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Lourenço D, Miranda M, Sousa JJ, Vitorino C. Therapeutic-driven framework for bioequivalence assessment of complex topical generic drug products. Int J Pharm 2024; 661:124398. [PMID: 38964491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Despite the continuous research on understanding how topical drugs and the skin interact, the development of a topical generic product remains a challenge. Due to their local action effect rather than systemic, establishing suitable frameworks for documenting bioequivalence between reference and test formulations is anything but straightforward. In previous years, clinical endpoint trials were considered the gold standard method to demonstrate bioequivalence between topical products. Nevertheless, significant financial and time resources were required to be allocated owing to the inherent complexity of these studies. To address this problem, regulatory authorities have begun to accept alternative approaches that could lead to a biowaiver, avoiding the need for clinical endpoint trials. These alternatives encompass various in vitro and/or in vivo techniques that have been analysed and the benefits and drawbacks of each method have been considered. Furthermore, other factors like the integration of a quality by design framework to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the product and process quality attributes have also been taken into account. This review delves into international regulatory recommendations for semisolid topical products, with a focus on those established by the European Medicines Agency, as well as the Food and Drug Administration. Both approaches were carefully examined, discussing aspects such as acceptance criteria, sample size, and microstructure evaluation. Additionally, novel and innovative therapeutic-driven approaches based on in vitro disease models for the rapid and effective development of topical generic products are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Lourenço
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Miranda
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - João José Sousa
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Centre, Institute of Molecular Sciences-IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535 Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Miranda M, Volmer Z, Cornick A, Goody A, Cardoso C, Pais AACC, Brown M, Vitorino C. In vitro studies into establishing therapeutic bioequivalence of complex topical products: Weight of evidence. Int J Pharm 2024; 656:124012. [PMID: 38537923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, topically applied drug products have experienced extraordinary price increases, due to the shortage of multisource generic drug products. This occurrence is mainly related to the underlying challenges evolved in topical bioequivalence documentation. Although there has been continuing regulatory efforts to present surrogate in vitro methods to clinical endpoint studies, there is still a continued need for cost- and time-efficient alternatives that account for product specificities. Hence, this work intended to expose bioequivalence assessment issues for complex topical formulations, and more specifically those related with product efficacy guidance. As a model drug and product, a bifonazole 10 mg/g cream formulation was selected and two different batches of the commercially available Reference Product (RP) were used: RP1 that displayed lower viscosity and RP4 which presented high, but not the highest, viscosity. In vitro human skin permeation testing (IVPT) was carried out and the results were evaluated by means of the traditional bioequivalence assessment approach proposed by the EMA, as well as by the Scaled Average Bioequivalence assessment approach proposed by the FDA. Based on previous experience, there was an expectation of a high level of variability in the results, thus alternative methods to evaluate local drug skin availability were developed. More specifically, an infected skin disease model, where ex vivo human skin was infected and ATP levels were used as a biological marker for monitoring antifungal activity after product application. The results showed that permeation equivalence could not be supported between the different RP batches. In contrast, this statistical difference between the formulation batches was not indicated in the disease model. Nevertheless, in pivotal IVPT studies, the lowest permeant formulation (RP4) evidenced a higher antifungal in vitro activity as reported by the lower levels of ATP. A critical appraisal of the results is likewise presented, focusing on an outlook of the real applicability of the regulatory guidances on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research (CiiEM), Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Monte de Caparica, Portugal; Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Zoe Volmer
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Alicia Cornick
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Aidan Goody
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | | | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marc Brown
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Polo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga Santa Comba Polo 3, Coimbra, 3000-548 Portugal.
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3
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Volontè P, Musazzi UM, Arnaboldi L, Ortenzi MA, Casiraghi A, Cilurzo F, Minghetti P. Equivalence assessment of creams with quali-quantitative differences in light of the EMA and FDA regulatory framework. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 195:106726. [PMID: 38354986 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
EMA and FDA are upgrading guidelines on assessing the quality and the equivalence of topically applied drug products for developing copies of originator products and supporting post-marketing variations. For topical products having remarkably similar composition, both EMA and FDA accept the equivalence on the bases of the comparison of rheological properties and in vitro drug release constant (k) and skin permeation flux (J) values, instead of clinical studies. This work aims to evaluate the feasibility to expand this approach to variations of the composition of complex semi-solid preparations. Ibuprofen (IB) creams at two different strengths (i.e., 1 % and 10 %) were used as a model formulation. Two formulative changes were performed: (a) the addition of the humectant to simulate a minor post-marketing variation; (b) the substitution of the emulsifying system to simulate a major one. These variations impacted only in 1 % IB formulations where both the equivalences of rheological data and J-values failed. At the highest concentration, the presence of IB crystals broke down the differences in rheological patterns and lead the IB thermodynamic activity at the maximum figuring out an overlapping of the J-values. Such data suggest the combination of these studies, which are thought mainly for the development of copies, could be also applied to the management of post-marketing variations that involve product composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Volontè
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Umberto M Musazzi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy.
| | - Luca Arnaboldi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Marco A Ortenzi
- Department of Chemistry, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Golgi 19, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Antonella Casiraghi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Francesco Cilurzo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Paola Minghetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via G. Colombo 71, Milan 20133, Italy
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4
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Iliopoulos F, Tu D, Pence IJ, Li X, Ghosh P, Luke MC, Raney SG, Rantou E, Evans CL. Determining topical product bioequivalence with stimulated Raman scattering microscopy. J Control Release 2024; 367:864-876. [PMID: 38346503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Generic drugs are essential for affordable medicine and improving accessibility to treatments. Bioequivalence (BE) is typically demonstrated by assessing a generic product's pharmacokinetics (PK) relative to a reference-listed drug (RLD). Accurately estimating cutaneous PK (cPK) at or near the site of action can be challenging for locally acting topical products. Certain cPK approaches are available for assessing local bioavailability (BA) in the skin. Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy has unique capabilities enabling continuous, high spatial and temporal resolution and quantitative imaging of drugs within the skin. In this paper, we developed an approach based on SRS and a polymer-based standard reference for the evaluation of topical product BA and BE in human skin ex vivo. BE assessment of tazarotene-containing formulations was achieved using cPK parameters obtained within different skin microstructures. The establishment of BE between the RLD and an approved generic product was successfully demonstrated. Interestingly, within the constraints of the current study design the results suggest similar BA between the tested gel formulation and the reference cream formulation, despite the differences in the formulation/dosage form. Another formulation containing polyethylene glycol as the vehicle was demonstrated to be not bioequivalent to the RLD. Compared to using the SRS approach without a standard reference, the developed approach enabled more consistent and reproducible results, which is crucial in BE assessment. The abundant information from the developed approach can help to systematically identify key areas of study design that will enable a better comparison of topical products and support an assessment of BE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotis Iliopoulos
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown 02129, MA, USA
| | - Dandan Tu
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown 02129, MA, USA
| | - Isaac J Pence
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown 02129, MA, USA
| | - Xiaolei Li
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown 02129, MA, USA
| | - Priyanka Ghosh
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring 20993, MD, USA
| | - Markham C Luke
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring 20993, MD, USA
| | - Sam G Raney
- Office of Research and Standards, Office of Generic Drugs, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring 20993, MD, USA
| | - Elena Rantou
- Office of Biostatistics, Office of Translational Sciences, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring 20993, MD, USA
| | - Conor L Evans
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 149 13th Street, Charlestown 02129, MA, USA.
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5
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Alomari N, Alhussaini W. Update on the advances and challenges in bioequivalence testing methods for complex topical generic products. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1330712. [PMID: 38389924 PMCID: PMC10881717 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1330712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Most of the government regulatory agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicine Agency, demand that the generic complex topical products prove pharmaceutical and bioequivalence. The evaluation of bioequivalence for complex topical dermatological formulations is a challenging task that requires careful consideration of several factors. Although comparative clinical studies are still considered the gold standard approach for establishing bioequivalence in most formulations, these studies can be costly and insensitive to detect formulation differences. Therefore, significant efforts have been made to develop and validate alternative approaches that demonstrate bioequivalence and expedite the availability of high-quality generic topical dermatological products. This article reviews the current methods for determining the bioequivalence of topical formulations in humans, with particular emphasis on recent advances in these methodologies. Most of the alternative methods are sensitive and reproducible, with the capability to ease the financial burden of comparative clinical studies within a short delivery time. The limitations associated with each technique are reviewed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedaa Alomari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Alhussaini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Ministry of the National Guard-Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Xin C, Duo K, Yu X, Liu L. Evaluation of the in vitro performance of generic and original adapalene gel. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2023; 49:680-691. [PMID: 37847563 DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2023.2271966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the difference of the in vitro behavior between the commercially available generic adapalene gel and original product with Topical Classification System (TCS), and to analyze the effect of changes of excipients on the release behavior. SIGNIFICANCE Establishing in vitro performance assays to understand the impact of formulation variables on the critical quality attributes (CQA) is critical for the quality assessment of semi-solid generic drug. METHODS In vitro release (IVR), in vitro permeation (IVP), viscosity, and pH measurement methods for adapalene gels were established and validated. The differences between generic adapalene gel from 7 companies and original products were evaluated by correlation analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), and the relationship among 4 parameters was elucidated. The effect of excipients on the above variables was examined by univariate tests. RESULTS There were some differences between the gels of 5 of the 7 imitation enterprises and reference listed drug (RLD). There were varying degrees of correlation between viscosity, pH, the adapalene amount retained in skin and release rate. The result validated the key role of IVR, and identified that pH value, type of suspending agent, the amount of carbomer, etc. had certain effects on the release rate. CONCLUSIONS The factors mentioned above should be considered when developing and manufacturing generic adapalene gels, and the application of TCS in the evaluation of generic topical drugs was advanced. Additionally, our research revealed some discrepancies from USP<1724>, which could be valuable information for the revision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changying Xin
- Heilongjiang Institute for Drug Control, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kai Duo
- Heilongjiang Institute for Drug Control, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinying Yu
- Heilongjiang Institute for Drug Control, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Liqun Liu
- Heilongjiang Institute for Drug Control, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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7
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Sotirova Y, Gugleva V, Stoeva S, Kolev I, Nikolova R, Marudova M, Nikolova K, Kiselova-Kaneva Y, Hristova M, Andonova V. Bigel Formulations of Nanoencapsulated St. John's Wort Extract-An Approach for Enhanced Wound Healing. Gels 2023; 9:gels9050360. [PMID: 37232952 DOI: 10.3390/gels9050360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop a semisolid vehicle for topical delivery of nanoencapsulated St. John's wort (SJW) extract, rich in hyperforin (HP), and explore its wound-healing potential. Four nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were obtained: blank and HP-rich SJW extract-loaded (HP-NLC). They comprised glyceryl behenate (GB) as a solid lipid, almond oil (AO), or borage oil (BO) representing the liquid lipid, along with polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (PSMO) and sorbitan monooleate (SMO) as surfactants. The dispersions demonstrated anisometric nanoscale particles with acceptable size distribution and disrupted crystalline structure, providing entrapment capacity higher than 70%. The carrier exhibiting preferable characteristics (HP-NLC2) was gelled with Poloxamer 407 (PM407) to serve as the hydrophilic phase of a bigel, to which the combination of BO and sorbitan monostearate (SMS) organogel was added. The eight prepared bigels with different proportions (blank and nanodispersion-loaded) were characterized rheologically and texturally to investigate the impact of the hydrogel-to-oleogel ratio. The therapeutic potential of the superior formulation (HP-NLC-BG2) was evaluated in vivo on Wistar male rats through the tensile strength test on a primary-closed incised wound. Compared with a commercial herbal semisolid and a control group, the highest tear resistance (7.764 ± 0.13 N) was achieved by HP-NLC-BG2, proving its outstanding wound-healing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoana Sotirova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Viliana Gugleva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Stanila Stoeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Iliyan Kolev
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Rositsa Nikolova
- Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Marudova
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Physics and Technology, University of Plovdiv "Paisii Hilendarski", 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Krastena Nikolova
- Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Yoana Kiselova-Kaneva
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Medicine and Nutrigenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Minka Hristova
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Velichka Andonova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Varna, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria
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8
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Pérez-González N, Espinoza LC, Rincón M, Sosa L, Mallandrich M, Suñer-Carbó J, Bozal-de Febrer N, Calpena AC, Clares-Naveros B. Gel Formulations with an Echinocandin for Cutaneous Candidiasis: The Influence of Azone and Transcutol on Biopharmaceutical Features. Gels 2023; 9:gels9040308. [PMID: 37102920 PMCID: PMC10138157 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Caspofungin is a drug that is used for fungal infections that are difficult to treat, including invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, as well as other forms of invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to incorporate Azone in a caspofungin gel (CPF-AZ-gel) and compare it with a promoter-free caspofungin gel (CPF-gel). An in vitro release study using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and ex vivo permeation into human skin was adopted. The tolerability properties were confirmed by histological analysis, and an evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the skin was undertaken. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. CPF-AZ-gel and CPF-gel, which had a homogeneous appearance, pseudoplastic behavior, and high spreadability, were obtained. The biopharmaceutical studies confirmed that caspofungin was released following a one-phase exponential association model and the CPF-AZ gel showed a higher release. The CPF-AZ gel showed higher retention of caspofungin in the skin while limiting the diffusion of the drug to the receptor fluid. Both formulations were well-tolerated in the histological sections, as well as after their topical application in the skin. These formulations inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, while C. albicans showed resistance. In summary, dermal treatment with caspofungin could be used as a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in patients that are refractory or intolerant to conventional antifungal agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Pérez-González
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | | | - María Rincón
- Departament de Ciència de Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), C. Martí i Franquès 1-11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lilian Sosa
- Pharmaceutical Technology Research Group, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, National Autonomous University of Honduras (UNAH), Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras
| | - Mireia Mallandrich
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Farmàcia, Tecnologia Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Suñer-Carbó
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Farmàcia, Tecnologia Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Bozal-de Febrer
- Departament de Biologia, Sanitat i Medi Ambient, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Cristina Calpena
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Farmàcia, Tecnologia Farmacèutica, i Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz Clares-Naveros
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University Campus of Cartuja, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Institut de Nanociència i Nanotecnologia (IN2UB), Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain
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9
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Miranda M, Cardoso C, Pais AACC, Brown M, Vitorino C. Drilling down the bioequivalence assessment of topical antifungal products: Microstructure and release. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 185:94-106. [PMID: 36806630 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the regulatory mechanisms for topical generic product bioequivalence (BE) assessment have been subjected to noteworthy changes, with the FDA issuing product specific guidances, and the EMA adopting a more universal approach with the quality and equivalence of topical products draft guideline. The agencies advise on a modular strategy for BE documentation. Nevertheless, their scope, data analysis and criteria are rather distinct. This study aims to tackle bioequivalence assessment issues of complex topical formulations starting by statistical implications of the EMA/FDA approaches concerning the documentation of qualitative (Q1), quantitative (Q2), microstructure (Q3) and performance requirements (Q4). As a model drug product, a bifonazole 10 mg/g cream formulation was selected. For this specific formulation, the commercially available Reference Product (RP) was compared with two comparator products, also commercially available, referred to as comparator product A (CPA) and comparator product B (CPB). The former displays Q1 sameness and Q2 differences, whilst CPB is categorically considered as Q1/Q2 different. Furthermore, intending to establish a regulatory rationale for the submission of a generic product according to the updated regulatory requirements, the RP was likewise compared with a Test Product (TP). This formulation was designed to display equal Q1/Q2 profile to that of the RP. Validated rheology and in vitro release test (IVRT) methods were used to infer on Q3/Q4 characteristics. During rheology studies, statistically significant RP batch to batch differences were observed. Therefore, in an attempt to surpass this heterogeneity, the initial pool of RP batches was expanded to include RP product batches at different lifecycle stages. Despite this effort, it was not possible to classify the RP/TP, RP/CPA or RP/CPB as rheologically equivalent products. Nevertheless, product performance results, retrieved from IVRT, were able to sustain equivalence between the RP and the formulations exhibiting Q1 sameness (TP and CPA). It should however be mentioned, that for some RP batch combinations, the IVRT results failed to demonstrate equivalence according to the EMA requirements. Enlarging the RP batch pool was then a critical step in further understanding an optimum statistical approach for establishing equivalence in product performance. This study highlights the need to that a 'one-fits-all approach' may not be an optimum path way for establishing the regulatory strategy and requirements to support generic product bioequivalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Miranda
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; CiiEM - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, Monte de Caparica, Portugal; Laboratórios Basi, Mortágua, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Alberto A C C Pais
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marc Brown
- MedPharm Ltd, Surrey Research Centre, Guildford, Surrey, UK.
| | - Carla Vitorino
- Coimbra Chemistry Coimbra, Institute of Molecular Sciences - IMS, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Portugal.
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10
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Helmy YA, Taha-Abdelaziz K, Hawwas HAEH, Ghosh S, AlKafaas SS, Moawad MMM, Saied EM, Kassem II, Mawad AMM. Antimicrobial Resistance and Recent Alternatives to Antibiotics for the Control of Bacterial Pathogens with an Emphasis on Foodborne Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:274. [PMID: 36830185 PMCID: PMC9952301 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important global public health problems. The imprudent use of antibiotics in humans and animals has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The dissemination of these strains and their resistant determinants could endanger antibiotic efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop novel strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. This review provides insights into the evolution and the mechanisms of AMR. Additionally, it discusses alternative approaches that might be used to control AMR, including probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobial peptides, small molecules, organic acids, essential oils, bacteriophage, fecal transplants, and nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosra A. Helmy
- Department of Veterinary Science, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Khaled Taha-Abdelaziz
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Hanan Abd El-Halim Hawwas
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
| | - Samar Sami AlKafaas
- Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Division of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Egypt
| | | | - Essa M. Saied
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
- Institute for Chemistry, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Brook-Taylor-Str. 2, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Issmat I. Kassem
- Centre for Food Safety, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, GA 30609, USA
| | - Asmaa M. M. Mawad
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Taibah University, Madinah 42317, Saudi Arabia
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt
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11
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Advanced harmonization techniques result in accurate establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlations for oxybenzone from four complex dermal formulations with reapplication. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2023; 13:275-291. [PMID: 35763195 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01186-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Due to high variability during clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) evaluation, the prediction of in vivo exposure from in vitro absorption testing of topical semisolid and liquid dermal products has historically proven difficult. Since absorption from unoccluded formulations can be influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, maximal effort must be placed on the harmonization of experimental parameters between in vitro and in vivo testing conditions to establish accurate in vitro/in vivo correlations (IVIVC). Using four different sunscreen formulations as a model, we performed in vitro permeation testing (IVPT) studies with excised human skin and maintained strict harmonization techniques to control application time, occlusion, temperature, and humidity during in vivo human serum PK evaluation. The goal was to investigate if increased control over experimental parameters would result in decreased inter-subject variability of common topical formulations leading to acceptable IVIVC establishment. Using a deconvolution-based approach, excellent point-to-point (Level A correlation) IVIVC for the entire 12-h study duration was achieved for all four sunscreen formulations with < 10% prediction error of both area under the curve (AUC) and peak concentration (Cmax) estimation. The low variability of in vivo absorption data presents a proof-of-concept protocol design for testing of complex semisolid and liquid topical formulations applied over a large surface area with reapplication in a reliable manner. This work also presents the opportunity for expanded development of testing for the impact of altered temperature and humidity conditions on product absorption in vivo with a high degree of precision.
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12
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Krombholz R, Fressle S, Nikolić I, Pantelić I, Savić S, Sakač MC, Lunter D. ex vivo-in vivo comparison of drug penetration analysis by confocal Raman microspectroscopy and tape stripping. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1908-1919. [PMID: 36055759 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
When it comes to skin penetration analysis of a topically applied formulation, the number of suitable methods is limited, and they often lack in spatial resolution. In vivo studies are pivotal, especially in the approval of a new product, but high costs and ethical difficulties are limiting factors. For that reason, good ex vivo models for testing skin penetration are crucial. In this study, caffeine was used as a hydrophilic model drug, applied as a 2% (w/w) hydrogel, to compare different techniques for skin penetration analysis. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) and tape stripping with subsequent HPLC analysis were used to quantify caffeine. Experiments were performed ex vivo and in vivo. Furthermore, the effect of 5% (w/w) 1,2-pentanediol on caffeine skin penetration was tested, to compare those methods regarding their effectiveness in detecting differences between both formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Krombholz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fressle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ines Nikolić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Pantelić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Snežana Savić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milkica Crevar Sakač
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dominique Lunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen, Germany
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13
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Alinaghi A, Macedo A, Cheruvu HS, Holmes A, Roberts MS. Human epidermal in vitro permeation test (IVPT) analyses of alcohols and steroids. Int J Pharm 2022; 627:122114. [PMID: 35973591 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined a number of factors that can impact the outcomes of in vitro human epidermal permeation coefficients for aliphatic alcohols and steroids, including receptor phase composition and study conditions. We determined experimentally the solubilities and IVPT permeation of a homologous series of 14C labeled aliphatic alcohols (ethanol, propanol, pentanol, heptanol, octanol and decanol) in different receptor fluids as recommended by Organisation Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). We used human epidermal membranes at 25°C and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), 2% w/v bovine serum albumin (2%w/v BSA), 50% v/v ethanol and 0.1, 2 and 6% w/v Oleth-20 receptor phases. We also explored and confirmed the discrepancies between in vitro human epidermal permeability coefficients (kp) and diffusion lag times for steroids from Scheuplein's group with our own work and that of others. The main reason for the observed differences is not clear but is likely to be multifactorial, including the effects of diffusion cell design, receptor phase solubility, unstirred receptor phase effects, epidermal membrane hydration, diffusion cell configuration, transport through appendageal pathways and steroid lipophilicity. We conclude with a summary of experimental conditions that should be considered in undertaking IVPT studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Alinaghi
- Clinical and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia and The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Ana Macedo
- Clinical and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia and The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Hanumanth S Cheruvu
- Diamantina Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy Holmes
- Clinical and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia and The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Michael S Roberts
- Clinical and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia and The Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Adelaide, Australia; Diamantina Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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14
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Does the Freeze-Thaw Technique Affect the Properties of the Alginate/Chitosan Glutamate Gels with Posaconazole as a Model Antifungal Drug? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126775. [PMID: 35743216 PMCID: PMC9224349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are semi-solid systems with high flexibility, which, due to holding large amounts of water, are similar to natural tissues and are very useful in the field of biomedical applications. Despite the wide range of polymers available to form hydrogels, novel techniques utilized to obtain hydrogels with adequate properties are still being developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the freeze–thaw technique on the properties of cryogels based on sodium alginate and chitosan glutamate with posaconazole as a model antifungal substance. The effect of the freezing and thawing process on the physicochemical, rheological, textural and bioadhesive properties of prepared cryogels was examined. Additionally, the antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis and Candida krusei of designed formulations was examined. It was shown that the freeze–thaw technique significantly improved viscosity, bioadhesiveness, textural properties and prolonged the in vitro posaconazole release. Moreover, alginate/chitosan glutamate cryogels exhibited higher values of inhibition zone in C. parapsilosis culture than traditional hydrogel formulations.
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15
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Krombholz R, Fressle S, Lunter D. Ex vivo - in vivo correlation of Retinol stratum corneum penetration studies by confocal Raman microspectroscopy and tape stripping. Int J Cosmet Sci 2022; 44:299-308. [PMID: 35396727 DOI: 10.1111/ics.12775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Skin penetration studies of topically applied drugs are a challenging topic in the development of semisolid formulations. The most commonly used methods can be differentiated by their character into ex-vivo/in-vivo, invasive/non-invasive and off-line/in-line measurements. In this study we compare ex-vivo tape stripping, an invasive technique, which is often used, to confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM), ex- and in-vivo, to establish a correlation between those methods. Retinol was used as a model drug, applied in an oil in water emulsion, to compare the skin penetration profiles obtained by the different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Krombholz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fressle
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dominique Lunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, Tuebingen, Germany
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16
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Novel Hydrogels for Topical Applications: An Updated Comprehensive Review Based on Source. Gels 2022; 8:gels8030174. [PMID: 35323287 PMCID: PMC8948742 DOI: 10.3390/gels8030174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) or drugs are normally not delivered as pure chemical substances (for the prevention or the treatment of any diseases). APIs are still generally administered in prepared formulations, also known as dosage forms. Topical administration is widely used to deliver therapeutic agents locally because it is convenient and cost-effective. Since earlier civilizations, several types of topical semi-solid dosage forms have been commonly used in healthcare society to treat various skin diseases. A topical drug delivery system is designed primarily to treat local diseases by applying therapeutic agents to surface level parts of the body such as the skin, eyes, nose, and vaginal cavity. Nowadays, novel semi-solids can be used safely in pediatrics, geriatrics, and pregnant women without the possibility of causing any allergy reactions. The novel hydrogels are being used in a wide range of applications. At first, numerous hydrogel research studies were carried out by simply adding various APIs in pure form or dissolved in various solvents to the prepared hydrogel base. However, numerous research articles on novel hydrogels have been published in the last five to ten years. It is expected that novel hydrogels will be capable of controlling the APIs release pattern. Novel hydrogels are made up of novel formulations such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, microemulsions, liposomes, self-nano emulsifying drug delivery systems, cubosomes, and so on. This review focus on some novel formulations incorporated in the hydrogel prepared with natural and synthetic polymers.
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Miranda M, Veloso C, Brown M, A. C. C. Pais A, Cardoso C, Vitorino C. Topical bioequivalence: Experimental and regulatory considerations following formulation complexity. Int J Pharm 2022; 620:121705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Rapalli VK, Mahmood A, Waghule T, Gorantla S, Kumar Dubey S, Alexander A, Singhvi G. Revisiting techniques to evaluate drug permeation through skin. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2021; 18:1829-1842. [PMID: 34826250 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2021.2010702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Investigating the transportation of a drug molecule through various layers of skin and determining the amount of drug retention in skin layers is of prime importance in transdermal and topical drug delivery. The information regarding drug permeation and retention in skin layers aids in optimizing a formulation and provides insight into the therapeutic efficacy of a formulation. AREAS COVERED This perspective covers various methods that have been explored to estimate drug/therapeutics in skin layers using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo conditions. In vitro methods such as diffusion techniques, ex vivo methods such as isolated perfused skin models and in vivo techniques including dermato-pharmacokinetics employing tape stripping, and microdialysis are discussed. Application of all techniques at various stages of formulation development where various local and systemic effects need to be considered. EXPERT OPINION The void in the existing methodologies necessitates improvement in the field of dermatologic research. Standardization of protocols, experimental setups, regulatory guidelines, and further research provides information to select an alternative for human skin to perform skin permeation experiments to increase the reliability of data generated through the available techniques. There is a need to utilize multiple techniques for appropriate dermato-pharmacokinetics evaluation and formulation's efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vamshi Krishna Rapalli
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
| | - Arisha Mahmood
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
| | - Tejashree Waghule
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
| | - Srividya Gorantla
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
| | - Sunil Kumar Dubey
- Medical Research, R&D Healthcare Division, Emami Ltd, Kolkata, India
| | - Amit Alexander
- Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Guwahati, India
| | - Gautam Singhvi
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, India
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19
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Pilot Equivalence Study Comparing Different Batches of Topical 0.025% Capsaicin Emulsion: Product Microstructure, Release, and Permeation Evaluation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13122083. [PMID: 34959364 PMCID: PMC8705898 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13122083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Medical Agency (EMA) has issued a draft guideline on the quality and equivalence of topical products. The equivalence for complex semisolid formulations involves several steps: the same quantitative content, the same microstructure, the same release, and permeation profile. In this paper, several batches of a low strength topical product, which we used as a reference/comparator product, were evaluated according to the recommendations of the EMA draft guideline. The batches were 0.025% capsaicin emulsions from the same manufacturer that were evaluated in terms of droplet size, X-ray diffraction patterns, rheology, release, and permeation profile. The generated data revealed a large batch-to-batch variability, and if the EMA guideline was applied, these batches would not be considered equivalent, although they were produced by the same manufacturer. The result of this work illustrates the difficulties in obtaining equivalence according to the current draft guidelines. It also highlights that the equivalence guidelines should consider the variability of the comparator product, and in our opinion, the guidelines should allow for claiming equivalence by comparing the limits in the variability of the data generated for the comparator product with the limits in the variability of the data generated for the intended equivalence product.
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Sigg M, Daniels R. Impact of Alkanediols on Stratum Corneum Lipids and Triamcinolone Acetonide Skin Penetration. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13091451. [PMID: 34575527 PMCID: PMC8469070 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13091451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkanediols are widely used as multifunctional ingredients in dermal formulations. In addition to their preservative effect, considering their possible impact on drug penetration is also essential for their use. In the present study, the influence of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol and 1,2-octanediol on the skin penetration of triamcinolone acetonide from four different semisolid formulations was investigated. Furthermore, confocal Raman spectroscopy measurements were performed to examine the influence of the alkanediols on stratum corneum lipid content and order. Alkanediols were found to increase the penetration of triamcinolone acetonide. However, the extent depends strongly on the formulation used. In certain formulations, 1,2-pentanediol showed the highest effect, while in others the penetration-enhancing effect increased with the alkyl chain length of the alkanediol used. None of the tested alkanediols extracted lipids from the stratum corneum nor reduced its thickness. Notwithstanding the above, the longer-chained alkanediols cause the lipids to be converted to a more disordered state, which favors drug penetration. This behavior could not be detected for the shorter-chained alkanediols. Therefore, their penetration-enhancing effect is supposed to be related to an interaction with the hydrophilic regions of the stratum corneum.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rolf Daniels
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-7071-297-2462; Fax: +49-7071-295-531
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