Development of a Biphasic-Release Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium Using Novel Calcium Phosphate-Based Starter Pellets

Evidence of Reliable Gastro-Resistance of Novel Enteric Ready-to-Fill Capsules Simplifying Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Developing delayed-release formulations for acid-sensitive actives can be a costly and time-consuming process. However, ready-to-fill functional capsules, such as EUDRACAP® can significantly mitigate these challenges. The in vitro performance of EUDRACAP® enteric was evaluated in two typical delayed-release scenarios: for diclofenac (a drug that can cause irritation to gastric mucosa), and for omeprazole (a drug susceptible to degradation due to the acidity of gastric fluid). The prototypes were tested in HCl 0.1N according to the USP <711> for at least 2 h and compared to commercial products. The results showed that the performance of EUDRACAP® was below LOD and in compliance with the requirements for drug release in acidic media (NMT 10%). Additionally, the impurities were evaluated after the acidic stress. The low total percentage of impurities of 0.44% for diclofenac (NMT 1.50%) and 0.22% for omeprazole (NMT 2.00%) indicates a very good protection by EUDRACAP®. A comprehensive comparative analysis of the in vitro performance clearly showed the acid protection capability of EUDRACAP® enteric capsules making them a serious alternative to existing enteric dosage forms alternatives. EUDRACAP® is an accessible solution both in large-scale industrial and smaller pharmacy settings. Offering increased accessibility, affordability, and convenience to manufacturers and consumers alike and leading to improved healthcare outcomes.

Multi-material electrospinning: from methods to biomedical applications

Electrospinning as a versatile, simple, and cost-effective method to engineer a variety of micro or nanofibrous materials, has contributed to significant developments in the biomedical field. However, the traditional electrospinning of single material only can produce homogeneous fibrous assemblies with limited functional properties, which oftentimes fails to meet the ever-increasing requirements of biomedical applications. Thus, multi-material electrospinning referring to engineering two or more kinds of materials, has been recently developed to enable the fabrication of diversified complex fibrous structures with advanced performance for greatly promoting biomedical development. This review firstly gives an overview of multi-material electrospinning modalities, with a highlight on their features and accessibility for constructing different complex fibrous structures. A perspective of how multi-material electrospinning opens up new opportunities for specific biomedical applications, i.e., tissue engineering and drug delivery, is also offered.

Biphasic drug release from electrospun structures

INTRODUCTION

Biphasic release, as a special drug-modified release profile that combines immediate and sustained release, allows fast therapeutic action and retains blood drug concentration for long periods. Electrospun nanofibers, particularly those with complex nanostructures produced by multi-fluid electrospinning processes, are potential novel biphasic drug delivery systems (DDSs).

AREAS COVERED

This review summarizes the most recent developments in electrospinning and related structures. In this review, the role of electrospun nanostructures in biphasic drug release was comprehensively explored. These electrospun nanostructures include monolithic nanofibers obtained through single-fluid blending electrospinning, core-shell and Janus nanostructures prepared via bifluid electrospinning, three-compartment nanostructures obtained via trifluid electrospinning, nanofibrous assemblies obtained through the layer-by-layer deposition of nanofibers, and the combined structure of electrospun nanofiber mats with casting films. The strategies and mechanisms through which complex structures facilitate biphasic release were analyzed.

EXPERT OPINION

Electrospun structures can provide many strategies for the development of biphasic drug release DDSs. However, many issues such as the scale-up productions of complex nanostructures, the in vivo verification of the biphasic release effects, keeping pace with the developments of multi-fluid electrospinning, drawing support from the state-of-the-art pharmaceutical excipients, and the combination with traditional pharmaceutical methods need to be addressed for real applications.

The Use of Calcium Phosphate-Based Starter Pellets for the Preparation of Sprinkle IR MUPS Formulation of Rosuvastatin Calcium

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting concept of medicinal products aimed at the steadily growing population of patients suffering from swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). In the present work, immediate-release sprinkle MUPS (multiple-unit pellet system) containing rosuvastatin calcium as a model drug substance was successfully developed. The formulation was prepared by drug layering technique using novel calcium phosphate-based starting pellets (PharSQ® Spheres CM) of three different particle sizes. The study showed that the developed multiparticulates were characterized by uniform distribution of coating layers thickness, as well as fast dissolution rate (more than 85% of rosuvastatin calcium dissolved within 30 min, as required by the relevant USP/NF monograph). Rosuvastatin calcium, like other statins, has a bitter, unpleasant taste. Investigations conducted with an electronic tongue suggested that the developed formulation achieved the desired taste-masking efficiency. The effect was found to be particle size-dependent, improving as the size of the multiparticulates increased.

Review on Starter Pellets: Inert and Functional Cores

A significant proportion of pharmaceuticals are now considered multiparticulate systems. Modified-release drug delivery formulations can be designed with engineering precision, and patient-centric dosing can be accomplished relatively easily using multi-unit systems. In many cases, Multiple-Unit Pellet Systems (MUPS) are formulated on the basis of a neutral excipient core which may carry the layered drug surrounded also by functional coating. In the present summary, commonly used starter pellets are presented. The manuscript describes the main properties of the various nuclei related to their micro- and macrostructure. In the case of layered pellets formed based on different inert pellet cores, the drug release mechanism can be expected in detail. Finally, the authors would like to prove the industrial significance of inert cores by presenting some of the commercially available formulations.

Biphasic Drug Release from Rolled-Up Gelatin Capsules with a Cylindrical Cavity

Biphasic drug delivery systems are used for quick release of a specific amount of drug for immediate amelioration of a patient’s state, followed by sustained release, to avoid repeated administration. This type of delivery is often necessary for pain management and the treatment of many pathologies, such as migraines, hypertension, and insomnia. In this work, we propose a novel architecture of a biphasic release media that does not need the rapidly disintegrating layer and that allows for easily setting the sustained release rate. A drug-containing capsule is made by rolling up a thermally crosslinked gelatin strip on which drug reservoirs are formed by casting. The quick-release reservoir (QRR) is placed at the strip’s extremity, from which the rolling starts, while the sustained-release reservoir (SRR) is formed in the middle part of the strip. The strip is rolled around a cylinder that is a few millimeters wide, which is removed after rolling. The roll is stabilized by transglutaminase-catalyzed crosslinking of the consecutive shells. A biphasic release is successfully demonstrated with the use of model fluorescent drugs for single-dye and double-dye systems in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with pH = 7.4. In vitro, the drug from the QRR, placed at the walls of the cavity of the roll, is released immediately upon the capsule’s contact with the PBS solution. The drug from the SRR, embedded between the roll’s layers, diffuses steadily, with the lag time defined by the radial position of the reservoir.