomethacin

The aim of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of solventless amorphization and pelletization using a high shear granulator, to produce amorphous drug-layered pellets by simply mixing drug crystals and inactive spheres without using solvent and heating. Indomethacin crystals were mixed with microcrystalline cellulose spheres at a weight ratio of 1:10 using the granulator and the resulting particles were then characterized using solid-state and particle analytical techniques as well as pharmaceutically relevant tests. Amorphization of indomethacin crystals progressed with increasing processing time and decreasing jacket temperature. The amorphization rate increased as the spheres became larger and full amorphization was achieved using spheres of 414 and 649 μm in diameter. Indomethacin crystals were pulverized due to mechanical activation by the spheres and the resulting amorphous microparticles were then deposited on the spheres, yielding pellets with an amorphous layer. The pellets exhibited supersaturation characteristics and the dissolution rate was faster than that of quench-cooled indomethacin powder. However, the amorphous drug deposited on the pellets exhibited a lower physical stability than quench-cooled amorphous indomethacin, but recrystallization could be inhibited by co-processing with polyvinylpyrrolidone K-25 stabilizing the amorphous form. The findings suggest the feasibility of the solventless amorphization and pelletization technique.

Assessing the Interrelationship of Microstructure, Properties, Drug Release Performance, and Preparation Process for Amorphous Solid Dispersions Via Noninvasive Imaging Analytics and Material Characterization

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the interrelationship of microstructure, properties, and dissolution performance for amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) prepared using different methods.

METHODS

ASD of GDC-0810 (50% w/w) with HPMC-AS was prepared using methods of spray drying and co-precipitation via resonant acoustic mixing. Microstructure, particulate and bulk powder properties, and dissolution performance were characterized for GDC-0810 ASDs. In addition to application of typical physical characterization tools, we have applied X-Ray Microscopy (XRM) to assess the contribution of microstructure to the characteristics of ASDs and obtain additional quantification and understanding of the drug product intermediates and tablets.

RESULTS

Both methods of spray drying and co-precipitation produced single-phase ASDs. Distinct differences in microstructure, particle size distribution, specific surface area, bulk and tapped density, were observed between GDC-0810 spray dried dispersion (SDD) and co-precipitated amorphous dispersion (cPAD) materials. The cPAD powders prepared by the resonant acoustic mixing process demonstrated superior compactibility compared to the SDD, while the compressibility of the ASDs were comparable. Both SDD powder and tablets showed higher in vitro dissolution than those of cPAD powders. XRM calculated total solid external surface area (S_A) normalized by calculated total solid volume (S_V) shows a strong correlation with micro dissolution data.

CONCLUSION

Strong interrelationship of microstructure, physical properties, and dissolution performance was observed for GDC-0810 ASDs. XRM image-based analysis is a powerful tool to assess the contribution of microstructure to the characteristics of ASDs and provide mechanistic understanding of the interrelationship.

Solventless amorphization and pelletization using a high shear granulator. Part II; Preparation of co-amorphous mixture-layered pellets using indomethacin and arginine

The aim of this study was to investigate the preparation of co-amorphous mixture-layered pellets using solventless pelletization and amorphization using a high shear granulator (as suggested in the first part of this study) by high shear mixing of drug crystals and a crystalline co-former with inactive spheres. Mixtures of crystalline indomethacin and arginine at various molar ratios were mixed with microcrystalline cellulose spheres at a weight ratio of 1:10 using the granulator and the resulting particles were characterized using solid-state and particle analytical techniques as well as dissolution testing and physical stability. At jacket temperatures of 20 °C or more of the granulator, co-processing of indomethacin and arginine enhanced amorphization of indomethacin and provided a co-amorphous mixture due to homogenous mixing of indomethacin and arginine amorphous phases. The co-amorphous mixture was deposited on the surface of the spheres, yielding co-amorphous mixture-layered pellets. The co-amorphous mixtures at molar ratios of indomethacin to arginine of 2:1 and 1:1, deposited on the pellets, did not recrystallize for at least 4 weeks. The pellets exhibited higher dissolution characteristics as additional hypromellose could prevent precipitation. These findings demonstrate the potential of this technique as a solventless approach to prepare co-amorphous mixture-layered pellets through a one-step process.

The effects of surfactants on the performance of polymer-based microwave-induced in situ amorphization

Microwave-induced in situ amorphization is a novel technology for preparing amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) to address the challenges of their long-term physical stability and downstream processing. To date, only few types of dielectric materials have been reported for microwave-induced in situ amorphization, which restricted the extensive research of this technology. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and mechanisms of utilizing the non-ionic surfactants, i.e. Kollisolv P124, Kolliphor RH40, D-ɑ-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS), Tween (T) 60 (T60), T65, T80 and T85, as plasticizers to facilitate microwave-induced in situ amorphization. It was found that the successful application of surfactants could be related with their low T_m, low M_w and high HLB. Kolliphor RH40 was selected as a typical surfactant due to its excellent dielectric heating ability, plasticizing effect and solubilizing effect when facilitating amorphization. Then, the dissolution-mediated in situ amorphization mechanism was investigated and intuitively demonstrated. For the most promising formulation, i.e. microwaved systems with Korlliphor RH40 at 1.5 (w/w) plasticizer/polymer ratio, a complete and fast in vitro dissolution was observed relative to the untreated systems. In conclusion, non-ionic surfactants had the potential to facilitate microwave-induced in situ amorphization, which provided a new direction in the formulation designation for microwave-able systems.

Vilazodone-phospholipid mixed micelles for enhancing oral bioavailability and reducing pharmacokinetic variability between fed and fasted states

Despite the effectiveness and high tolerability of vilazodone (VLZ) as an antidepressant, its use is still limited due to its poor solubility and food dependent absorption. This study aims to load VLZ-phospholipid complex into self-assembled micelles forming VLZ-PL mixed micelles (VLZ-PL-MM), that can enhance VLZ solubility, improve its bioavailability and reduce the pharmacokinetic variability between the fed and fasting conditions. The effect of the surfactant type and concentration was assessed using four different non-ionic surfactants (Brij 58, Tween 80, Labrasol and Pluronic F127) in four different weight ratios between the drug-complex and surfactant (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 w/w). Two VLZ-PL-MM formulae prepared using Brij 58 and Labrasol in 1:3 w/w ratio were selected as optimised ones since they have the highest encapsulation efficiency (100.83 and 93.87%, respectively), a particle size below 250 nm (206.73 and 221.33 nm, respectively) and negative zeta potential values (-29.63, -17.20 mV, respectively). Lyophilisation of these formulations using 3% sucrose was successful with no statistical changes in particle size and zeta potential upon rehydration. Both formulations elicited faster and higher in-vitro drug release profiles compared to the pure drug and the marketed tablet. In addition, both selected formulae improved ex-vivo permeation across rabbit intestinal membrane compared to the pure drug and the marketed tablet, with marked superiority of the one prepared using Brij 58. The results of the in vivo study in male albino rabbits revealed similar AUC_0-24 values after the oral administration of the best achieved VLZ-PL-MM system under fed and fasting conditions (769.89 and 741.55 ng.h mL^-1, respectively). On the other hand, the marketed product showed significantly lower values of the AUC_0-24 relative to the VLZ-PL-MM system and there was a marked enhancement of absorption of drug from the marketed product in presence of food (244.24 and 174.96 ng.h mL^-1 under fed and fasting conditions, respectively. In addition, VLZ concentrations in the brain after 24 hours obtained from the selected VLZ-PL-MM were significantly higher than those obtained from marketed tablet under fed and fasting conditions. Thus, the phospholipid mixed micelle formulation enhances the oral bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug and reduces the pharmacokinetic variability between fasting and fed conditions.

Pharmaceutical amorphous solid dispersion: A review of manufacturing strategies

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are popular for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. Various approaches have been employed to produce ASDs and novel techniques are emerging. This review provides an updated overview of manufacturing techniques for preparing ASDs. As physical stability is a critical quality attribute for ASD, the impact of formulation, equipment, and process variables, together with the downstream processing on physical stability of ASDs have been discussed. Selection strategies are proposed to identify suitable manufacturing methods, which may aid in the development of ASDs with satisfactory physical stability.

Amorphous Salts Solid Dispersions of Celecoxib: Enhanced Biopharmaceutical Performance and Physical Stability

Numerous amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulations of celecoxib (CEL) have been attempted for enhancing the solubility, dissolution rate, and in vivo pharmacokinetics via high drug loading, polymer combination, or by surfactant addition. However, physical stability for long-term shelf life and desired in vivo pharmacokinetics remains elusive. Therefore, newer formulation strategies are always warranted to address poor aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability with extended shelf life. The present investigation elaborates a combined strategy of amorphization and salt formation for CEL, providing the benefits of enhanced solubility, dissolution rate, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and physical stability. We generated amorphous salts solid dispersion (ASSD) formulations of CEL via an in situ acid-base reaction involving counterions (Na⁺ and K⁺) and a polymer (Soluplus) using the spray-drying technique. The generated CEL-Na and CEL-K salts were homogeneously and molecularly dispersed in the matrix of Soluplus polymer. The characterization of generated ASSDs by differential scanning calorimetry revealed a much higher glass-transition temperature (T_g) than the pure amorphous CEL, confirming the salt formation of CEL in solid dispersions. The micro-Raman and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy further confirmed the formation of salt at the -S═O position in the CEL molecules. CEL-Na-Soluplus ASSD exhibited a synergistic enhancement in the aqueous solubility (332.82-fold) and in vivo pharmacokinetics (9.83-fold enhancement in the blood plasma concentration) than the crystalline CEL. Furthermore, ASSD formulations were physically stable for nearly 1 year (352 days) in long-term stability studies at ambient conditions. Hence, we concluded that the ASSD is a promising strategy for CEL in improving the physicochemical properties and biopharmaceutical performance.

Celecoxib Crystallized from Hydrophilic Polymeric Solutions Showed Modified Crystalline Behavior with an Improved Dissolution Profile

The crystallization technique has been established as a cost-effective and simple approach to improve the dissolution rate and oral bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. This study was carried out to study the effect of some selected hydrophilic polymers such as methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol, and carboxymethyl cellulose on the crystal behavior and dissolution properties of celecoxib (CLX), a common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Structural and spectral characteristics of crystallized CLX have been studied by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, diffraction scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. From FTIR and DSC analysis, no significant shifting of peaks or appearance of any new peaks (for polymers) were observed, which indicated the absence of any major interaction between drug and polymers as well as the absence of polymers in the final crystallized product of CLX. The XRD analysis showed a change in crystalline morphology to some extent. The dissolution rate of crystallized CLX in the presence of polymers (particularly with HPMC) was significantly improved compared with plain CLX. The improved dissolution profile of the experimental CLX crystal products could be an indication of improved bioavailability of CLX for better clinical outcome.

Current strategies for oral delivery of BCS IV drug nanocrystals: challenges, solutions and future trends

INTRODUCTION

Oral absorption of BCS IV drug benefits little from improved dissolution. Therefore, the absorption of BCS IV drug nanocrystals 'as a whole' strategy is preferred, and structural modification of nanocrystals is required. Surface modification helps the nanocrystals maintain particle structure before drug dissolution is needed, thus enhancing the oral absorption of BCS IV drugs and promoting therapeutic effect. Here, the main challenges and solutions of oral BCS IV drug nanocrystals delivery are discussed. Moreover, strategies for nanocrystal surface modification that facilitates oral bioavailability of BCS IV drugs are highlighted, and provide insights for the innovation in oral drug delivery.

AREAS COVERED

Promising size, shape, and surface modification of nanocrystals have gained interests for application in oral BCS IV drugs.

EXPERT OPINION

Nanocrystal surface modification is a feasible method to maintain the structural integrity of nanocrystals, and the introduced materials can also be modified to integrate additional functions to further facilitate the absorption of nanocrystals. It is expected that the absorption 'as a whole' strategy of nanocrystals will provide different choices for the oral BCS IV drugs.

Effect of Micronization on Panax notoginseng: In Vitro Dissolution and In Vivo Bioavailability Evaluations

Panax notoginseng (PN) has become the most widely used dietary supplement and herbal in Asian countries. The effect of micronization on PN is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of particle size of Panax notoginseng powder (PNP) and the potential to improve the bioavailability. The results showed that particle size reduction significantly changed the Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics. The size of the Panax notoginseng powder (PNP) ranges from 60 to 214 μm. The surface morphology and thermal properties of PNP were extensively characterized, and these changes in physicochemical properties of PNP provide a better understanding of the in vitro and in vivo release behaviors of PNS. The in vitro studies demonstrated that the dissolution of PNS and particle size were nonlinear (dose- and size-dependent). The pharmacokinetics parameters of PNP in rats were determined by UHPLC-MS/MS. Powder 4 (90.38 ± 8.28 μm) showed significantly higher AUC_0-T values in plasma (P < 0.05). In addition, we also investigated the influence of the hydrothermal treatment of PNP. The results showed that the PNS in vitro release and in vivo bioavailability of PNP pretreatment at 40°C were the highest. This suggests that PNP with a particle size of around 90 μm and heat pretreatment at 40°C would be beneficial. These results provided an experimental basis, and it was beneficial to choose an appropriate particle size and hydrothermal temperature when PNP was used in clinical treatment.

Direct compression tablet formulation of celecoxib enabled with a pharmaceutical solvate

Celecoxib, an anti-inflammatory drug for pain and arthritis, is currently only available in capsule form. To reduce the onset time for a faster action and to lower the manufacturing cost, the tablet dosage form is more preferred. However, the commercial celecoxib (Form III) is not suitable for direct compression (DC) tablet manufacture due to poor flow, low bulk density, and tablet lamination. In this work, we overcome these challenges using a pharmaceutically acceptable dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvate of celecoxib. Aided with the DMSO solvate, an acceptable DC tablet formulation was successfully developed to manufacture tablets containing 200 mg celecoxib, with satisfactory manufacturability, disintegration, and in vitro dissolution performance.

Antiviral Action of Curcumin Encapsulated in Nanoemulsion against Four Serotypes of Dengue Virus

BACKGROUND

Curcumin has been used as a traditional medicine showing antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. Despite the promising potentials, curcumin-based drug development is hindered due to its poor solubility and cell uptake.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to produce curcumin nanoemulsion (nanocurcumin) and evaluate its physical characteristics and in vitro cell cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against dengue virus (DENV).

METHODS

Nanocurcumin was generated by self-nanoemulsion technique. Cytotoxicity was determined using MTT assay in A549 cell line. Anti-DENV properties were determined by calculation of inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) and plaque assay.

RESULTS

The resulting nanoemulsion showed uniform droplet size distribution with the average droplet size of 40.85 ± 0.919 nm. Nanocurcumin exhibited higher cell cytotoxicity compared to curcumin solution and may be explained by better cell uptake. Nanocurcumin treatment suppressed DENV growth, although no significant difference observed compared to the curcumin solution counterpart. Greater virus reduction was observed for DENV-1 and DENV-2.

CONCLUSION

The synthesis of nanocurcumin improved curcumin physicochemical properties with potential as antiviral against DENV.

Preparation and Evaluation of Eudragit L100-PEG Proliponiosomes for Enhanced Oral Delivery of Celecoxib

PEGylated Eudragit L100 (ELP)-containing proliponiosomes (PLNs) were developed for improved oral delivery of celecoxib (CXB). The successful introduction of PEG 2000 or 5000 to Eudragit L100 (EL) was confirmed via proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis of which calculated molar substitution ratio of PEG to EL was 36.0 or 36.7, respectively. CXB, ELP, phospholipid, and non-ionic surfactants were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide and lyophilized to produce CXB-loaded PLNs (CXB@PLNs). The physical state of CXB@PLNs was evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffractometry, which revealed that crystalline CXB was transformed into amorphous form after the fabrication procedure. The reconstitution of CXB@PLNs in aqueous media generated CXB-loaded liponiosomes with nano-sized mean diameters and spherical morphology. CXB@PLNs displayed enhanced dissolution rate and permeability compared to CXB suspension. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies performed on rats demonstrated the improved oral bioavailability of CXB@PLNs compared to that of CXB suspension. No serious systemic toxicity was observed in the blood biochemistry tests performed on rats. These results suggest that the developed PLNs could be promising oral delivery systems for improving the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as CXB.

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System of Celecoxib for Avoiding Delayed Oral Absorption in Rats with Impaired Gastric Motility

This study aimed to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) of celecoxib (CEL) for suppressed delay in oral absorption under impaired gastric motility. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed for the determination of the optimal component ratio in SEDDS of CEL (SEDDS/CEL), and the SEDDS/CEL was physicochemically characterized. A pharmacokinetic study on orally dosed CEL samples (5-mg CEL/kg) was carried out in normal and propantheline (PPT)-treated rats to mimic impaired gastric motility. SEDDS/CEL rapidly formed a fine emulsion with a mean size of 147 nm in distilled water and significantly improved the dissolution behavior of CEL under pH 1.2 condition with a 20-fold higher dissolved amount than crystalline CEL. In normal rats, orally dosed SEDDS/CEL provided a 4.6-fold higher systemic exposure than that of crystalline CEL, due to the improved dissolution properties of CEL. Crystalline CEL showed delayed and decreased oral absorption of CEL in PPT-treated rats as evidenced by a 6.9-h-delayed mean absorption time and only 12% of the systemic exposure of CEL compared with those in normal rats. In contrast, SEDDS/CEL enhanced the oral absorption of CEL with a 14.6-fold higher systemic exposure with significant suppression of delay in absorption than crystalline CEL even in PPT-treated rats. SEDDS/CEL could be an efficacious option for suppressing delay in CEL absorption even under impairment of gastric motility, possibly leading to rapid and reproducible management of severe acute pain.

Enhanced pharmacokinetic performance of dapoxetine hydrochloride via the formulation of instantly-dissolving buccal films with acidic pH modifier and hydrophilic cyclodextrin: Factorial analysis, in vitro and in vivo assessment

Instantly dissolving buccal films have gained attention owing to their easy administration and capability to surmount the hepatic first pass effect of drugs. Dapoxetine hydrochloride (DPX) has a low oral bioavailability due to significant hepatic first pass metabolism. In addition, DPX is a weakly basic drug with a pH dependent solubility that could limit its dissolution in the body neutral fluids. In order to surpass these challenges, this work aimed at enhancing DPX bioavailability via the formulation of instantly dissolving buccal films comprising a pH modifier and a hydrophilic cyclodextrin. Tartaric acid and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin were selected as dual solubilizing agents based on the screening study. 3² factorial design was employed for the formulation and optimization of DPX films. Statistical analysis revealed that hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E5: maltodextrin ratio and propylene glycol concentrations have significant effects on mechanical properties, percent DPX dissolved after 5 min, and in vivo mouth dissolving time at P  < 0.05. The optimized film [HPMC E5: MDX, 1:1 and 1% PG] showed no significant change of properties or drug dissolution upon storage at 40 °C/75% RH for a period of 3 months. In addition, the optimized film showed significantly enhanced absorption relative to the oral reference tablet. Therefore, the optimized film could be considered a promising delivery system for DPX with expected improved patient compliance and enhanced pharmacokinetic performance.

Enhanced Oral Bioavailability of Celecoxib Nanocrystalline Solid Dispersion based on Wet Media Milling Technique: Formulation, Optimization and In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Celecoxib (CLX), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, is a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II drug with its bioavailability being limited by thepoor aqueoussolubility. The purpose of this study was to develop and optimize CLX nanocrystalline(CLX-NC) solid dispersion prepared by the wet medium millingtechnique combined with lyophilizationto enhance oral bioavailability. In formulation screening, the resulting CLX-NC usingpolyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) VA64 and sodiumdodecyl sulfate (SDS) as combined stabilizers showed the minimum particle size and a satisfactory stability. The formulation and preparation processwere further optimized by central composite experimentaldesign with PVP VA64 concentration (X₁), SDS concentration (X₂) and milling times (X₃) as independent factors and particle size (Y₁), polydispersity index (PDI, Y₂) and zeta potential (Y₃) as response variables. The optimal condition was determined as a combination of 0.75% PVP VA64, 0.11% SDS with milling for 90 min.The particle size, PDI and zeta potential of optimized CLX-NC were found to be 152.4 ± 1.4 nm, 0.191 ± 0.012 and −34.4 ± 0.6 mV, respectively. The optimized formulation showed homogeneous rod-like morphology as observed by scanning electron microscopy and was in a crystalline state as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. In a storage stability study, optimized CLX-NC exhibited an excellent physical stability during six months’ storage at both the refrigeration and room conditions. In vivo pharmacokinetic research in Sprague-Dawley ratsdisplayed that C_max and AUC_0–∞ of CLX-NC were increased by 2.9 and 3.1 fold, compared with physical mixture. In this study, the screening and optimizing strategy of CLX-NC formulation represents a commercially viable approach forenhancing the oral bioavailability of CLX.