Efficacy of gastro-retentive forms of ecabet sodium in the treatment of gastric ulcer in rats

Bioadhesive behaviors of HPMC E5: comparative analysis of various techniques, histological and human radiological evidence

Enhancing drug residence duration within the stomach offers distinct advantages for both localized and systemic effects. Numerous strategies have been proposed to extend drug residence time, with mucoadhesive polymers being a notable avenue. In this context, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E5 has been employed as both a binding agent for granulating contrast metal powder and a mucoadhesive polymer, spanning various concentrations. The in vitro bioadhesion strength of the formulated tablets was gauged against the stomach lining of rabbits, for the quantification of bioadhesive forces. The temporal aspect of bioadhesion was evaluated through two approaches: one centered on gastric fluid dynamics and another proffered by the researchers, focusing on gastric wall kinetics. The results divulged a decline in bioadhesion force concomitant with high polymer concentrations. Histological examination of stained stomach sections revealed mucosal perturbations within the rabbit stomach. These disruptions exhibited an escalating trend in conjunction with elevated polymer concentrations, culminating in extensive disturbance at a 7.5% polymer concentration. The outcomes unveiled a direct relationship between polymer concentration increments and extended contact time. Subsequent radiological tracking of contrast metal behavior within a mature human stomach indicated a residence time of 6 h due to the entrapment of displaced components at disparate locations.

Preparation of High-Drug-Loaded Clarithromycin Gastric-Floating Sustained-Release Tablets Using 3D Printing

The high-drug-loaded sustained-release gastric-floating clarithromycin (CAM) tablets were proposed and manufactured via semisolid extrusion (SSE)-based 3D printing. The physical and mechanical properties, such as dimensions, weight variation, friability, and hardness, were accessed according to the quality standards of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Ch.P). The interactions among the drug-excipients were evaluated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Next, the rheological properties of the paste and the effect of the excipients and solvents were evaluated. Finally, a very high drug-loading of up to 81.7% (w/w) with the sustain release time of 8 h (125 mg) and 12 h (250 mg) was achieved. The results revealed the potential of SSE for achieving a high drug loading and identified the suitable properties of the paste for SSE-based 3D printing.

Tailored on demand anti-coagulant dosing: An in vitro and in vivo evaluation of 3D printed purpose-designed oral dosage forms

Coumarin therapy has been associated with high levels of inter- and intra-individual variation in the required dose to reach a therapeutic anticoagulation outcome. Therefore, a dynamic system that is able to achieve accurate delivery of a warfarin dose is of significant importance. Here we assess the ability of 3D printing to fabricate and deliver tailored individualised precision dosing using in-vitro and in-vivo models. Sodium warfarin loaded filaments were compounded using hot melt extrusion (HME) and further fabricated via fused deposition modelling (FDM) 3D printing to produce capsular-ovoid-shaped dosage forms loaded at 200 or 400 µg dose. The solid dosage forms and comparator warfarin aqueous solutions were administered by oral gavage to Sprague-Dawley rats. A novel UV imaging approach indicated that the erosion of the methacrylate matrix was at a rate of 16.4 and 15.2 µm/min for horizontal and vertical planes respectively. In vivo, 3D printed forms were as proportionately effective as their comparative solution form in doubling plasma exposure following a doubling of warfarin dose (184% versus 192% respectively). The 3D printed ovoids showed a lower C_max of warfarin (1.51 and 3.33 mg/mL versus 2.5 and 6.44 mg/mL) and a longer T_max (6 and 3.7 versus 4 and 1.5 h) in comparison to liquid formulation. This work demonstrates for the first time in vivo, the potential of FDM 3D printing to produce a tailored specific dosage form and to accurately titrate coumarin dose response to an individual patient.