Application of HPMC HME polymer as hot melt extrusion carrier in carbamazepine solid dispersion

Melt electrowriting of amorphous solid dispersions: Influence of drug and plasticizer on rheology and printing performance

Drug loaded microfiber scaffolds have potential for sublingual or buccal drug delivery due to their fast dissolution time and tunable porosity. Such microfiber scaffolds can be prepared by melt electrowriting (MEW), wherein a polymer melt is electrostatically drawn out of a syringe onto a computer controlled moving collector. The fabrication of such scaffolds via MEW has previously been shown for a polymer with a glass transition temperature (Tg) just above room temperature, making handling challenging. For this reason, ABA triblock copolymers bearing poly(2-oxazoline) and poly(2-oxazine) with slightly higher Tg were synthesized and their processability into drug loaded microfiber scaffolds was assessed. Additionally, plasticizers commonly used in drug products were added to decrease the fabrication temperature. The aim was to investigate the influence of plasticizers on the melt viscosity and printability to expand the polymer platform for the preparation of drug loaded microfiber scaffolds. Temperature dependent melt rheology measurements of the polymers and their mixtures revealed a drop in viscosity by one order of magnitude by the addition of triethyl citrate and ethylene glycol, respectively. Addition of the model drug indomethacin led to a further decrease in viscosity. Even though the drug loaded samples were printable with and without the addition of triethyl citrate, better fiber stacking and therefore improved printing results were obtained with the plasticizer added. However, the addition of the plasticizer did alter the dissolution profile for some of the polymer samples, leading to longer dissolution times or lower drug release compared to the samples without plasticizer, which makes it difficult to predict the influence of the plasticizer on the dissolution profile.

Exploring the impact of material selection on the efficacy of hot-melt extrusion

Hot-melt extrusion (HME) has emerged as a versatile and efficient technique in pharmaceutical formulation development, particularly for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. This review delves into the fundamental principles of HME, exploring its application in drug delivery systems. A comprehensive analysis of polymers utilized in HME, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, is presented, highlighting their roles in achieving controlled drug release and improved stability. The incorporation of plasticizers, such as triacetin, poly(propylene glycol), glycerol, and sorbitol, is critical in reducing the glass transition temperature (Tg) of polymer blends, thereby enhancing the processability of HME formulations. A comparison of Tg values for various polymer-plasticizer combinations is discussed using different predictive models. For researchers and industry professionals looking to optimize drug formulation strategies, this article offers valuable insights into the mechanisms through which HME enhances drug solubility and bioavailability two critical factors in oral drug delivery. Furthermore, by reviewing recent patents and marketed formulations, the article serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding both the technical advancements and commercial applications of HME. Readers will gain a deep understanding of the role of polymers and additives in HME, alongside future perspectives on how emerging materials and techniques could further revolutionize pharmaceutical development. This review is essential for those aiming to stay at the forefront of pharmaceutical extrusion technologies and their potential to improve therapeutic outcomes. The review concludes that meticulous material selection is vital for advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and ensuring optimal outcomes in HME applications, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of drug delivery systems.

Amorphous solid dispersions of amphiphilic polymer excipients and indomethacin prepared by hot melt extrusion

Improving the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs is essential for enhancing bioavailability, formulation flexibility and reducing patient-to-patient variability. The preparation of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) is an attractive strategy to formulate such drugs, leading to higher apparent water solubility and therefore higher bioavailability. For such ASDs, water-soluble polymer excipients, such as poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) or poly(vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (P(VP-co-VA)), are employed to solubilize and stabilize the drug against crystallization. We posit that polymers bearing tertiary amides are particularly well suited to stabilizing drugs containing H-bond donors, as they offer strong H-bonding potential between the polymer and drug. The aim of this study was to compare new and established polymers with tertiary amides as excipients for ASDs. Experimental amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers comprising poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (pMeOx), poly(2‑butyl‑2-oxazoline) (pBuOx) and poly(2‑butyl‑2-oxazine) (pBuOzi) blocks, were compared with the established excipients, PVP and P(VP-co-VA). ASDs with indomethacin as the model drug were prepared at high drug loadings via hot melt extrusion. The extrudates were studied with DSC and PXRD, revealing the ASDs to be fully amorphous up to 75wt% indomethacin, independent of the polymer used. 13C CPMAS NMR provided insights into intermolecular associations as a function of drug loading, and suggested the presence of drug dimers at 75wt% drug loading in pMeOx-pBuOzi-pMeOx and pMeOx-pBuOx-pMeOx, which could affect physical stability. Independent of the polymers, the solid-state form of the drug in the ASD was found to affect the dissolution profile of the samples, insofar as the samples containing crystalline indomethacin showed slower dissolution than the fully amorphous ones. This study shows that the polymers comprising poly(2-oxazoline) and poly(2-oxazine) are effective polymers for ASD preparation, similar to PVP and P(VP-co-VA) which merits further investigations into these novel polymers for formulating ASDs.

QbD-Based Development and Evaluation of Pazopanib Hydrochloride Extrudates Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion Technique: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation

BACKGROUND

Pazopanib hydrochloride (PZB) is a protein kinase inhibitor approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and European agencies for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and other renal malignancies. However, it exhibits poor aqueous solubility and inconsistent oral drug absorption. In this regard, the current research work entails the development and evaluation of the extrudates of pazopanib hydrochloride by the hot-melt extrusion (HME) technique for solubility enhancement and augmenting oral bioavailability.

RESULTS

Solid dispersion of the drug was prepared using polymers such as Kollidon VA64, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Eudragit EPO, and Affinisol 15LV in a 1:2 ratio by the HME process through a lab-scale 18 mm extruder. Systematic optimization of the formulation variables was carried out with the help of custom screening design (JMP Software by SAS, Version 14.0) to study the impact of polymer type and plasticizer level on the quality of extrudate processability by measuring the torque value, appearance, and disintegration time as the responses. The polymer blends containing Kollidon VA64 and Affinisol 15LV resulted in respective clear transparent extrudates, while Eudragit EPO and HPMC extrudates were found to be opaque white and brownish, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of the impact of process parameters such as screw rpm and barrel temperature was measured using a definitive screening design on the extrude appearance, torque, disintegration time, and dissolution profile. Based on the statistical outcomes, it can be concluded that barrel temperature has a significant impact on torque, disintegration time, and dissolution at 30 min, while screw speed has an insignificant impact on the response variables. Affinisol extrudates showed less moisture uptake and faster dissolution in comparison to Kollidon VA64 extrudates. Affinisol extrudates were evaluated for polymorphic stability up to a 3-month accelerated condition and found no recrystallization. PZB-Extrudates using the Affinisol polymer (Test formulation A) revealed significantly higher bioavailability (AUC) in comparison to the free Pazopanib drug and marketed formulation.

Fabrication of 3D-Printed Hydrocortisone Triple Pulsatile Tablet Using Fused Deposition Modelling Technology

Hydrocortisone (HC) is the optimal drug for adolescents diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Because traditional dosage regimens HC are inconvenient, our study used fused deposition modeling (FDM) three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to solve the problems caused by traditional preparations. First, we designed a core-shell structure tablet with an inner instant release component and an outer delayed release shell. The instant release component was Kollicoat IR: glycerol (GLY): HC = 76.5:13.5:10. Then, we used Affinisol® HPMC 15LV to realize delayed release. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between the thickness of the delayed release shell and the delayed release time, and an equation was derived through binomial regression analysis. Based on that equation, a novel triple pulsatile tablet with an innovative structure was devised. The tablet was divided into three components, and the drug was released multiple times at different times. The dose and release rate of the tablets can be adjusted by modifying the infill rate of the printing model. The results indicated that the triple pulsatile tablet exhibited desirable release behavior in vitro. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of the drug, excipients, filaments, and tablets were characterized. All these results indicate that the FDM 3D printing method is a convenient technique for producing preparations with intricate structures.

Strategies to improve the stability of amorphous solid dispersions in view of the hot melt extrusion (HME) method

Oral administration of drugs is preferred over other routes for several reasons: it is non-invasive, easy to administer, and easy to store. However, drug formulation for oral administration is often hindered by the drug's poor solubility, which limits its bioavailability and reduces its commercial value. As a solution, amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) was introduced as a drug formulation method that improves drug solubility by changing the molecular structure of the drugs from crystalline to amorphous. The hot melt extrusion (HME) method is emerging in the pharmaceutical industry as an alternative to manufacture ASD. However, despite solving solubility issues, ASD also exposes the drug to a high risk of crystallisation, either during processing or storage. Formulating a successful oral administration drug using ASD requires optimisation of the formulation, polymers, and HME manufacturing processes applied. This review presents some important considerations in ASD formulation, including strategies to improve the stability of the final product using HME to allow more new drugs to be formulated using this method.

Hot Melt Extrusion as an Effective Process in the Development of Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Scutellariae baicalensis radix Extract and Chitosan Dedicated to the Treatment of Oral Infections

Hot Melt Extrusion (HME) technology was developed to obtain blends containing lyophilized Scutellariae baicalensis root extract and chitosan in order to improve the rheological properties of the obtained blends, including tableting and compressibility properties. (Hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) in 3 different ratios was used as amorphous matrix formers. The systems were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and in vitro release, permeability, and microbiological activity studies. Then, the extrudates were used to prepare tablets in order to give them the appropriate pharmaceutical form. HPMC-based systems released baicalin more slowly, resulting in delayed peaks in the acceptor fluid. This behavior can be explained by the fact that HPMC swells significantly, and the dissolved substance must have diffused through the polymer network before being released. The best tabletability properties are provided by the formulation containing the extrudate with lyophilized extract HPMC 50:50 w/w. These tablets offer a valuable baicalin release profile while maintaining good mucoadhesive properties that condition the tablet’s retention in the application site and the effectiveness of therapy.

Role of Fine Silica as Amorphous Solid Dispersion Carriers for Enhancing Drug Load and Preventing Recrystallization- A Comprehensive Review

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) is a popular concept for improving the dissolution and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. ASD faces two primary challenges of low drug loading and recrystallization upon storage. Several polymeric carriers are used to fabricate a stable ASD formulation with a high drug load. The role of silica in this context has been proven significant. Different types of silica, porous and nonporous, have been used to develop ASD. Amorphous drugs get entrapped into silica pores or adsorbed on their surface. Due to high porosity and wide surface area, silica provides better drug dissolution and high drug loading. Recrystallization of amorphous drugs is inhibited by limited molecular ability inside the delicate pores due to hydrogen bonding with the surface silanol groups. A handful of researches have been published on silica-based ASD, where versatile types of silica have been used. However, the effect of different kinds of silica on product stability and drug loading has been rarely addressed. The present study analyzes multiple porous and nonporous silica types and their distinct role in developing a stable ASD. Emphasis has been given to various types of silica which are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry.