1
|
Steigert S, Brouwers J, Verbeke K, Vanuytsel T, Augustijns P. Characterization of luminal contents from the fasted human proximal colon. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024:106821. [PMID: 38823599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
To treat colonic diseases more effectively, improved therapies are urgently needed. In this respect, delivering drugs locally to the colon is a key strategy to achieve higher local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic side effects. Understanding the luminal environment is crucial to efficiently develop such targeted therapies and to predict drug disposition in the colon. In this clinical study, we collected colonic contents from an undisturbed fasted proximal colon via colonoscopy and characterized their composition with regard to drug disposition. Colonic pH, osmolality, protein content, bile salts, lipids, phospholipids and short-chain fatty acids were investigated in 10 healthy volunteers (8 male and 2 female, age 19-25). The unique environment of the proximal colon was reflected in the composition of the sampled luminal fluids and the effect of the microbiota could be observed on the pH (median 6.55), the composition of bile salts (majority deconjugated and secondary), and the abundance of short-chain fatty acids. At the same time, an increase in phospholipid concentration, osmolality and total protein content compared to reported ileal values was seen, likely resulting from desiccation. Lipids could only be found in low quantities and mainly in the form of cholesterol and free fatty acids, showing almost complete digestion and absorption by the time luminal contents reach the colon. All characteristics also displayed the considerable intersubject variability found in different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the luminal conditions in the proximal colon and facilitates the development of new predictive tools to study colonic drug absorption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Steigert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joachim Brouwers
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Kristin Verbeke
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, TARGID, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, TARGID, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kowthavarapu VK, Charbe NB, Gupta C, Iakovleva T, Stillhart C, Parrott NJ, Schmidt S, Cristofoletti R. Mechanistic Modeling of In Vitro Biopharmaceutic Data for a Weak Acid Drug: A Pathway Towards Deriving Fundamental Parameters for Physiologically Based Biopharmaceutic Modeling. AAPS J 2024; 26:44. [PMID: 38575716 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic modeling of in vitro experiments using metabolic enzyme systems enables the extrapolation of metabolic clearance for in vitro-in vivo predictions. This is particularly important for successful clearance predictions using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. The concept of mechanistic modeling can also be extended to biopharmaceutics, where in vitro data is used to predict the in vivo pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. This approach further allows for the identification of parameters that are critical for oral drug absorption in vivo. However, the routine use of this analysis approach has been hindered by the lack of an integrated analysis workflow. The objective of this tutorial is to (1) review processes and parameters contributing to oral drug absorption in increasing levels of complexity, (2) outline a general physiologically based biopharmaceutic modeling workflow for weak acids, and (3) illustrate the outlined concepts via an ibuprofen (i.e., a weak, poorly soluble acid) case example in order to provide practical guidance on how to integrate biopharmaceutic and physiological data to better understand oral drug absorption. In the future, we plan to explore the usefulness of this tutorial/roadmap to inform the development of PBPK models for BCS 2 weak bases, by expanding the stepwise modeling approach to accommodate more intricate scenarios, including the presence of diprotic basic compounds and acidifying agents within the formulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Krishna Kowthavarapu
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Nitin Bharat Charbe
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Churni Gupta
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Tatiana Iakovleva
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Cordula Stillhart
- Pharmaceutical Research & Development, Formulation & Process Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Neil John Parrott
- Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Schmidt
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology, Department of Pharmaceutics Lake Nona (Orlando), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 6550 Sanger Road, Office 467, Orlando, Florida, 32827, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
de Waal T, Brouwers J, Rayyan M, Stillhart C, Vinarova L, Vinarov Z, Augustijns P. Characterization of neonatal and infant enterostomy fluids - Part II: Drug solubility. Int J Pharm 2023:123141. [PMID: 37321462 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous research revealed marked differences in the composition of intestinal fluids between infants and adults. To explore the impact on the solubilization of orally administered drugs, the present study assessed the solubility of five poorly water-soluble, lipophilic drugs in intestinal fluid pools from 19 infant enterostomy patients (infant HIF). For some but not all drugs, the average solubilizing capacity of infant HIF was similar to that of HIF obtained from adults (adult HIF) in fed conditions. Commonly used fed state simulated intestinal fluids (FeSSIF(-V2)) predicted fairly well drug solubility in the aqueous fraction of infant HIF, but did not account for the substantial solubilization by the lipid phase of infant HIF. Despite similarities in the average solubilities of some drugs in infant HIF and adult HIF or SIF, the underlying solubilization mechanisms likely differ, considering important compositional differences (e.g., low bile salt levels). Finally, the huge variability in composition of infant HIF pools resulted in a highly variable solubilizing capacity, potentially causing variations in drug bioavailability. The current study warrants future research focusing on (i) understanding the mechanisms underlying drug solubilization in infant HIF and (ii) evaluating the sensitivity of oral drug products to interpatient variations in drug solubilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom de Waal
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joachim Brouwers
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maissa Rayyan
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Liliya Vinarova
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zahari Vinarov
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stillhart C, Asteriadis A, Bocharova E, Eksteen G, Harder F, Kusch J, Tzakri T, Augustijns P, Matthys C, Vertzoni M, Weitschies W, Reppas C. The impact of advanced age on gastrointestinal characteristics that are relevant to oral drug absorption: An AGePOP review. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 187:106452. [PMID: 37098371 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on three physiological determinants of oral drug absorption, i.e., gastric emptying, volumes and composition of luminal fluids, and intestinal permeability, in the advanced age population, so that potential knowledge gaps and directions for further research efforts are identified. Published data on gastric emptying rates in older people are conflicting. Also, there are significant knowledge gaps, especially on gastric motility and emptying rates of drugs and of non-caloric fluids. Compared with younger adults, volumes of luminal contents seem to be slightly smaller in older people. Our understanding on the impact of advanced age on luminal physicochemical characteristics is, at best, very limited, whereas the impact of (co)morbidities and geriatric syndromes in the advanced age population has not been addressed to date. The available literature on the effect of advanced age on intestinal permeability is limited, and should be approached with caution, primarily due to the limitations of the experimental methodologies used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam Asteriadis
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ekaterina Bocharova
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gabriel Eksteen
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fritz Harder
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Kusch
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Tzakri
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Vertzoni
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Werner Weitschies
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christos Reppas
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
de Waal T, Brouwers J, Mols R, Hoffman I, Rayyan M, Augustijns P. Characterization of neonatal and infant enterostomy fluids. Int J Pharm 2023; 639:122943. [PMID: 37059240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The composition of gastrointestinal (GI) fluids is crucial for the dissolution, solubilization, and absorption of orally administered drugs. Disease- or age-related changes in GI fluid composition could significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of oral drugs. However, limited studies have been conducted on the characteristics of GI fluids in neonates and infants due to practical and ethical challenges. The current study collected enterostomy fluids from 21 neonate and infant patients over an extended period of time and from different regions of the small intestine and colon. The fluids were characterized for pH, buffer capacity, osmolality, total protein, bile salts, phospholipids, cholesterol, and lipid digestion products. The study found a large variability in the fluid characteristics among the different patients, in line with the highly heterogeneous study population. Compared to adult intestinal fluids, the enterostomy fluids from neonates and infants had low bile salt concentrations, with an increasing trend as a function of age; no secondary bile salts were detected. In contrast, total protein and lipid concentrations were relatively high, even in the distal small intestine. These findings suggest marked differences in intestinal fluid composition between neonates and infants versus adults, which may affect the absorption of certain drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom de Waal
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Raf Mols
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ilse Hoffman
- Paediatric Gastroenterology. Hepatology and Nutrition, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maissa Rayyan
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Intrinsic lipolysis rate for systematic design of lipid-based formulations. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2022; 13:1288-1304. [PMID: 36209313 PMCID: PMC10102029 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-022-01246-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Lipid-based formulations (LBFs) are used by the pharmaceutical industry in oral delivery systems for both poorly water-soluble drugs and biologics. Digestibility is key for the performance of LBFs and in vitro lipolysis is commonly used to compare the digestibility of LBFs. Results from in vitro lipolysis experiments depend highly on the experimental conditions and formulation characteristics, such as droplet size (which defines the surface area available for digestion) and interfacial structure. This study introduced the intrinsic lipolysis rate (ILR) as a surface area-independent approach to compare lipid digestibility. Pure acylglycerol nanoemulsions, stabilized with polysorbate 80 at low concentration, were formulated and digested according to a standardized pH-stat lipolysis protocol. A methodology originally developed to calculate the intrinsic dissolution rate of poorly water-soluble drugs was adapted for the rapid calculation of ILR from lipolysis data. The impact of surfactant concentration on the apparent lipolysis rate and lipid structure on ILR was systematically investigated. The surfactant polysorbate 80 inhibited lipolysis of tricaprylin nanoemulsions in a concentration-dependent manner. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations supported these experimental observations. In the absence of bile and phospholipids, tricaprylin was shielded from lipase at 0.25% polysorbate 80. In contrast, the inclusion of bile salt and phospholipid increased the surfactant-free area and improved the colloidal presentation of the lipids to the enzyme, especially at 0.125% polysorbate 80. At a constant and low surfactant content, acylglycerol digestibility increased with decreasing acyl chain length, decreased esterification, and increasing unsaturation. The calculated ILR of pure acylglycerols was successfully used to accurately predict the IRL of binary lipid mixtures. The ILR measurements hold great promise as an efficient method supporting pharmaceutical formulation scientists in the design of LBFs with specific digestion profiles.
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Camp A, Vanuytsel T, Brouwers J, Augustijns P. The effect of esomeprazole on the upper GI tract release and systemic absorption of mesalazine from colon targeted formulations. Int J Pharm 2022; 619:121701. [PMID: 35339635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of coadministration of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole on the upper GI tract behavior and systemic exposure of mesalazine from two mechanistically different colon targeted delivery systems: Claversal (pH-dependent release) and Pentasa (prolonged release). To this end, gastric, jejunal and systemic concentrations of mesalazine and its metabolite N-acetyl mesalazine were monitored in 5 healthy volunteers following oral intake of Pentasa or Claversal with or without PPI pre-treatment (cross-over study). Our exploratory study demonstrated that pre-treatment with a PPI may affect the release and absorption of mesalazine from formulations with different modified release mechanisms. Upon intake of Claversal, the onset of mesalazine absorption was accelerated substantially by PPI pre-treatment. While the PPI-induced increase in pH initiated the disintegration process already in the upper GI tract, the release of mesalazine started beyond the proximal jejunum. Upon intake of Pentasa, PPI pre-treatment seemed to increase the systemic exposure, even though the underlying mechanism could not be revealed yet. The faster release of mesalazine in the GI tract and/or the increased systemic absorption following PPI pre-treatment may reduce the ability of mesalazine to reach the colon. Future research assessing mesalazine disposition in the lower GI tract is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arno Van Camp
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tim Vanuytsel
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, TARGID, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Joachim Brouwers
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven, Gasthuisberg O&N II, Herestraat 49 - box 921, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hens B, Seegobin N, Bermejo M, Tsume Y, Clear N, McAllister M, Amidon GE, Amidon GL. Dissolution Challenges Associated with the Surface pH of Drug Particles: Integration into Mechanistic Oral Absorption Modeling. AAPS J 2022; 24:17. [PMID: 34982285 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-021-00663-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work aimed to differentiate between in vitro dissolution profiles of ibuprofen as input for GastroPlus™ and to see the impact on systemic exposure. In vitro dissolution profiles of ibuprofen obtained under low- and high-buffered dissolution media were used as input using the z-factor approach. In a second step, a customized surface pH calculator was applied to predict the surface pH of ibuprofen under these low- and high-buffered dissolution conditions. These surface pH values were adopted in GastroPlus™ and simulations were performed to predict the systemic outcome. Simulated data were compared with systemic data of ibuprofen obtained under fasted state conditions in healthy subjects. The slower dissolution rate observed when working under low-buffered conditions nicely matched with the slower dissolution rate as observed during the clinical aspiration study and was in line with the systemic exposure of the drug. Finally, a population simulation was performed to explore the impact of z-factor towards bioequivalence (BE) criteria (so-called safe space). Concerning future perspectives, the customized calculator should be developed in such a way to make it possible to predict the dissolution rate (being informed by the particle size distribution) which, in its turn, can be used as a surrogate to predict the USP2 dissolution curve. Subsequently, validation can be done by using this profile as input for PBPK platforms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart Hens
- Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9ND, UK.
| | - Nidhi Seegobin
- Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9ND, UK.,UCL School of Pharmacy, 29-39 Brunswick Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Marival Bermejo
- Department of Engineering, Pharmacy Section, Miguel Hernandez University, 03550, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Yasuhiro Tsume
- Merck & Co., Inc, 126 E Lincoln Ave, Rahway, New Jersey, 07065, USA
| | - Nicola Clear
- Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9ND, UK
| | - Mark McAllister
- Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, CT13 9ND, UK
| | - Gregory E Amidon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1065, USA
| | - Gordon L Amidon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, 428 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wilson CG, Aarons L, Augustijns P, Brouwers J, Darwich AS, De Waal T, Garbacz G, Hansmann S, Hoc D, Ivanova A, Koziolek M, Reppas C, Schick P, Vertzoni M, García-Horsman JA. Integration of advanced methods and models to study drug absorption and related processes: An UNGAP perspective. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 172:106100. [PMID: 34936937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
This collection of contributions from the European Network on Understanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes (UNGAP) community assembly aims to provide information on some of the current and newer methods employed to study the behaviour of medicines. It is the product of interactions in the immediate pre-Covid period when UNGAP members were able to meet and set up workshops and to discuss progress across the disciplines. UNGAP activities are divided into work packages that cover special treatment populations, absorption processes in different regions of the gut, the development of advanced formulations and the integration of food and pharmaceutical scientists in the food-drug interface. This involves both new and established technical approaches in which we have attempted to define best practice and highlight areas where further research is needed. Over the last months we have been able to reflect on some of the key innovative approaches which we were tasked with mapping, including theoretical, in silico, in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo, preclinical and clinical approaches. This is the product of some of us in a snapshot of where UNGAP has travelled and what aspects of innovative technologies are important. It is not a comprehensive review of all methods used in research to study drug dissolution and absorption, but provides an ample panorama of current and advanced methods generally and potentially useful in this area. This collection starts from a consideration of advances in a priori approaches: an understanding of the molecular properties of the compound to predict biological characteristics relevant to absorption. The next four sections discuss a major activity in the UNGAP initiative, the pursuit of more representative conditions to study lumenal dissolution of drug formulations developed independently by academic teams. They are important because they illustrate examples of in vitro simulation systems that have begun to provide a useful understanding of formulation behaviour in the upper GI tract for industry. The Leuven team highlights the importance of the physiology of the digestive tract, as they describe the relevance of gastric and intestinal fluids on the behaviour of drugs along the tract. This provides the introduction to microdosing as an early tool to study drug disposition. Microdosing in oncology is starting to use gamma-emitting tracers, which provides a link through SPECT to the next section on nuclear medicine. The last two papers link the modelling approaches used by the pharmaceutical industry, in silico to Pop-PK linking to Darwich and Aarons, who provide discussion on pharmacometric modelling, completing the loop of molecule to man.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clive G Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow, U.K.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mirko Koziolek
- NCE Formulation Sciences, Abbvie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Schick
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Vertzoni M, Alsenz J, Augustijns P, Bauer-Brandl A, Bergström C, Brouwers J, Müllerz A, Perlovich G, Saal C, Sugano K, Reppas C. UNGAP best practice for improving solubility data quality of orally administered drugs. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 168:106043. [PMID: 34662708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.106043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
An important goal of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action UNGAP (UNderstanding Gastrointestinal Absorption-related Processes, www.ungap.eu) is to improve standardization of methods relating to the study of oral drug absorption. Solubility is a general term that refers to the maximum achievable concentration of a compound dissolved in a liquid medium. For orally administered drugs, relevant information on drug properties is crucial during drug (product) development and at the regulatory level. Collection of reliable and reproducible solubility data requires careful application and understanding of the limitations of the selected experimental method. In addition, the purity of a compound and its solid state form, as well as experimental parameters such as temperature of experimentation, media related factors, and sample handling procedures can affect data quality. In this paper, an international consensus developed by the COST UNGAP network on recommendations for collecting high quality solubility data for the development of orally administered drugs is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Vertzoni
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pharmacy, Zografou, Greece
| | - J Alsenz
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - P Augustijns
- KU Leuven, Drug Delivery and Disposition, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Bauer-Brandl
- University of Southern Denmark, Department of Physics Chemistry and Pharmacy, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cas Bergström
- Uppsala University, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Brouwers
- KU Leuven, Drug Delivery and Disposition, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Müllerz
- University of Copenhagen, Department of Pharmacy, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Perlovich
- The Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Solution Chemistry, Department of Physical Chemistry of Drugs, Ivanovo, Russia
| | - C Saal
- Merck KGaA, Analytics Healthcare, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - K Sugano
- Ritsumeikan University, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kusatsu, Japan
| | - C Reppas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Pharmacy, Zografou, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Weitschies W, Müller L, Grimm M, Koziolek M. Ingestible devices for studying the gastrointestinal physiology and their application in oral biopharmaceutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113853. [PMID: 34192551 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ingestible sensor systems are unique tools for obtaining physiological data from an undisturbed gastrointestinal tract. Since their dimensions correspond to monolithic oral dosage forms, such as enteric coated tablets or hydrogel matrix tablets, they also allow insights into the physiological conditions experienced by non-disintegrating dosage forms on their way through the gastrointestinal tract. In this work, the different ingestible sensor systems which can be used for this purpose are described and their potential applications as well as difficulties and pitfalls with respect to their use are presented. It is also highlighted how the data on transit times, pH, temperature and pressure as well as the data from different animal models commonly used in drug product development such as dogs and pigs have contributed to a deeper mechanistic understanding of oral drug delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Werner Weitschies
- Institute of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Laura Müller
- Institute of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Grimm
- Institute of Pharmacy, Center of Drug Absorption and Transport, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Mirko Koziolek
- NCE Formulation Sciences, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
An Assessment of Occasional Bio-Inequivalence for BCS1 and BCS3 Drugs: What are the Underlying Reasons? J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:124-134. [PMID: 34363838 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite having adequate solubility properties, bioequivalence (BE) studies performed on immediate release formulations containing BCS1/3 drugs occasionally fail. By systematically evaluating a set of 17 soluble drugs where unexpected BE failures have been reported and comparing to a set of 29 drugs where no such reports have been documented, a broad assessment of the risk factors leading to BE failure was performed. BE failures for BCS1/3 drugs were predominantly related to changes in Cmax rather than AUC. Cmax changes were typically modest, with minimal clinical significance for most drugs. Overall, drugs with a sharp plasma peak were identified as a key factor in BE failure risk. A new pharmacokinetic term (t½Cmax) is proposed to identify drugs at higher risk due to their peak plasma profile shape. In addition, the analysis revealed that weak acids, and drugs with particularly high gastric solubility are potentially more vulnerable to BE failure, particularly when these features are combined with a sharp Cmax peak. BCS3 drugs, which are often characterised as being more vulnerable to BE failure due to their potential for permeation and transit to be altered, particularly by excipient change, were not in general at greater risk of BE failures. These findings will help to inform how biowaivers may be optimally applied in the future.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tsakalozou E, Alam K, Babiskin A, Zhao L. Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling to Support Determination of Bioequivalence for Dermatological Drug Products: Scientific and Regulatory Considerations. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2021; 111:1036-1049. [PMID: 34231211 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation provides mechanism-based predictions of the pharmacokinetics of an active ingredient following its administration in humans. Dermal PBPK models describe the skin permeation and disposition of the active ingredient following the application of a dermatological product on the skin of virtual healthy and diseased human subjects. These models take into account information on product quality attributes, physicochemical properties of the active ingredient and skin (patho)physiology, and their interplay with each other. Regulatory and product development decision makers can leverage these quantitative tools to identify factors impacting local and systemic exposure. In the realm of generic drug products, the number of US Food and Drug Administratioin (FDA) interactions that use dermal PBPK modeling to support alternative bioequivalence (BE) approaches is increasing. In this report, we share scientific considerations on the development, verification and validation (V&V), and application of PBPK models within the context of a virtual BE assessment for dermatological drug products. We discuss the challenges associated with model V&V for these drug products stemming from the fact that target-site active ingredient concentrations are typically not measurable. Additionally, there are no established relationships between local and systemic PK profiles, when the latter are quantifiable. To that end, we detail a multilevel model V&V approach involving validation for the model of the drug product of interest coupled with the overall assessment of the modeling platform in use while leveraging in vitro and in vivo data related to local and systemic bioavailability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Tsakalozou
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling (DQMM), Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Khondoker Alam
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling (DQMM), Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Babiskin
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling (DQMM), Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling (DQMM), Office of Research and Standards (ORS), Office of Generic Drugs (OGD), Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wu F, Cristofoletti R, Zhao L, Rostami‐Hodjegan A. Scientific considerations to move towards biowaiver for biopharmaceutical classification system class III drugs: How modeling and simulation can help. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2021; 42:118-127. [DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wu
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling Office of Research and Standards Office of Generic Drugs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration Silver Spring Maryland USA
| | - Rodrigo Cristofoletti
- Department of Pharmaceutics Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology College of Pharmacy University of Florida Orlando Florida USA
| | - Liang Zhao
- Division of Quantitative Methods and Modeling Office of Research and Standards Office of Generic Drugs Center for Drug Evaluation and Research U.S. Food and Drug Administration Silver Spring Maryland USA
| | - Amin Rostami‐Hodjegan
- Centre for Applied Pharmacokinetic Research University of Manchester Manchester UK
- Certara UK Limited Sheffield UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Vinarov Z, Abrahamsson B, Artursson P, Batchelor H, Berben P, Bernkop-Schnürch A, Butler J, Ceulemans J, Davies N, Dupont D, Flaten GE, Fotaki N, Griffin BT, Jannin V, Keemink J, Kesisoglou F, Koziolek M, Kuentz M, Mackie A, Meléndez-Martínez AJ, McAllister M, Müllertz A, O'Driscoll CM, Parrott N, Paszkowska J, Pavek P, Porter CJH, Reppas C, Stillhart C, Sugano K, Toader E, Valentová K, Vertzoni M, De Wildt SN, Wilson CG, Augustijns P. Current challenges and future perspectives in oral absorption research: An opinion of the UNGAP network. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 171:289-331. [PMID: 33610694 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although oral drug delivery is the preferred administration route and has been used for centuries, modern drug discovery and development pipelines challenge conventional formulation approaches and highlight the insufficient mechanistic understanding of processes critical to oral drug absorption. This review presents the opinion of UNGAP scientists on four key themes across the oral absorption landscape: (1) specific patient populations, (2) regional differences in the gastrointestinal tract, (3) advanced formulations and (4) food-drug interactions. The differences of oral absorption in pediatric and geriatric populations, the specific issues in colonic absorption, the formulation approaches for poorly water-soluble (small molecules) and poorly permeable (peptides, RNA etc.) drugs, as well as the vast realm of food effects, are some of the topics discussed in detail. The identified controversies and gaps in the current understanding of gastrointestinal absorption-related processes are used to create a roadmap for the future of oral drug absorption research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahari Vinarov
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Sofia University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Bertil Abrahamsson
- Oral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Per Artursson
- Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hannah Batchelor
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Berben
- Pharmaceutical Development, UCB Pharma SA, Braine- l'Alleud, Belgium
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - James Butler
- GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Ware, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nigel Davies
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Gøril Eide Flaten
- Department of Pharmacy, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Nikoletta Fotaki
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Kuentz
- Institute for Pharma Technology, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alan Mackie
- School of Food Science & Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anette Müllertz
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Petr Pavek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | | | - Christos Reppas
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Kiyohiko Sugano
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, Japan
| | - Elena Toader
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iasi, Romania
| | - Kateřina Valentová
- Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maria Vertzoni
- Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Saskia N De Wildt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Clive G Wilson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Impact of gastrointestinal tract variability on oral drug absorption and pharmacokinetics: An UNGAP review. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 162:105812. [PMID: 33753215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The absorption of oral drugs is frequently plagued by significant variability with potentially serious therapeutic consequences. The source of variability can be traced back to interindividual variability in physiology, differences in special populations (age- and disease-dependent), drug and formulation properties, or food-drug interactions. Clinical evidence for the impact of some of these factors on drug pharmacokinetic variability is mounting: e.g. gastric pH and emptying time, small intestinal fluid properties, differences in pediatrics and the elderly, and surgical changes in gastrointestinal anatomy. However, the link of colonic factors variability (transit time, fluid composition, microbiome), sex differences (male vs. female) and gut-related diseases (chronic constipation, anorexia and cachexia) to drug absorption variability has not been firmly established yet. At the same time, a way to decrease oral drug pharmacokinetic variability is provided by the pharmaceutical industry: clinical evidence suggests that formulation approaches employed during drug development can decrease the variability in oral exposure. This review outlines the main drivers of oral drug exposure variability and potential approaches to overcome them, while highlighting existing knowledge gaps and guiding future studies in this area.
Collapse
|
17
|
Thakral NK, Meister E, Jankovsky C, Li L, Schwabe R, Luo L, Chen S. Prediction of in vivo supersaturation and precipitation of poorly water-soluble drugs: Achievements and aspirations. Int J Pharm 2021; 600:120505. [PMID: 33753162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on options available to a pharmaceutical scientist to predict in vivo supersaturation and precipitation of poorly water-soluble drugs. As no single device or system can simulate the complex gastrointestinal environment, a combination of appropriate in vitro tools may be utilized to get optimal predictive information. To address the empirical issues encountered during small-scale and full-scale in vitro predictive testing, theoretical background and relevant case studies are discussed. The practical considerations for selection of appropriate tools at various stages of drug development are recommended. Upcoming technologies that have potential to further reduce in vivo studies and expedite the drug development process are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naveen K Thakral
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States.
| | - Eva Meister
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States
| | - Corinne Jankovsky
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States
| | - Li Li
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States; Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, 4849 Calhoun Road, Houston, TX 77204, United States
| | - Robert Schwabe
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States
| | - Laibin Luo
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States
| | - Shirlynn Chen
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 900 Ridgebury Road, Ridgefield, CT 06877, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kratochwil NA, Stillhart C, Diack C, Nagel S, Al Kotbi N, Frey N. Population pharmacokinetic analysis of RO5459072, a low water-soluble drug exhibiting complex food-drug interactions. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:3550-3560. [PMID: 33576513 PMCID: PMC8451882 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims RO5459072, a cathepsin‐S inhibitor, Biopharmaceutics Classification System class 2 and P‐glycoprotein substrate, exhibited complex, nonlinear pharmacokinetics (PK) while fasted that seemed to impact both the absorption and the disposition phases. When given with food, all nonlinearities disappeared. Physiologically based PK (PBPK) modelling attributed those nonlinearities to dose‐dependent solubilisation and colonic absorption. The objective of this population PK analysis was to complement the PBPK analysis. Methods PK profiles in 39 healthy volunteers after first oral dosing (1–600 mg) while fasted or fed in single and multiple ascending dose studies were analysed using population compartmental modelling. Results The PK of RO5459072 while fed was characterized by a 1‐compartmental PK model with linear absorption and elimination. The nonlinearities while fasted were captured using dose dependent bioavailability and 2 sequential first‐order absorption phases: one following drug administration and one occurring 11 hours later and only for doses >10 mg. The bioavailability in the first absorption phase increased between 1 and 10 mg and then decreased with dose, in agreement with in vitro dissolution and solubility studies. The remaining fraction of doses to be absorbed by the second absorption phase was found to have a bioavailability similar to that in the first absorption phase. Conclusion The population PK model supported that dissolution‐ and solubility‐limited absorption from the proximal and distal intestine alone explains the nonlinear PK of RO5459072 in fasted state and the linear PK in fed state. This work, together with the PBPK analysis, raised our confidence in the understanding of this complex PK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Kratochwil
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Cordula Stillhart
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Cheikh Diack
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Nagel
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicolas Frey
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Holding AG, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hens B, Augustijns P, Lennernäs H, McAllister M, Abrahamsson B. Leveraging Oral Drug Development to a Next Level: Impact of the IMI-Funded OrBiTo Project on Patient Healthcare. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:480706. [PMID: 33748152 PMCID: PMC7973356 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.480706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of the behavior of drug formulations in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential when working in the field of oral drug development in a pharmaceutical company. For orally administered drug products, various GI processes, including disintegration of the drug formulation, drugrelease, dissolution, precipitation, degradation, dosage form transit and permeation, dictate absorption into the systemic circulation. These processes are not always fully captured in predictive in vitro and in silico tools, as commonly applied in the pre-clinical stage of formulation drug development. A collaborative initiative focused on the science of oral biopharmaceutics was established in 2012 between academic institutions and industrial companies to innovate, optimize and validate these in vitro and in silico biopharmaceutical tools. From that perspective, the predictive power of these models can be revised and, if necessary, optimized to improve the accuracy toward predictions of the in vivo performance of orally administered drug products in patients. The IMI/EFPIA-funded "Oral Bioavailability Tools (OrBiTo)" project aimed to improve our fundamental understanding of the GI absorption process. The gathered information was integrated into the development of new (or already existing) laboratory tests and computer-based methods in order to deliver more accurate predictions of drug product behavior in a real-life setting. These methods were validated with the use of industrial data. Crucially, the ultimate goal of the project was to set up a scientific framework (i.e., decision trees) to guide the use of these new tools in drug development. The project aimed to facilitate and accelerate the formulation development process and to significantly reduce the need for animal experiments in this area as well as for human clinical studies in the future. With respect to the positive outcome for patients, high-quality oral medicines will be developed where the required dose is well-calculated and consistently provides an optimal clinical effect. In a first step, this manuscript summarizes the setup of the project and how data were collected across the different work packages. In a second step, case studies of how this project contributed to improved knowledge of oral drug delivery which can be used to develop improved products for patients will be illustrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bart Hens
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Drug Product Design, Pfizer, Sandwich, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences and Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Bertil Abrahamsson
- Oral Product Development, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Operations, AstraZeneca Gothenburg, Mölndal, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|