Stable solid dispersion of lurasidone hydrochloride with augmented physicochemical properties for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Advanced stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the quantification of lurasidone hydrochloride in bulk and PLGA-based in situ implant formulation

OBJECTIVES

The aims of the present investigation was to develop and validate stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for the estimation of Lurasidone hydrochloride (LURA-H) followed by its drug product, LURA-H encapsulated poly-D,L lactic-glycolic acid (PLGA) based in situ depot forming implant (LURA-H-PLGA-ISI).

METHODS

The LURA-H-PLGA-ISI formulation was developed by simple mixing method. According to international conference on harmonization guidelines, RP-HPLC method was developed and validated using Waters 2695 and discovery C18, 5μ, 250×4.6mm ID column. Force degradation studied were performed by various degradation techniques.

RESULTS

The chromatographic separations of LURA-H as well as LURA-H-PLGA-ISI with good resolutions have been achieved using the mobile phase 0.1% orthophosphoric acid and acetonitrile (50:50). The linearity in the range of 25-150 μg/mL of developed method. LOD and LOQ limits for LURA-H were found to be 0.07μg/mL and 0.22μg/mL, respectively. The % RSD was found to be<2% showing the precision of developed method. The accuracy of developed method was demonstrated which is close to 100±2%. Little modifications in the chromatographic conditions indicated robustness of the developed method. Further, solution stability of LURA-H and LURA-H-PLGA-ISI was stable at room temperature. Furthermore, force degradation studies demonstrated LURA-H was unaffected and stable under thermal, photodegradation and neutral (hydrolytic) stress conditions. AGREE and GAPI assessment demonstrated the developed method is environmentally sustainable.

CONCLUSION

The developed method is simple, robust, precise, accurate and sensitive which can be utilized for the regular analysis of LURA-H in quality control laboratories of bulk drug substance and PLGA containing formulations of LURA-H.

Contrasting the pharmacokinetic performance and gut microbiota effects of an amorphous solid dispersion and lipid nanoemulsion for a poorly water-soluble anti-psychotic

Increasing attention is being afforded to understanding the bidirectional relationship that exists between oral drugs and the gut microbiota. Often overlooked, however, is the impact that pharmaceutical excipients exert on the gut microbiota. Subsequently, in this study, we contrasted the pharmacokinetic performance and gut microbiota interactions between two commonly employed formulations for poorly soluble compounds, namely 1) an amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) stabilised by poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) K-30, and 2) a lipid nanoemulsion (LNE) comprised of medium chain glycerides and lecithin. The poorly soluble antipsychotic, lurasidone, was formulated with ASD and LNE due to its rate-limiting dissolution, poor oral bioavailability, and significant food effect. Both the ASD and LNE were shown to facilitate lurasidone supersaturation within in vitro dissolution studies simulating the gastrointestinal environment. This translated into profound improvements in oral pharmacokinetics in rats, with the ASD and LNE exerting comparable ∼ 2.5-fold improvements in lurasidone bioavailability, compared to the pure drug. The oral formulations imparted contrasting effects on the gut microbiota, with the LNE depleting the richness and abundance of the microbial ecosystem, as evidenced through reductions in alpha diversity (Chao1 index) and operational taxonomical units (OTUs). In contrast, the ASD exerted a 'gut neutral' effect, whereby a mild enrichment of alpha diversity and OTUs was observed. Importantly, this suggests that ASDs are effective solubility-enhancing formulations that can be used without comprising the integrity of the gut microbiota - an integral consideration in the treatment of mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, due to the role of the gut microbiota in regulating mood and cognition.

Applications of innovative technologies to the delivery of antipsychotics

Psychosis is a high-incidence pathology associated with a profound alteration in the perception of reality. The limitations of drugs available on the market have stimulated the search for alternative solutions to achieve effective antipsychotic therapies. In this review, we evaluate innovative formulations of antipsychotic drugs developed through the application of modern pharmaceutical technologies, including classes of micro and nanocarriers, such as lipid formulations, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), solid dispersions, and cyclodextrins (CDs). We also consider alternative routes of administration to the oral and parenteral ones currently used. Improved solubility, stability of preparations, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters confirm the potential of these new formulations in the treatment of psychotic disorders.