Development and internal validation of an in vitro-in vivo correlation for a hydrophilic metoprolol tartrate extended release tablet formulation

PURPOSE

To develop and validate internally an in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) for a hydrophilic matrix extended release metoprolol tablet.

METHODS

In vitro dissolution of the metoprolol tablets was examined using the following methods: Apparatus II, pH 1.2 & 6.8 at 50 rpm and Apparatus I, pH 6.8, at 100 and 150 rpm. Seven healthy subjects received three metoprolol formulations (100 mg): slow, moderate, fast releasing and an oral solution (50 mg). Serial blood samples were collected over 48 hours and analyzed by a validated HPLC assay using fluorescence detection. The f2 metric (similarity factor) was used to analyze the dissolution data. Correlation models were developed using pooled fraction dissolved (FRD) and fraction absorbed (FRA) data from various combinations of the formulations. Predicted metoprolol concentrations were obtained by convolution of the in vivo dissolution rates. Prediction errors were estimated for Cmax and AUC to determine the validity of the correlation.

RESULTS

Apparatus I operated at 150 rpm, and pH of 6.8 was found to be the most discriminating dissolution method. There was a significant linear relationship between FRD and FRA when using either two or three of the formulations. An average percent prediction error for Cmax and AUC for all formulations of less than 10% was found for all IVIVC models.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively low prediction errors for Cmax and AUC observed strongly suggest that the metoprolol IVIVC models are valid. The average percent prediction error of less than 10% indicates that the correlation is predictive and allows the associated dissolution data to be used as a surrogate for bioavailability studies.

beta-D(+) glucose-glucose oxidase-catalase for use as an antioxidant system

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of beta-D(+) glucose-glucose oxidase (EC 1.1.3.4)-catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) (BDG-GO-CAT) as a new antioxidant system in solutions. A novel method for estimation of activity of the system was developed using a dissolved oxygen (DO) meter and an oxygen probe. The method can be used to determine the enzymatic activity of the system at GO concentrations of 0.005 to 0.030 unit/ml, with an r2 of 0.995 for the linearity of the standard curve, and can be adapted for analysis in any solution. At room temperature of 23.0 degrees +/- 2.0 degrees C, the maximum activity of the BDG-GO-CAT system was found to occur at pH 5.40. The half-life values for the stability of GO-CAT in 0.10 M phosphate buffer solutions of pH 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, and 10.0 were 9.78, 49.43, 53.46, 36.51, 12.68, 1.84, and 0.80 weeks, respectively. Dextrose was used in place of beta-D(+) glucose for cost-saving purposes, and a standard curve for the activity of GO-CAT was obtained using 20 mg/ml dextrose. The BDG-GO-CAT was effective as a DO-scavenger in closed containers, when the containers were opened and exposed to atmosphere for 2 days between tests, and upon reclosing them. Pharmaceutical excipients such as ethanol, glycerin, propylene glycol, methylparaben, propylparaben, artificial strawberry flavor, and sodium benzoate did not show any adverse effect on the activity of BDG-GO-CAT. Sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, and polyethylene glycol 3350 increased the rate of DO removal. Sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) at 2.0% w/v decreased the rate of DO removal. These studies indicate that the BDG(dextrose)-GO-CAT system warrants serious consideration for use an antioxidant system in aqueous formulations.

The antioxidant system beta-D(+) glucose-glucose oxidase-catalase: tests for pyrogenicity and antigenicity

PURPOSE

beta-D(+) glucose-glucose oxidase (E.C.# 1.1.3.4)-catalase (E.C.# 1.11.1.6) (GO-CAT) is being investigated as a new antioxidant system for use in pharmaceutical solutions. This study reports the results of tests for pyrogenicity and antigenicity of GO-CAT derived from Aspergillus niger when used parenterally in autoclaved preparations.

METHODS

The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) method was used to test the pyrogenicity of native GO-CAT. Pyrogenicity/antigenicity was evaluated in vivo by injecting autoclaved GO-CAT into New Zealand white rabbits. Antigenicity was also evaluated by Ouchterlony and Western blotting.

RESULTS

None of the native GO-CAT concentrations tested (up to 30.83 u/ml) produced a positive gel clot in the LAL test, thereby suggesting its non-pyrogenicity. The rabbits, which received seven injections of autoclaved GO-CAT over a period of eleven weeks, remained healthy during and after the GO-CAT injections. All Ouchterlony and Western blot assays using sera from rabbits injected with autoclaved GO-CAT were negative. Furthermore, autoclaved GO-CAT could not be detected in Ouchterlony assays using a mouse monoclonal antibody (GO40 mAb) to native A. niger glucose oxidase. Control samples containing native GO-CAT produced an antigen-antibody complex reaction in Ouchterlony assays against the GO40 mAb. Antigen-antibody complexes could be detected by non-denaturing PAGE in samples containing native GO-CAT/GO40 and boiled GO-CAT/GO40, but not in samples containing autoclaved GO-CAT/GO40. These results indicate autoclaved GO-CAT is neither pyrogenic nor antigenic.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, there is potential for the use of beta-D(+) glucose-glucose oxidase-catalase as an antioxidant system in pharmaceutical solutions, particularly in terminally autoclaved aqueous formulations for parenteral use.