Investigation of supramolecular structures in various aqueous solutions of an amyloid forming peptide using small-angle X-ray scattering

Aggregation of peptide molecules into amyloid fibrils is a characteristic feature of several degenerative diseases. However, the details behind amyloid-formation, and other self-assembled peptide aggregates, remain poorly understood. In this study, we have used small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS) as well as cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) to determine the structural geometry of self-assembled peptide aggregates in various dilute aqueous solutions. Pramlintide was used as a model peptide to assess the aggregation behaviour of an amyloid-forming peptide. The effects of adding sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN), and sodium fluoride (NaF) and the co-solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the aggregation behaviour were studied. Our scattering data analysis demonstrates that small oligomeric fibrils aggregate to form networks of supramolecular assemblies with fractal dimensions. The choice of anion in small amounts of added salt has a significant impact on the size of the fibrils as well as on the fractal dimensions of supramolecular clusters. In DMSO the fractal dimension decreased with increasing DMSO concentration, indicating the formation of a less compact structure of the supramolecular assemblies.

The In Vivo Fate of Polycatecholamine Coated Nanoparticles Is Determined by a Fibrinogen Enriched Protein Corona

Polycatecholamine coatings have attracted significant attention in the past 10 years owing to their ability to functionalize a wide range of materials. Here we apply the use of such coatings to drug nanocrystals, made from a poorly soluble drug compound, to postfunctionalize the nanocrystal surface with the aim of providing steric stabilization and extending their circulation time after intravenous injection. We show that both polydopamine and polynorepinephrine can be used to successfully modify drug nanocrystals and subsequently incorporate end-functionalized PEG to the surface. Even though high grafting densities of PEG were achieved, we observed rapid clearance and increased liver uptake for polycatecholamine functionalized drug nanocrystals. Using both surface sensitive model systems and protein corona profiling, we determine that the rapid clearance was correlated with an increase in adsorption of proteins involved in coagulation to the polycatecholamine surface, with fibrinogen being the most abundant. Further analysis of the most abundant proteins revealed a significant increase in thiol-rich proteins on polycatecholamine coated surfaces. The observed interaction with coagulation proteins highlights one of the current challenges using polycatecholamines for drug delivery but might also provide insights to the growing use of these materials in hemostatic applications.

Supersaturated formulations of poorly soluble weak acid drugs evaluated in rodents; a case study

In the present study we describe a way of working to overcome oral administration challenges in an early preclinical project. As candidate drugs were obtained, the preclinical delivery route was replaced by the intended route of the product and resources were allocated to optimize the oral absorption. Two main approaches were followed in order to formulate a selected weak acid, AZ'403, for oral administration in large scale toxicological studies and the early clinical phases. Both approaches relies on the suppression of precipitation from obtained supersaturated solutions achieved either by amorphous solid dispersions (using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, HPMC-AS) or crystalline salts (sodium and potassium salts). In vivo studies in rodents were performed to evaluate oral AZ'403 absorption from amorphous and crystalline formulations, using nano- and micro crystalline particles of the neutral form, as references. The oral absorption of AZ'403 formulated using both approaches was significantly higher compared with the references. The improvements in overall exposures were 7-100 times during the investigated conditions. The pharmacokinetic profiles implied that both solid dispersions and crystalline salts of AZ'403 generated supersaturation in the small intestine in rodents and indicated that both approaches may be ways forward for subsequent late stage product development.

A candidate drug administered subcutaneously to rodents as drug particles showing hepatic recirculation which influenced the sustained release process

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and interpret the pharmacokinetic profiles after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of crystalline AZ'72 nano- and microsuspensions to rodents. Both formulations were injected at 1.5 and 150 mg/kg to rats. For the lower dose, the profiles were similar after s.c. injection but extended as compared to oral administration. The overall exposure was higher for nanoparticles compared with microparticles during the investigated period. For the higher dose, injection of both suspensions resulted in maintained plateaus caused by the drug depots but, unexpectedly, at similar exposure levels. After addition of a further stabilizer, pluronic F127, nanosuspensions showed improved exposure with dose and higher exposure compared to larger particles in mice. Obviously, a stabilizer mixture that suits one delivery route is not necessarily optimal for another one. The differences in peak concentration (C_max) between nano- and microparticles were mainly ascribed to differences in dissolution rate. Plasma profiles in mice showed curves with secondary absorption peaks after intravenous and oral administration, suggesting hepatic recirculation following both administration routes. This process, together with the depot formulation, complicates the analysis of absorption from s.c. administration, i.e. multiple processes were driving the plasma profile of AZ'72.

Nanoshells prepared by atomic layer deposition - Long acting depots of indomethacin

There is a trend in pharmaceutical research and development to develop depot formulations with dosing once weekly, once monthly, or even less frequently. A novel approach to achieve long acting injectable suspensions is to produce dense inorganic nanoshells with atomic layer deposition (ALD) on active pharmaceutical ingredients. Such particles can be suspended in an aqueous vehicle and administered subcutaneously. The purpose of this work was to study the release of a model drug, indomethacin, coated with aluminium oxide nanoshells. Indomethacin was ball-milled to a median particle size of 6 µm. The nanoshells were produced with a proprietary ALD process that is trademarked as PharmaShell® by Nanexa AB. The drug load was determined with HPLC-UV to 82 wt%. The test materials were administered subcutaneously in rats (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) from which blood samples were collected during 12 weeks. Plasma was generated and analyzed with regards to indomethacin using UPLC-MS/MS. The release rate was dramatically slower for the nanoshell coated indomethacin compared with uncoated indomethacin. Drug was released in vivo during more than 12 weeks for the 10 and 100 mg/kg doses, and during 10 weeks for the 1 mg/kg dose, while uncoated indomethacin was eliminated with a half-life of 15 h, as calculated from the release data by fitting a one phase decay function. The exposure levels were similar as earlier reported for therapeutic indomethacin doses, but significantly sustained in the present study using coated drug particles in rats. In conclusion, this is the first long-term in vivo evaluation of nanoshell depot formulations. The stable plasma concentrations for more than 12 weeks demonstrate that nanoshells can enable long-term depot injections with high drug load.

The crystalline salt form of a selected candidate drug showed photo-, thermal- and humidity induced form transitions

AZ3411 was selected as a lead compound for the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The present research aimed to perform an early pharmaceutical assessment of this NK antagonist candidate focusing on the challenging solid-state part of the evaluation. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), hot stage XRPD and microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetrical analysis measurements, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatographic analysis were used to characterize AZ3411. The amorphous, free base form of AZ3411 was transformed to a poorly crystalline material by salt formation using maleic acid. Suspensions of the poorly crystalline form (type A), prepared in various solvents, exhibited phase transformation on storage. Some precipitate was identified as a new, more crystalline form (type B) of the maleate salt of AZ3411. Also, a third crystalline form was observed at high temperatures (type C). AZ3411 maleate type A, maleate type B and amorphous, free base form was stored in 40 °C/75% relative humidity (RH), 60 °C and 80 °C for three months. Form B was found to be the most chemically stable at all conditions. After three months at 40 °C/75%RH, both type A and type B had transformed to the anhydrous type C. Moreover, type B was transformed to form C at 60 °C and 80 °C, while type A remained unchanged. These results, together with the loss of water with temperature, suggest that type B is a hydrate. The relative stability between the hydrate type B and anhydrous type C depend on humidity and temperature. Moreover, the photosensitivity of maleate type A, maleate type B and amorphous free base has been investigated under three different illumination conditions. In similarity to the previous study, Form B was the most chemically stable form. However, after completion the study, at the highest energy conditions (765 W/m², 250-800 nm), the crystalline type B had transformed to type C, while type A had lost in crystallinity. A similar photostability study was performed on solutions of pH 1 and pH 7. The degradation pattern was similar for the two pHs but appeared different from the unstressed solution stability study performed on different pHs between pH 1 and 7. Neither was there any obvious correlation between the degradation patterns obtained after the stressed thermal- and photostability studies performed on the drug substance in solid-state. The salt of AZ3411 fulfils basic requirements for further development of an oral immediate release (IR) dosage form, although the compound displays signs of light sensitivity and there may be a risk of solid-state transitions during formulation development and long-term storage.

A case study where pharmaceutical salts were used to address the issue of low in vivo exposure

The present active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is a lipophilic compound with a significant risk of not achieving therapeutic plasma concentrations due to solubility-limited absorption. The aim of the presented studies was to investigate whether three novel salts of a new selected candidate in the cardiovascular therapy area could be applied to improve intestinal absorption and the subsequent in vivo exposure. Three salts (chloride, hydrogen sulfate, and hemi-1.5-naphtalenedisulphonate) of the compound were manufactured and investigated regarding solubility, dissolution rate, and in vivo exposure in rats. The chemical and physical stability of the salt forms (and the crystalline parent compound) were followed in solid state, when dissolved and when formulated as microsuspensions. All salts showed improved solubility in investigated media, increased dissolution rate, and elevated in vivo exposures compared to a nanocrystal formulation (top-down) of the parent free base of the compound. The chloride- and the hydrogen sulfate salts of the API showed similar patterns regarding the chemical stability in solid state as the crystalline free base, while the salt formed of the hemi-1.5-naphtalenedisulphonic acid showed significantly improved stability. In conclusion, this study showed that three salts of a new selected candidate drug could be used to improve solubility, increase dissolution rate, and enhance oral absorption compared with a more commonly used nanocrystal formulation of the API. However, the identity of the counter ion appeared to be of less importance. On the other hand, only the salt of the hemi-1.5-naphtalenedisulphonic acid seemed to improve chemical stability compared with the API.

Salt formation improved the properties of a candidate drug during early formulation development

The purpose of this study was to investigate if AZD5329, a dual neurokinin NK1/2 receptor antagonist, is a suitable candidate for further development as an oral immediate release (IR) solid dosage form as a final product. The neutral form of AZD5329 has only been isolated as amorphous material. In order to search for a solid material with improved physical and chemical stability and more suitable solid-state properties, a salt screen was performed. Crystalline material of a maleic acid salt and a fumaric acid salt of AZD5329 were obtained. X-ray powder diffractiometry, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic vapor sorption were used to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of the two salts. The fumarate salt of AZD5329 is anhydrous, the crystallization is reproducible and the hygroscopicity is acceptable. Early polymorphism assessment work using slurry technique did not reveal any better crystal modification or crystallinity for the fumarate salt. For the maleate salt, the form isolated originally was found to be a solvate, but an anhydrous form was found in later experiments; by suspension in water or acetone, by drying of the solvate to 100-120 °C or by subjecting the solvate form to conditions of 40 °C/75%RH for 3 months. The dissolution behavior and the chemical stability (in aqueous solutions, formulations and solid-state) of both salts were also studied and found to be satisfactory. The compound displays sensitivity to low pH, and the salt of the maleic acid, which is the stronger acid, shows more degradation during stability studies, in line with this observation. The presented data indicate that the substance fulfils basic requirements for further development of an IR dosage form, based on the characterization on crystalline salts of AZD5329.

Nanocrystal formulations of a poorly soluble drug. 2. Evaluation of nanocrystal liver uptake and distribution after intravenous administration to mice

A stabilized high drug load intravenous formulation could allow compounds with less optimal pharmacokinetic profiles to be developed. Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-ylation is a frequently used strategy for particle delivery systems to avoid the liver, thereby extending blood circulation time. The present work reports the mouse in vivo distribution after i.v. administration of a series of nanocrystals prepared with the bead milling technique and PEG-ylated with DSPE-PEG2000 and Pluronic F127, with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP)/Aerosol OT (AOT) as primary stabilizers. While all formulations were cleared significantly faster than expected from nanocrystal dissolution alone, purely DSPE-PEG2000 PEG-ylated particles displayed prolonged circulation time (particles elimination half-life of 9min) compared to DSPE-PEG2000/PVP/AOT formulation (half-life of 3min). The two Pluronic F127 stabilized formulations displayed similar half-lives (9min with and without PVP/AOT, respectively). Whole tissue kinetics shows that clearance of particles could be attributed to accumulation in the liver. A separate in vivo study addressed the liver cell distribution after administration. Dissolved compound accumulated in hepatocytes only, while particles were distributed between liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells. More DSPE-PEG2000/PVP/AOT stabilized particles accumulated in the liver, preferably in Kupffer cells, compared to Pluronic F127/PVP/AOT stabilized particles. The present study extends the understanding of PEG-ylation and "stealth" behaviour to also include nanocrystals.

Preformulation investigation and challenges; salt formation, salt disproportionation and hepatic recirculation

A compound, which is a selective peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, was investigated. The aim of the presented studies was to evaluate the potential of the further development of the compound. Fundamental physicochemical properties and stability of the compound were characterized in solution by liquid chromatography and NMR and in solid-state by various techniques. The drug itself is a lipophilic acid with tendency to form aggregates in solution. The neutral form was only obtained in amorphous form with a glass-transition temperature of approximately 0°C. The intrinsic solubility at room temperature was determined to 0.03mg/mL. Chemical stability studies of the compound in aqueous solutions showed good stability for at least two weeks at room temperature, except at pH1, where a slight degradation was already observed after one day. The chemical stability in the amorphous solid-state was investigated during a period of three months. At 25°C/60% relative humidity (RH) and 40°C/75% RH no significant degradation was observed. At 80°C, however, some degradation was observed after four weeks and approximately 3% after three months. In an accelerated photostability study, degradation of approximately 4% was observed. Attempts to identify a crystalline form of the neutral compound were unsuccessful, however, salt formation with tert-butylamine, resulted in crystalline material. Results from stability tests of the presented crystalline salt form indicated improved chemical stability at conditions whereas the amorphous neutral form degraded. However, the salt form of the drug dissociated under certain conditions. The drug was administered both per oral and intravenously, as amorphous nanoparticles, to conscious dogs. Plasma profiles showed curves with secondary absorption peaks, indicating hepatic recirculation following both administration routes. A similar behavior was observed in rats after oral administration of a pH-adjusted solution. The observed double peaks in plasma exposure and the dissociation tendency of the salt form, were properties that contributed to make further development of the candidate drug challenging. Options for development of solid dosage forms of both amorphous and crystalline material of the compound are discussed.

Nanocrystal formulations of a poorly soluble drug. 1. In vitro characterization of stability, stabilizer adsorption and uptake in liver cells

In the present work, milled nanocrystals of a poorly soluble compound using different stabilizers were prepared and characterized. The aim of the study was to evaluate a fundamental set of properties of the formulations prior to i.v. injection of the particles. Two polyethylene oxide containing stabilizers; (distearoyl phosphatidylethanol amine (DSPE)) -PEG2000 and the triblock copolymer Pluronic F127, were investigated, with and without polyvinylpyrrolidone K30/Aerosol OT (PVP/AOT) present. The solubility in water was around 10nM for the compound, measured from nanocrystals, but 1000 times higher in 4% human serum albumin. The particles were physically stable during the time investigated. The zeta potential was around -30 and -10mV for DSPE-PEG2000 and Pluronic F127 stabilized particles, respectively, at the conditions selected. The dissolution rate was similar for all four formulations and similar to the theoretically predicted rate. Critical micelle concentrations were determined as 56nM and 1.4μM for DSPE-PEG2000 and Pluronic F127, respectively. The adsorption isotherms for the PEG lipid showed a maximum adsorbed amount of about 1.3mg/m², with and without PVP/AOT. Pluronic F127 showed a higher maximum amount adsorbed, at around 3.1mg/m², and marginally lower with PVP/AOT present. Calculated data showed that the layer of Pluronic F127 was thicker than the corresponding DSPE-PEG2000 layer. The total amount of particles distributed mainly to the liver, and the hepatocellular distribution in vitro (Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells), differed depending on the stabilizing mixture on the particles. Overall, DSPE-PEG2000 stabilized nanocrystals (with PVP/AOT) accumulated to a larger degree in the liver compared to particles with Pluronic F127 on the surface. A theoretical model was developed to interpret in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles, explaining the balance between dissolution and liver uptake. With the present, fundamental data of the nanocrystal formulations, the platform for forthcoming in vivo studies was settled.

Probing adsorption of DSPE-PEG2000 and DSPE-PEG5000 to the surface of felodipine and griseofulvin nanocrystals

Nanosized formulations of poorly water-soluble drugs show great potential due to improved bioavailability. In order to retain colloidal stability, the nanocrystals need to be stabilized. Here we explore the use of the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugated phospholipids DSPE-PEG2000 and DSPE-PEG5000 as stabilizers of felodipine and griseofulvin nanocrystals. Nanocrystal stability and physicochemical properties were examined and the interaction between the PEGylated lipids and the nanocrystal surface as well as a macroscopic model surface was investigated. Using quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring both mass adsorption and the thickness of the adsorbed layer were estimated. The results indicate that the PEGylated lipids are adsorbed as flat layers of around 1-3nm, and that DSPE-PEG5000 forms a thicker layer compared with DSPE-PEG2000. In addition, the mass adsorption to the drug crystals and the model surface are seemingly comparable. Furthermore, both DSPE-PEG2000 and DSPE-PEG5000 rendered stable drug nanocrystals, with a somewhat higher surface binding and stability seen for DSPE-PEG2000. These results suggest DSPE-PEG2000 and DSPE-PEG5000 as efficient nanocrystal stabilizers, with DSPE-PEG2000 giving a somewhat higher surface coverage and superior colloidal stability, whereas DSPE-PEG5000 shows a more extended structure that may have advantages for prolongation of circulation time in vivo and facilitation for targeting modifications.

Small Scale Intramolecular Flexibility in 111mCd-Plastocyanin

The effect of mutations in the vicinity of the putative electron transfer path on the metal center of the electron transfer protein plastocyanin (spinacea) is investigated by monitoring the nuclear quadrupole interaction of 111mCd in Cd-derivatives of the protein via time differential perturbed angular correlation. The spectra for the wild type protein and the mutants were rather similar. All spectra exhibit a peculiar line profile which points towards a small scale intramolecular flexibility of the metal center.

Subcutaneous administration of nano- and microsuspensions of poorly soluble compounds to rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and interpret the pharmacokinetic profiles of two compounds after subcutaneous (s.c.) administration. The compounds have similar physicochemical properties, but are a base (BA99) and an acid (AC88), respectively. The compounds were administered as nano- (5 and 500 µmol/kg) and microsuspensions (5 µmol/kg) s.c. to Sprague-Dawley rats. At the low dose, the exposure was higher for both compounds administered as nanocrystals compared to microparticles. The high dose of the compounds resulted in even higher exposure, but not in a dose-linear manner. The differences in exposure between nano- and microparticles were mainly ascribed to higher dissolution rate and improved solubility for smaller particles. In addition to differences in exposure, there were also differences in the elimination pattern. After s.c. injection of 5 µmol/kg of BA99 as nano- and microsuspensions, the elimination profile was similar as observed earlier after oral administration. However, after injection of the higher dose of BA99 and all formulations of AC88, an extended elimination profile was observed, forming a maintained plateau under the investigated time-period. Essentially, constant plasma levels were caused by a balanced equilibrium between total body clearance of the drug and supply rate of drug from the formulations.

Evaluation of exposure properties after injection of nanosuspensions and microsuspenions into the intraperitoneal space in rats

In the present paper, BA99 and AC88 were used as model compounds for intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. A major problem for the compounds, like many others newly developed pharmaceutical drugs, is the poor solubility in water. To solve solubility related problems, development of nanosuspensions is an attractive alternative. Both compounds are suitable for nanosuspensions, using the milling approach. After 2 weeks in freezer, the nanoparticles aggregated to form particles in the 400-2000 nm interval. However, following a 20 s ultrasonication step, the original particle sizes (about 200 nm) were obtained. Adding 5% mannitol before the samples were frozen abolished aggregation. It is also possible to freeze-dry the nanosuspension in the presence of 5% mannitol and re-disperse the formulation in water. Nanosuspensions of both compounds were injected i.p. to rats at 5 and 500 µmoL/kg. At the low dose, also a microsuspension was administered. I.p. administration resulted in overall improved C(max) for both AC88 and BA99 compared to s.c. and oral administration. I.p. is the preferred route of administration of tolerable drugs when a fast onset of action is desired and when a significant first passage metabolism occurs. The net charge of the active molecule appeared to affect the absorption kinetics. In the present work, the neutral molecule was favored over the negatively charged one.

Preformulation evaluation of AZD1305, an oxabispidine intended for oral and intravenous treatment

AIM

AZD1305 is a novel, water-soluble investigational antiarrhythmic agent for restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm in atrial fibrillation patients. The present studies were performed to evaluate the possibility for further development of the compound.

METHODS

A set of technical approaches were used, including X-ray powder diffractometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetrical analysis, dynamic vapor sorption, scanning electron microscopy, salt screen, and liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

AZD1305 is a crystalline oxabispidine and its neutral form is a base with a pK(a) of 9.9. The substance degrades with higher temperature and lower pH. The free base of the solid substance is stable at 25°C (closed container), 40°C/75% relative humidity (open container), and at 50°C (closed container) for at least 3 months. The free base of AZD1305 is polymorphic with two known forms. Both forms are non-hygroscopic ansolvates with melting points of approximately 90°C. No salt was found with overall improved properties. The substance had a strong odor, which was reduced by increased particle size.

CONCLUSIONS

The free base of AZD1305 seemed to be the most suitable agent for product development even though it has a fairly low melting point and occurred as two different crystal forms. Form B was the most stable thermodynamically in the temperature interval of interest.

Early development evaluation of AZD8081: a substrate for the NK receptors

The purpose of the present study was to find out if AZD8081, a dual neurokinin (NK)1/2 receptor antagonist, was suitable for development of an oral, solid immediate release (IR) formulation and in a further perspective also as an oral extended release (ER) formulation. AZD8081 is a base with pK(a) values <2.5 and about 8.5. The measured intrinsic solubility is about 0.1 mg/mL and the solubility in FaSSIF (fasted simulated small intestinal fluid) is about 3.2 mg/mL. Aqueous buffer solutions are stable for at least 1 month between pH 1-7 up to 37°C. In the solid-state, a mixture of amorphous and crystalline substance showed significant chemical instability in the initial stress testing studies. No degradation was, however, observed for highly crystalline material at similar conditions. It is concluded that the impurity profile and/or the present solid-state of the batches affect the stability of the substance. The amorphous contribution of the substance is the main cause to the observed degradation in solid-state. Crystalline AZD8081 is polymorphic with two known monotropic forms, form A and form B. Both forms are only slightly hygroscopic ansolvates with melting points of approximately 108°C and 117°C, respectively. Form B is the more stable of the two forms and is therefore most suited for further development. The candidate is suitable for development of standard IR formulations since no specific limitations of significance for formulation development were identified. In addition, the good stability in human intestinal fluid and in colon slurry makes AZD8081 a suitable candidate for ER formulation.

Early development evaluation of AZD2738, a substrate for the NK receptors

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether AZD2738, a dual neurokinin NK1/2 receptor antagonist, is a suitable candidate for further development with an oral immediate release solid dosage form as a possible final product. The neutral form of AZD2738 has only been isolated as amorphous material. In order to search for a solid material with improved physical and chemical stability and more suitable solid-state properties, a salt screen was performed. Mostly crystalline material of fumarate, maleate and chloride salt of AZD2738 were obtained. X-ray powder diffractometry, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic vapor sorption were used to investigate the physicochemical characteristics of the salts. Based on the physicochemical properties, the chloride salt is preferred for continued product development. The chloride salt of AZD2738 is an anhydrate, the crystallization is reproducible, the hygroscopicity is acceptable and just one polymorph was obtained. Notably is that the two obtained polymorphs of the fumarate salt of AZD2738 are monotropically related, whereas the two identified polymorphs for the maleate salt of the compound are enantiotropic. The dissolution behavior and the stability (in aqueous solutions, formulations and solid state) of the salts were also studied and found to be satisfactory, at least at pH >3. Liquid formulations should preferable be stored frozen at pH >3.

Usefulness of a nanoparticle formulation to investigate some hemodynamic parameters of a poorly soluble compound

Drug solubility is an important issue when progressing investigational compounds into clinical candidates. The present paper describes the development and characterization of a nanosuspension that was formulated to overcome problems with poor water solubility and possible adverse events caused by cosolvent mixtures, using ticagrelor as a model compound. A homogeneous nanosuspension of ticagrelor was formed using a wet milling approach, which yielded particle sizes around 230 nm. The nanosuspensions were chemically stable for at least 10 months at both room temperature and when refrigerated, and physically (i.e., particle size) stable for at least 10 months under refrigeration, and approximately 3 years at room temperature and when frozen. One rat model and two dog models were used to assess the pharmacokinetics and hemodynamic-related effects following intravenous administration of nanoparticles. There were no biologically consistent or dose-dependent effects of the nanoparticles on the hemodynamic parameters tested, that is, heart rate, mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, left femoral artery blood flow, or cardiac inotropy (measured as max dP/dt). In conclusion, a stable ticagrelor nanosuspension formulation was developed, suitable for intravenous administration. At the doses evaluated, this formulation was without hemodynamic effects in three sensitive preclinical models.

Particle size reduction and pharmacokinetic evaluation of a poorly soluble acid and a poorly soluble base during early development

AIM

The aim of the present study was to find out if nanosuspensions were a better choice compared with microsuspensions, for the present substances with water solubility in the order of 2-3 μM (pH 6.8, small intestinal pH) and no permeability limitations. The ambition was also to understand what the higher solubility in the stomach for BA99 means in terms of absorption properties of the substance.

METHOD

The pharmacokinetic parameters of a poorly soluble acid (AC88) and a poorly soluble base (BA99) administered orally as nanosuspensions have been compared with those from microsuspensions using rat as in vivo species.

RESULTS

A significant difference was observed between the two suspensions for AC88 already at the lowest dose, 5 μmol/kg (the particle size of the nanosuspensions and the microsuspensions was about 200 nm and 14 μm, respectively). These results were further confirmed at a high dose (500 μmol/kg). However, for BA99, there were no significant differences between the two formulations at any dose investigated (the particle size of the nanosuspensions and the microsuspensions was about 280 nm and 12 μm, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated a clear correlation between particle size and in vivo exposures for an acidic compound, the nanosuspensions providing the highest exposure. For a basic compound, on the other hand, with the present properties and doses, a microsuspension was sufficient. In the latter case, the higher solubility at gastric pH, because of the basic pK(a), limits the need for particle reduction.

A formulation comparison between micro- and nanosuspensions: the importance of particle size for absorption of a model compound, following repeated oral administration to rats during early development

AIM

The aim of this study was to maximize the exposure of a model compound (MC) for forthcoming high-dose toxicological studies with the physical form of the original compound unaffected.

METHOD

The two evaluated formulation approaches for the present poorly water-soluble compound were micro- and nanosuspensions.

RESULTS

The particle size was about 280 nm for the nanosuspensions and about 4 μm for the microsuspensions. The crystallinity and the crystalline form of the ground samples were conserved. The physical and the chemical stabilities of the two kinds of suspensions were unaffected during the investigated time period. The in vivo results of the study showed that the pharmacokinetic parameters investigated were comparable at the low-dose level (6 μmol/kg) for both formulations after single administration. However, at the two higher doses (60 and 300 μmol/kg), a significant difference in exposure was observed between the two suspensions with an improved exposure for smaller particles. After Day 7 of repeated administration, a significant difference in exposure was observed at all dose levels. The overall exposures were higher on Day 7, compared to the exposures on Day 1 (most significant for nanoparticles), due to an accumulation of compound in the body.

CONCLUSIONS

The nanoparticles have a larger surface, resulting in faster in vivo dissolution rate, faster absorption, and increased bioavailability, compared to microparticles. The differences in systemic exposure of model compound, following oral administration of nano- or microparticles of the drug substance, are probably caused by differences in the in vivo dissolution rate and possibly further enhanced by saturation of the systemic elimination.

A formulation comparison, using a solution and different nanosuspensions of a poorly soluble compound

The pharmacokinetic parameters of AZ68 administered as a solution have been compared with those from an amorphous and a crystalline nanosuspension using rats as in vivo specie. All formulations were administered intravenously (i.v.) and orally. The purpose of the study was to find out if the three different formulations were comparable and safe to administer. The results indicate that AZ68 is absorbed at a lower rate for crystalline nanosuspensions compared to amorphous nanosuspensions and solutions. However, the absorbed extent of the compound is similar. The results are a consequence of the lower solubility and the slower dissolution rate for crystalline material compared to amorphous substance in the gastrointestinal tract. The dissolution process is excluded for a solution, resulting in the fastest absorption rate. No significant difference was found between pharmacokinetic parameters when comparison was made between the formulations after i.v. administration. There were no adverse events observed after i.v. administration of the nanosuspensions.

Pharmaceutical and analytical characterisation of (2R)-(3-amino-2-fluoropropyl)sulphinic acid, a GABAB receptor agonist

(2R)-(3-amino-2-fluoropropyl)sulphinic acid (AFPSiA) is a potent GABAB agonist, which makes it a possible alternative in future GERD treatment. The degradation of AFPSiA was investigated to support the drug-development effort. The compound is too polar to be compatible with regular reversed-phase LC. Moreover, the compound and the degradation products cannot be detected by UV due to low absorption. Instead, the degradation of AFPSiA was followed by two different capillary electrophoresis methods with indirect UV detection and 1H NMR and 19F NMR. AFPSiA was very unstable in basic conditions and at temperatures above room temperature. The corresponding sulphonic acid and allylamine are formed via two separate degradation routes. Both these degradation products may cause unwanted side-effects in vivo. Aqueous solutions of AFPSiA were found to be more stable at pH between 1 and 3. It was suggested that AFPSiA should be stored frozen, preferably at -70 degrees C. In solid state, the compound can be stored at ambient conditions in closed vials with low relative humidity. A solid oral dosage form should be kept in a blister package.

Electron transfer in ruthenium-modified spinach plastocyanin mutants

Four site-directed mutants of spinach plastocyanin, Pc(Leu12His), Pc(Leu15His), Pc(Thr79His), and Pc(Lys81His), have been modified by covalent attachment of a photoactive [Ru(bpy)2(im)]2+ complex at the surface-exposed histidine residues. The Pc-Ru complexes were characterized with optical absorption, CD, and EPR spectroscopy and their spectra were found to be similar to the unmodified proteins except in the case of the Pc(Leu12His) mutant which lost the Cu ion irreversibly during the Ru modification. Electron transfer (ET) within the other Pc-Ru complexes was studied with time-resolved optical spectroscopy, using an external-quencher approach. The fully reduced [Cu(I), Ru(II)] proteins were photoexcited and subsequently oxidized by an external quencher, [Ru(NH3)6]Cl3, forming the [Cu(I), Ru(III)] proteins. This was followed by an internal ET from Cu(I) to Ru(III). The rates of the internal ET reactions exhibit an exponential dependence on metal-to-metal separation, with a decay factor of 1.1 A-1. From a temperature-dependence study of the Ru-modified Pc(Lys81His) protein, a reorganization energy for the Cu-to-Ru ET reaction of 1.2 eV was determined. In this analysis it was found necessary to include an appreciable temperature dependence in the driving force of the ET reaction.

The involvement of the two acidic patches of spinach plastocyanin in the reaction with photosystem I

Six different spinach plastocyanin mutants have been constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in Escherichia coli to probe the importance of the two acidic patches in the interaction with photosystem I. The mutants were: Asp42Lys, Glu43Asn, Glu43Lys, Glu43Gln/Asp44Asn, Glu59Lys/Glu60Gln and Glu43Asn/Glu59Lys/Glu60Gln and they have been characterised by optical absorption and EPR spectroscopy, redox titrations and isoelectric focusing. The electron transfer to photosystem I was investigated by flash-induced time-resolved absorption measurements at 830 nm. The kinetics were interpreted with a model that incorporates a rate-limiting conformational change from inactive to active forms of the plastocyanin-photosystem I complex. All mutations resulted in a displacement of the equilibrium towards the inactive conformation. The strongest impairment of the electron transfer was found for mutations in the larger acidic patch, in particular upon modification of residues 43 or 44. However, mutations of residues 59 and 60 in the smaller acidic patch also resulted in a lower reactivity.

Electron transfer between spinach plastocyanin mutants and photosystem 1

Two distinct regions of plastocyanin, one hydrophobic and one acidic, are generally thought to be involved in the electron-transfer reactions with its physiological partners, cytochrome f and photosystem 1. To probe the importance of the hydrophobic patch in the reaction with photosystem 1, seven mutant plastocyanin proteins have been constructed with the following mutations: Gly7Ala, Gly8Asp, Ser11Asp, Ser11Gly, Pro36Gly, Ser85Thr and Gln88Asn. The electron-transfer reaction was investigated by transient flash-photolysis absorption spectroscopy. All proteins remained active in photosystem 1 reduction, showing a biphasic reaction. However, the substitution in position 36 resulted in a drastic decrease in efficiency, suggesting that this residue is involved in a specific contact with photosystem 1. Measurements over a wide range of plastocyanin concentration, ionic strength and pH, showed different properties for the two kinetic phases. A mechanism involving a rate-limiting conformational change accounts well for the observations. Electron transfer from plastocyanin to photosystem 1 would thus require a conversion from an inactive to an active conformation of the complex. Both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are important in the dynamics. The structural integrity of a few critical residues, including Pro36, is essential for efficient photosystem 1 reduction.

A comparative flash-photolysis study of electron transfer from pea and spinach plastocyanins to spinach Photosystem 1. A reaction involving a rate-limiting conformational change

Two mutants of plastocyanin have been constructed by site-directed mutagenesis in spinach and pea to elucidate the binding and electron transfer properties between plastocyanin and spinach Photosystem 1. The conserved, surface-exposed Tyr-83 has been replaced by phenylalanine and leucine in plastocyanin from both species and the proteins have been expressed in Escherichia coli. The reaction mechanism of electron transfer from plastocyanins to photooxidized P700 in Photosystem 1 has been studied by laser-flash absorption spectroscopy. The experimental data were interpreted with a model involving a rate-limiting conformational change, preceding the intracomplex electron transfer. The pea proteins show an overall facilitated reaction with spinach Photosystem 1, compared to spinach plastocyanins. The changes are small but significant, indicating a more efficient electron transfer within the transient complex. In addition, for the spinach leucine mutant, the equilibrium within the plastocyanin-Photosystem 1 complex is more displaced towards the active conformation than for the corresponding wild-type. Absorption spectra, EPR and reduction potentials for the mutants are similar to those of the corresponding wild-type, although small shifts are observed in the spectra of the Tyr83Leu proteins. Based on these results, it is suggested that Photosystem 1 from spinach is capable of using both pea and spinach plastocyanin as an efficient electron donor and that the former even can stimulate the Photosystem 1 reduction. The origin of the stimulation is discussed in terms of differences in surface-exposed residues. Since the effects of the mutations are small, it can be concluded that electron transfer to Photosystem 1 does not occur via Tyr-83.

Structural dynamics in the plastocyanin-photosystem 1 electron-transfer complex as revealed by mutant studies

A series of plastocyanin mutants have been constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in Escherichia coli to elucidate the interaction between plastocyanin and photosystem 1 in the photosynthetic electron-transfer chain. Leu-12 has been replaced with alanine, asparagine, glutamate, and lysine, while Tyr-83 has been exchanged for histidine, phenylalanine, and leucine. Phe-35, Asp-42, and Gln-88 have been mutated to tyrosine, asparagine, and glutamate, respectively. The mutations that have been introduced do not seem to place any strain on the tertiary structure according to optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies. However, there are changes in the reduction potential for the Leu-12 mutants that cannot be accounted for by electrostatic interactions alone. For some of the mutants, the pI shifts, in accordance with the changes in the number of titratable groups. Only the Leu-12 mutants show any major change in their photosystem 1 kinetics, while the mutants in the acidic patch show minor changes, suggesting that both the hydrophobic and acidic patches make contact with photosystem 1 but that the electron transfer occurs at the hydrophobic interface, most probably via the His-87 residue. The kinetics are best described with a model in which a rate-limiting conformational change occurs in the plastocyanin-photosystem 1 complex [Bottin, H., & Mathis, P. (1985) Biochemistry 24, 6453-6460; Sigfridsson, K., Hansson, O., Karlsson, B.G., Baltzer L., Nordling, M., & Lundberg, L. G. (1995) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1228, 28-36], where the changes observed are attributed to changes in the dynamics within the electron-transfer complex.

Electrogenic light reactions in photosystem I: resolution of electron-transfer rates between the iron-sulfur centers

Flash-induced voltage changes (electrogenic events) in photosystem I particles from spinach, oriented in a phospholipid layer, have been studied at room temperature on a time scale ranging from 1 micros to several seconds. A phospholipid layer containing photosystem I particles was adsorbed to a Teflon film separating two aqueous compartments. Voltage changes were measured across electrodes immersed in the compartments. In the absence of added electron donors and acceptors, a multiphasic voltage increase, associated with charge separation, was followed by a decrease, associated with charge recombination. Several kinetic phases were resolved: a rapid (<1 micros) increase, ascribed to electron transfer from the primary electron donor P700 to the iron-sulfur electron acceptor FB, was followed by a slower, biphasic increase with time constants of 30 and 200 micros. The 30-micros phase is assigned to electron transfer from FB to the iron-sulfur center FA. The voltage decrease had a time constant of 90 ms, ascribed to charge recombination from FA to P700. Upon chemical prereduction of FA and FB the 30- and 200-micros phases disappeared and the decay time constant was accelerated to 330 micros, assigned to charge recombination from the phylloquinone electron acceptor (A1) or the iron-sulfur center FX to P700.

Flash-photolysis studies of the electron transfer from genetically modified spinach plastocyanin to photosystem I

Plastocyanin (Pc) has been modified by site-directed mutagenesis at two separate electron-transfer (ET) sites: Leu-12-Glu at a hydrophobic patch, and Tyr-83-His at an acidic patch. The reduction potential at pH 7.5 is decreased by 26 mV in Pc(Leu-12-Glu) and increased by 35 mV in Pc(Tyr-83-His). The latter mutant shows a 2-fold slower intracomplex ET to photosystem I (PSI) as expected from the decreased driving force. The affinity for PSI is unaffected for this mutant but is drastically decreased for Pc(Leu-12-Glu). It is concluded that the hydrophobic patch is more important for the ET to PSI.