Poloxamer-188 and d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol Succinate (TPGS-1000) Mixed Micelles Integrated Orodispersible Sublingual Films to Improve Oral Bioavailability of Ebastine; In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization

In Vitro and Biological Evaluation of Oral Fast-Disintegrating Films Containing Ranitidine HCl and Syloid® 244FP-Based Ternary Solid Dispersion of Flurbiprofen

Flurbiprofen (FBP), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is commonly used to treat the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, but in prolonged use it causes gastric irritation and ulcer. To avoid these adverse events of NSAIDs, the simultaneous administration of H2 receptor antagonists such as ranitidine hydrochloride (RHCl) is obligatory. Here, we developed composite oral fast-disintegrating films (ODFs) containing FBP along with RHCl to provide a gastroprotective effect as well as to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of FBP. The ternary solid dispersion (TSD) of FBP was fabricated with Syloid® 244FP and poloxamer® 188 using the solvent evaporation technique. The synthesized FBP-TSD (coded as TSD) was loaded alone (S1) and in combination with plain RHCl (S2) in the composite ODFs based on hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose E5 (HPMC E5). The synthesized composite ODFs were evaluated by in vitro (thickness, folding endurance, tensile strength, disintegration, SEM, FTIR, XRD and release study) and in vivo (analgesic, anti-inflammatory activity, pro-inflammatory cytokines and gastroprotective assay) studies. The in vitro characterization revealed that TSD preserved its integrity and was effectively loaded in S1 and S2 with optimal compatibility. The films were durable and flexible with a disintegration time ≈15 s. The release profile at pH 6.8 showed that the solid dispersion of FBP improved the drug solubility and release when compared with pure FBP. After in vitro studies, it was observed that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of S2 was higher than that of pure FBP and other synthesized formulations (TSD and S1). Similarly, the level of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) was also markedly reduced by S2. Furthermore, a gastroprotective assay confirmed that S2 has a higher safety profile in comparison to pure FBP and other synthesized formulations (TSD and S1). Thus, composite ODF (S2) can effectively enhance the FBP solubility and its therapeutic efficacy, along with its gastroprotective effect.

Enhancing Ezetimibe Anticancer Activity Through Development of Drug Nano-Micelles Formulations: A Promising Strategy Supported by Molecular Docking

Background

Ezetimibe, initially recognized as a cholesterol-lowering agent, has recently attracted attention due to its potential anticancer properties. We aimed to explore an innovative approach of enhancing the drug anticancer activity through the development of drug nano-formulations.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen different nano-micelles formulations were prepared utilizing D-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) and pluronic F127. The prepared formulations were characterized for size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency (EE). The formulations were morphologically characterized using light and transmission electron microscopies and the drug-binding mode with the active site was investigated using the molecular docking. Cell viability against MCF-7 and T47D was studied. Apoptosis and cell cycle were assessed.

Results

The prepared formulations were in the nano-size range (34.01 ± 2.00-278.34 ± 9.11 nm), zeta potential values were very close to zero, and the TPGS-based micelles formulations showed the highest ezetimibe EE (94.03 ± 1.71%). Morphological study illustrated a well-defined, spherical nanoparticles with a uniform size distribution. Molecular docking demonstrated good interaction of ezetimibe with Interleukin-1 Beta Convertase through multiple hydrogen bonding, covalent bond, and hydrophobic interaction. TPGS-based nano-micelle formulation (F5) demonstrated the lowest IC50 against MCF-7 (4.51 µg/mL) and T47D (8.22 µg/mL) cancer cells. When T47D cells were treated with IC50 concentrations of F5, it exhibited significant inhibition with late apoptosis (43.9%), a response comparable to T47D cells treated with an IC50 dose of ezetimibe. Cell cycle analysis revealed that both ezetimibe and F5-treated T47D cells exhibited an increase in the subG1 phase, indicating reduced DNA content and cell death.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that F5 could serve as a proficient drug delivery system in augmenting the cytotoxic activity of ezetimibe against breast cancer.

The Potential of Films as Transmucosal Drug Delivery Systems

Pharmaceutical films are polymeric formulations used as a delivery platform for administration of small and macromolecular drugs for local or systemic action. They can be produced by using synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural polymers through solvent casting, electrospinning, hot-melt extrusion, and 3D printing methods, and depending on the components and the manufacturing methods used, the films allow the modulation of drug release. Moreover, they have advantages that have drawn interest in the development and evaluation of film application on the buccal, nasal, vaginal, and ocular mucosa. This review aims to provide an overview of and critically discuss the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems. For this, aspects such as the composition of these formulations, the theories of mucoadhesion, and the methods of production were deeply considered, and an analysis of the main transmucosal pathways for which there are examples of developed films was conducted. All of this allowed us to point out the most relevant characteristics and opportunities that deserve to be taken into account in the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems.

pH/enzyme dual sensitive Gegenqinlian pellets coated with Bletilla striata polysaccharide membranes for the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Gegen Qinlian Decoction, derived from Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Typhoid Fever, has been widely used in the treatment of various common diseases, frequently-occurring diseases and difficult and complicated diseases, such as ulcerative colitis. In this study, Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) was innovatively used as a film coating material to prepare Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. BSP has the ability to repair the inflamed colon mucosa and can produce synergistic effects, while avoiding the adverse therapeutic effects caused by the early release of drugs from a single pH-sensitive pellets in the small intestine. The prepared pellets have a uniform particle size, good roundness, a particle size range from 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm, and a particle yield is 85.6 %. The results of in vitro release showed that ES-BSP pellets hardly released drugs in the pH range of 1.2-6.8. However, in the colon mimic fluid containing specific enzymes, the drug release was significantly accelerated, demonstrating the sensitivity of the pellets to pH enzymes. In vivo and ex vivo fluorescence imaging of small animals showed that Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme remained longer in the colon compared with pH-sensitive pellets. In vivo pharmacodynamics study showed that the Gegen Qinlian pellets with dual sensitivity of pH enzyme had a better therapeutic effect in the rat model of the ulcerative colon than the commercially available Gegenqinlian pellets in the control group.

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Composite Oral Fast Disintegrating Film: An Innovative Strategy for the Codelivery of Ranitidine HCl and Flurbiprofen

Here, we evaluate the feasibility of co-loading plain ranitidine hydrochloride (RHCl) and microencapsulated flurbiprofen (FBP) in a Lycoat^® RS780-based oral fast disintegrating film (ODF). These films were developed by the solvent casting method to minimize the adverse effects of FBP and reduce the dosage form burden on patients. Optimized FBP microparticles (M3) with an average size of 21.2 ± 9.2 µm were loaded alone (F1) and in combination with plain RHCl (F2) in the composite ODF. All films were evaluated physicomechanically and physicochemically. These films were resilient, flexible, and disintegrated within thirty seconds. SEM images showed intact FBP microparticles in both formulations and, moreover, did not observe an interaction between the drug and film components. Microencapsulated FBP was released in a controlled manner over 48 h from the proposed formulations, while RHCl was released within 5 min from F2. After in vitro evaluation, formulations were also tested for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, cytokine (TNF-α and IL-6) levels, and gastroprotective effects in rats. The anti-inflammatory activity and gastroprotective effect of F2 were markedly higher than pure FBP and other synthesized formulations (M3 and F1). The average score of gastric lesions was in the order of pure FBP (15.5 ± 1.32) > M3 (8 ± 2) > F1 (1 ± 0.5) > F2 (0.5 ± 0) > control (0). Additionally, F2 showed a sustained anti-inflammatory effect up to 10 h in the rat paw edema model. Furthermore, F2 also markedly reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Conclusively, the Lycoat^® RS780-based composite film could be a promising carrier for the co-loading of microencapsulated FBP with RHCl. In the future, an optimized formulation (F2) could be capable of countering the issues related to multiple drug administration in geriatric patients and evading the gastric irritation associated with FBP.

Design and Development of Low- and Medium-Viscosity Alginate Beads Loaded with Pluronic® F-127 Nanomicelles

The anionic polymer sodium alginate, a linear copolymer of guluronic and mannuronic acids, is primarily present in brown algae. Copolymers are used in the sodium alginate preparation process to confer on the material strength and flexibility. Micelles and other polymeric nanoparticles are frequently made using the triblock copolymer Pluronic^® F-127. The purpose of the present study is to determine the effect of sodium alginate's viscosity (low and medium) and the presence of Pluronic^® F-127 micelles on the swelling behavior of the prepared pure beads and those loaded with Pluronic^® F-127 micelles. The Pluronic^® F-127 nanomicelles have a size of 120 nm. The swelling studies were carried out at pH = 1.2 (simulated gastric fluid-SGF) for two hours and at pH = 6.8 (simulated intestinal fluid-SIF) for four more hours. The swelling of both low- and medium-viscosity alginate beads was minor at pH = 1.2, irrespective of the use of Pluronic^® F-127 nanomicelles. At pH = 6.8, without Pluronic^® F-127, the beads showed an enhanced swelling ratio for the first four hours, which was even higher in the medium-viscosity alginate beads. With the addition of Pluronic^® F-127, the beads were dissolved in the first and second hour, in the case of the low- and medium-alginate's viscosity, respectively. In other words, the behavior of the mixed hydrogels was the same during the swelling experiments. Therefore, the presence of Pluronic^® F-127 nanomicelles and medium-viscosity sodium alginate leads to a higher swelling ratio. A model drug, acetyl salicylic acid (ASA), was also encapsulated in the mixed beads and ASA's release studies were performed. In conclusion, the prepared systems, which are well characterized, show potential as delivery platforms for the oral delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients and biopharmaceuticals.

Self-Assembling Lecithin-Based Mixed Polymeric Micelles for Nose to Brain Delivery of Clozapine: In-vivo Assessment of Drug Efficacy via Radiobiological Evaluation

Purpose

The research objective is to design intranasal brain targeted CLZ loaded lecithin based polymeric micelles (CLZ- LbPM) aiming to improve central systemic CLZ bioavailability.

Methods

In our study, intranasal CLZ loaded lecithin based polymeric micelles (CLZ- LbPM) were formulated using soya phosphatidyl choline (SPC) and sodium deoxycholate (SDC) with different CLZ:SPC:SDC ratios via thin film hydration technique aiming to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability and nose to brain targeting efficiency. Optimization of the prepared CLZ-LbPM using Design-Expert® software was achieved showing that M6 which composed of (CLZ:SPC: SDC) in respective ratios of 1:3:10 was selected as the optimized formula. The optimized formula was subjected to further evaluation tests as, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), TEM, in vitro release profile, ex vivo intranasal permeation and in vivo biodistribution.

Results

The optimized formula with the highest desirability exhibiting (0.845), small particle size (12.23±4.76 nm), Zeta potential of (-38 mV), percent entrapment efficiency of > 90% and percent drug loading of 6.47%. Ex vivo permeation test showed flux value of 27 μg/cm².h and the enhancement ratio was about 3 when compared to the drug suspension, without any histological alteration. The radioiodinated clozapine ([¹³¹I] iodo-CLZ) and radioiodinated optimized formula ([¹³¹I] iodo-CLZ-LbPM) were formulated in an excellent radioiodination yield more than 95%. In vivo biodistribution studies of [¹³¹I] iodo-CLZ-LbPM showed higher brain uptake (7.8%± 0.1%ID/g) for intranasal administration with rapid onset of action (at 0.25 h) than the intravenous formula. Its pharmacokinetic behavior showed relative bioavailability, direct transport percentage from nose to brain and drug targeting efficiency of 170.59%, 83.42% and 117% respectively.

Conclusion

The intranasal self-assembling lecithin based mixed polymeric micelles could be an encouraging way for CLZ brain targeting.

Piperine-loaded nanoparticles incorporated into hyaluronic acid/sodium alginate-based membranes for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases

Piperine is an alkaloid mostly found in the fruits of several species of the Piper genus, and its anti-inflammatory potential is already known. However, its therapeutic applications still need to be better explored due to the low aqueous solubility of this active. To overcome this drawback, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of the nanoencapsulation of the compound as well as its incorporation into hyaluronic acid/alginate-based biomembranes. Polymeric nanoparticles composed of Eudragit S100 and Poloxamer 188 were obtained by the nanoprecipitation technique, obtaining spherical nanosized particles with an average diameter of 122.1 ± 2.0 nm, polydispersity index of 0.266, and encapsulation efficiency of 76.2 %. Hyaluronic acid/sodium alginate membranes were then prepared and characterized. Regarding permeation, a slow passage rate was observed until the initial 14 h, when an exponential increase in the recovered drug concentration began to occur. The in vivo assay showed a reduction in inflammation up to 43.6 %, and no cytotoxicity was observed. The results suggested the potential of the system developed for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Enhanced Dissolution of Sildenafil Citrate Using Solid Dispersion with Hydrophilic Polymers: Physicochemical Characterization and In Vivo Sexual Behavior Studies in Male Rats

Sildenafil citrate (SLC) is a frequently used medication (Viagra®) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Due to its poor solubility, SLC suffers from a delayed onset of action and poor bioavailability. Hence, the aim of the proposed work was to prepare and evaluate solid dispersions (SDs) with hydrophilic polymers (Kolliphor® P188, Kollidon® 30, and Kollidon®-VA64), in order to enhance the dissolution and efficacy of SLC. The SLC-SDs were prepared using a solvent evaporation method (at the ratio drug/polymer, 1:1, w/w) and characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), drug content, yield, and in vitro release studies. Based on this evaluation, SDs (SLC-KVA64) were optimized, with a maximum release of drug (99.74%) after 2 h for all the developed formulas. The SDs (SLC-KVA64) were further tested for sexual behavior activity in male rats, and significant enhancements in copulatory efficiency (81.6%) and inter-copulatory efficiency (44.9%) were noted in comparison to the pure SLC drug, when exposed to the optimized SLC-KVA64 formulae. Therefore, SD using Kollidon®-VA64 could be regarded as a potential strategy for improving the solubility, in vitro dissolution, and therapeutic efficacy of SLC.

Improved Bioavailability of Ebastine through Development of Transfersomal Oral Films

The main objective of this research work was the development and evaluation of transfersomes integrated oral films for the bioavailability enhancement of Ebastine (EBT) to treat allergic rhinitis. The flexible transfersomes, consisting of drug (EBT), lipid (Phosphatidylcholine) and edge activator (EA) Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate or Sorbitan monolaurate, were prepared with the conventional thin film hydration method. The developed transfersomes were further integrated into oral films using the solvent casting method. Transfersomes were evaluated for their size distribution, surface charge, entrapment efficiency (EE%) and relative deformability, whereas the formulated oral films were characterized for weight, thickness, pH, folding endurance, tensile strength, % of elongation, degree of crystallinity, water content, content uniformity, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation, as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profile. The mean hydrodynamic diameter of transfersomes was detected to be 75.87 ± 0.55 nm with an average PDI and zeta potential of 0.089 ± 0.01 and 33.5 ± 0.39 mV, respectively. The highest deformability of transfersomes of 18.52 mg/s was observed in the VS-3 formulation. The average entrapment efficiency of the transfersomes was about 95.15 ± 1.4%. Transfersomal oral films were found smooth with an average weight, thickness and tensile strength of 174.72 ± 2.3 mg, 0.313 ± 0.03 mm and 36.4 ± 1.1 MPa, respectively. The folding endurance, pH and elongation were found 132 ± 1, 6.8 ± 0.2 and 10.03 ± 0.4%, respectively. The ex vivo permeability of EBT from formulation ETF-5 was found to be approximately 2.86 folds higher than the pure drug and 1.81 folds higher than plain film (i.e., without loaded transfersomes). The relative oral bioavailability of ETF-5 was 2.95- and 1.7-fold higher than that of EBT-suspension and plain film, respectively. In addition, ETF-5 suppressed the wheal and flare completely within 24 h. Based on the physicochemical considerations, as well as in vitro and in vivo characterizations, it is concluded that the highly flexible transfersomal oral films (TOFs) effectively improved the bioavailability and antihistamine activity of EBT.