Intestinal absorption of drugs. The influence of mixed micelles on on the disappearance kinetics of drugs from the small intestine of the rat

An Artificial Gut/Absorption Simulator: Understanding the Impact of Absorption on In Vitro Dissolution, Speciation, and Precipitation of Amorphous Solid Dispersions

Upon dissolution, amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of poorly water-soluble compounds can generate supersaturated solutions consisting of bound and free drug species that are in dynamic equilibrium with each other. Only free drug is available for absorption. Drug species bound to bile micelles, polymer excipients, and amorphous and crystalline precipitate can reduce the drug solute's activity to permeate, but they can also serve as reservoirs to replenish free drug in solution lost to absorption. However, with multiple processes of dissolution, absorption, and speciation occurring simultaneously, it may become challenging to understand which processes lead to an increase or decrease in drug solution concentration. Closed, nonsink dissolution testing methods used routinely, in the absence of drug removal, allow only for static equilibrium to exist and obscure the impact of each drug species on absorption. An artificial gut simulator (AGS) introduced recently consists of a hollow fiber-based absorption module and allows mass transfer of the drug from the dissolution media at a physiological rate after tuning the operating parameters. In the present work, ASDs of varying drug loadings were prepared with a BCS-II model compound, ketoconazole (KTZ), and hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) polymer. Simultaneous dissolution and absorption testing of the ASDs was conducted with the AGS, and simple analytical techniques were utilized to elucidate the impact of bound drug species on absorption. In all cases, a lower amount of crystalline precipitate was formed in the presence of absorption relative to the nonsink dissolution "control". However, formation of HPMCAS-bound drug species and crystalline precipitate significantly reduced KTZ absorption. Moreover, at high drug loading, inclusion of an absorption module was shown to enhance ASD dissolution. The rank ordering of the ASDs with respect to dissolution was significantly different when nonsink dissolution versus AGS was used, and this discrepancy could be mechanistically elucidated by understanding drug dissolution and speciation in the presence of absorption.

Accelerated and Biopredictive In Vitro Release Testing Strategy for Single Agent and Combination Long-Acting Injectables

The purpose of this study was to develop an in vitro release testing (IVRT) strategy to predict the pre-clinical performance of single agent and combination long acting injectable (LAI) suspension products. Two accelerated IVRT methods were developed using USP apparatus 2 to characterize initial, intermediate, and terminal phases of drug release. Initial and intermediate phases were captured using a suspension cup with moderate agitation to ensure a constant, low surface area exposure of the LAI suspension to the release media. The terminal phase was obtained by exposing the LAI suspension to a high initial paddle speed. This resulted in smaller suspension particulates with high cumulative surface area that were dispersed throughout the release media, enabling rapid drug release. The in vitro release profiles obtained with these two methods in 48 h or less were independently time scaled to reflect the in vivo time scale of approximately 1800 h. Level-A in vitro in vivo correlations (IVIVCs) were separately developed for each method and active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) using in vivo absorption profiles obtained by deconvolution of rat plasma concentration-time profiles. The IVIVCs were successfully validated for each API. This work provides a framework for evaluating individual phases of drug release of complex LAIs to ultimately predict their in vivo performance.

Mechanistic Insight in Permeability through Different Membranes in the Presence of Pharmaceutical Excipients: A Case of Model Hydrophobic Carbamazepine

The present study reports the effects of two pharmaceutical excipients of differing natures-non-ionic surfactant pluronic F127 (F127) and anionic sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD)-on the permeation of the model compound, carbamazepine (CBZ). The permeability coefficients of CBZ at three concentrations of the excipients were measured through two different artificial barriers: hydrophilic cellulose membrane (RC) and lipophilic polydimethylsiloxane-polycarbonate membrane (PDS). The equilibrium solubility of CBZ in F127 and SBE-β-CD solutions was determined. The micellization, complexation, and aggregation tendencies were investigated. Systemically increasing the solubility and the reduction of permeation upon the excipients' concentration growth was revealed. The quantitative evaluation of the permeability tendencies was carried out using a Pratio parameter, a quasi-equilibrium mathematical mass transport model, and a correction of permeability coefficients for the free drug concentration ("true" permeability values). The results revealed the mutual influence of the excipient properties and the membrane nature on the permeability variations.

Kinetic solubility improvement and influence of polymers on controlled supersaturation of itraconazole-succinic acid nano-co-crystals

Nano-co-crystals enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of poorly soluble drugs. The objective of this study was to obtain a better understanding of the dissolution process of nano-co-crystals and of the precipitation inhibition by various polymers. Itraconazole-succinic acid (ITZ-SUC) nano-co-crystal was chosen as model drug formulation to investigate the supersaturation and precipitation inhibition capabilities of various polymers (HPMC E5, HPMC E50, HPMCAS, HPC-SSL, PVPK30 and PVPVA64). The kinetic concentration-time profiles of nano-co-crystal were measured under non-sink conditions with in situ UV-VIS spectroscopy. HPMC E5 performed best by achieving the greatest extended supersaturation/precipitation inhibition. The precipitation inhibition capacity of HPMC E5 was proportional to its concentration. The maximum achievable supersaturation was proportional to the dissolution rate which can be modulated by the rate of supersaturation generation (i.e., addition rate or dose). Supersaturation could be prolonged significantly resulting in 2-5-fold increased area under the dissolution curves compared to nano-co-crystals alone. This effect was limited by a critical excess of undissolved particles with high specific surface area which acted as crystallization seeds resulting in faster precipitation. The study highlighted that a faster dissolution rate and the use of precipitation inhibitors were two key factors determining the extent and time of supersaturation of nano-co-crystals.

The relevance of supersaturation and solubilization in the gastrointestinal tract for oral bioavailability: An in vitro vs. in vivo approach

The influence of supersaturation and solubilization on oral absorption was assessed independently from the dissolution process for the non-formulated model drugs celecoxib and telmisartan. In vitro, physicochemical characterization and biphasic dissolution were used to characterize the supersaturation and solubilization effects of three water soluble polymers (copovidone, methylcellulose and Soluplus®) on the drugs. While celecoxib precipitated in a crystalline form resulting in pronounced stabilization of supersaturation, telmisartan precipitated as a highly energetic amorphous form and the potential of the polymers to enhance its solubility was subsequently, limited. In vivo, for the crystalline precipitating celecoxib, supersaturation and solubilization increased its oral bioavailability up to 10-fold. On the contrary, the amorphous precipitating telmisartan did not benefit from the limited stabilization in terms of oral exposure. Amongst all investigated in vitro tests the biphasic dissolution test was the most predictive in relation to supersaturation. However, for the potential micellar solubilization and the respective impact in the aqueous/organic interface, prediction accuracy of the biphasic dissolution test was limited in combination with Soluplus®. Despite the hetergeneous micellar distribution in vitro and permeation in vivo, the biphasic approach could clearly show the supersaturation potential on bioavailability (BA) for celecoxib on the one hand and the inferiority of supersaturation on BA for telmisartan.

Prediction of in vivo supersaturation and precipitation of poorly water-soluble drugs: Achievements and aspirations

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.

A composite nanocarrier to inhibit precipitation of the weakly basic drug in the gastrointestinal tract

For weakly basic drugs, the sharp decrease of drug solubility and the following drug precipitation after drugs transferring from the gastric fluid to the intestinal fluid in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a main reason for the poor oral bioavailability of drugs. Here, an anticoagulant dabigatran etexilate (DE) was used as a model drug, and a composite nanocarrier system of DE was developed to improve the drug dissolution by decreasing the drug leakage in the stomach and inhibiting the drug precipitation in the intestinal tract. With the encapsulation of drugs in nanocarriers, the precipitation percentage of DE in composite nanocarriers was 22.25 ± 3.88% in simulated intestinal fluid, which was far below that of the commercial formulation. Moreover, the relative bioavailability of DE-loaded composite nanocarriers (456.58%) was greatly enhanced and the peak of its activated partial thromboplastin time was also significantly prolonged (p < .01) compared with the commercial formulation, indicating that the anticoagulant effect of DE was effectively improved. Therefore, the designed composite nanocarrier system of DE presents great potentials in improving the therapeutic efficiency and expanding the clinical applications of poorly water-soluble weakly basic drugs.

Interplay of Supersaturation and Solubilization: Lack of Correlation between Concentration-Based Supersaturation Measurements and Membrane Transport Rates in Simulated and Aspirated Human Fluids

Supersaturating formulations are increasingly being used to improve the absorption of orally administered poorly water-soluble drugs. To better predict outcomes in vivo, we must be able to accurately determine the degree of supersaturation in complex media designed to provide a surrogate for the gastrointestinal environment. Herein, we demonstrate that relying on measurements based on consideration of the total dissolved concentration leads to underestimation of supersaturation and consequently membrane transport rates. Crystalline and amorphous solubilities of two compounds, atazanavir and posaconazole, were evaluated in six different media. Concurrently, diffusive flux measurements were performed in a side-by-side diffusion cell to determine the activity-based supersaturation by evaluating membrane transport rates at the crystalline and amorphous solubilities. Solubility values were found to vary in each medium because of different solubilization capacities. Concentration-based supersaturation ratios were also found to vary for the different media. Activity-based measurements, however, were largely independent of the medium, leading to relatively constant values for the estimated supersaturation. These findings have important consequences for modeling and prediction of supersaturation impact on the absorption rate as well as for better defining the thermodynamic driving force for crystallization in complex media.

Formulation and Characterization of Novel Dry Suspension and Dry Emulsion of 20(S)-Protopanaxadiol

To improve the absorption of poorly water-soluble 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), novel 20(S)-PPD-loaded redispersible dry suspension and dry emulsion were developed in this study. 20(S)-PPD dry suspension (PPD-DS) was prepared by enabling drug fully dispersed with suspending agent Avicel CL611 and solubilizer Poloxamer 188. 20(S)-PPD dry emulsion (PPD-DE) was prepared by employing oleic acid as oil phase, Cremophor RH-40 as surfactant, and n-butyl alcohol as co-surfactant. Both PPD-DS and PPD-DE were evaluated for their physicochemical characterization after being dispersed in distilled water. The in vivo pharmacokinetics was evaluated by UPLC-MS/MS. The droplet size of PPD-DS and PPD-DE was in the scope of 1446-1653 nm and 652.8-784.5 nm. The sedimentation volume ratios of PPD-DS and PPD-DE were both at value of 1. The zeta potential of PPD-DS and PPD-DE were from - 53.7 to - 70.4 mV and - 27.5 to - 34.5 mV, respectively, which indicated stable systems. PPD-DS and PPD-DE both achieved dramatically enhanced aqueous solubility and higher perfusion of 20(S)-PPD in rats' intestine. Although statistically, no oral bioavailability enhancements of 20(S)-PPD were achieved in PPD-DE and PPD-DS, there were some improvements in the pharmacokinetic behaviors. Especially, PPD-DS could be a promising drug delivery carrier for 20(S)-PPD with the advantages of long-term stability, dosing flexibility, and the convenience of administering to infants and to those who have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules.

Inhibiting or Accelerating Crystallization of Pharmaceuticals by Manipulating Polymer Solubility

Polymers play a central role in controlling the crystallization of pharmaceuticals with effects as divergent as amorphous form stabilization and the acceleration of crystallization. Here, using pyrazinamide and hydrochlorothiazide as model pharmaceuticals, it is demonstrated that the same functional group interactions are responsible for these opposing behaviors and that whether a polymer speeds or slows a crystallization can be controlled by polymer solubility. This concept is applied for the discovery of polymers to maintain drug supersaturation in solution: the strength of functional group interactions between drug and polymer is assessed through polymer-induced heteronucleation, and soluble polymers containing the strongest-interacting functional groups with drug are shown to succeed as precipitation inhibitors.

In vitro digestion models to evaluate lipid based drug delivery systems; present status and current trends

During the past two decades, a range of in vitro models simulating the digestion processes occurring in the stomach and small intestine have been developed to characterize lipid based drug delivery systems (LbDDSs). This review describes the presently existing range of in vitro digestion models and their use in the field of oral drug delivery. The models are evaluated in terms of their suitability to assess LbDDSs, and their ability to produce in vitro - in vivo correlations (IVIVCs). While the pH-stat lipolysis model is by far the most commonly utilized in vitro digestion model in relation to characterizing LbDDSs, a series of recent studies have shown a lack of IVIVCs limiting its future use. Presently, no single in vitro digestion model exists which is able to predict the in vivo performance of various LbDDSs. However, recent research has shown the potential of combined digestion-permeation models as well as species specific digestion models.

Self-emulsifying drug delivery system: Mucus permeation and innovative quantification technologies

Mucus is a dynamic barrier which covers and protects the underlying mucosal epithelial membrane against bacteria and foreign particles. This protection mechanism extends to include therapeutic macromolecules and nanoparticles (NPs) through trapping of these particles. Mucus is not only a physical barrier that limiting particles movements based on their sizes but it selectively binds with particles through both hydrophilic and lipophilic interactions. Therefore, nano-carriers for mucosal delivery should be designed to eliminate entrapment by the mucus barrier. For this reason, different strategies have been approached for both solid nano-carriers and liquid core nano-carriers to synthesise muco-diffusive nano-carrier. Among these nano-strategies, Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SEDDS) was recognised as very promising nano-carrier for mucus delivery. The system was introduced to enhance the dissolution and bioavailability of orally administered insoluble drugs. SEDDS has shown high stability against intestinal enzymatic activity and more importantly, relatively rapid permeation characteristics across mucus barrier. The high diffusivity of SEDDS has been tested using various in vitro measurement techniques including both bulk and individual measurement of droplets diffusion within mucus. The selection and processing of an optimum in vitro technique is of great importance to avoid misinterpretation of the diffusivity of SEDDS through mucus barrier. In conclusion, SEDDS is a system with high capacity to diffuse through intestinal mucus even though this system has not been studied to the same extent as solid nano-carriers.

Using Potentiometric Free Drug Sensors to Determine the Free Concentration of Ionizable Drugs in Colloidal Systems

The present study investigates the use of free drug sensors (FDS) to measure free ionized drug concentrations in colloidal systems, including micellar solutions, emulsions, and lipid formulations during in vitro lipolysis. Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) and loperamide hydrochloride (LOP) were selected as model drugs. Self-diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance studies were performed and confirmed the entrapment of drugs in micelles in Brij 35 and sodium taurodeoxycholate (TDC)/phosphatidylcholine (PC) micellar solutions. The FDS measurements indicated that with a constant level of drug, the percentage of free DPH and LOP decreased from 84% to 57% and from 51% to 18%, respectively, as the concentration of Brij 35 was increased from 4.7 to 22 mM; and from 99% to 46% and from 100% to 21%, respectively, as the concentration of TDC/PC was increased from 0.49/0.04 to 8.85/0.78 mM. During the in vitro lipolysis of a lipid formulation, free drug concentration decreased with lipolysis time. The percentage of free DPH was higher than for LOP in the same colloidal system because DPH is less lipophilic than LOP. The study showed that FDS can be used to monitor the free drug concentration in colloidal systems with fast response, no sample treatment and simple data analysis.

The solubility-permeability interplay and oral drug formulation design: Two heads are better than one

Poor aqueous solubility is a major challenge in today's biopharmaceutics. While solubility-enabling formulations can significantly increase the apparent solubility of the drug, the concomitant effect on the drug's apparent permeability has been largely overlooked. The mathematical equation to describe the membrane permeability of a drug comprises the membrane/aqueous partition coefficient, which in turn is dependent on the drug's apparent solubility in the GI milieu, suggesting that the solubility and the permeability are closely related, exhibit a certain interplay between them, and treating the one irrespectively of the other may be insufficient. In this article, an overview of this solubility-permeability interplay is provided, and the available data is analyzed in the context of the effort to maximize the overall drug exposure. Overall, depending on the type of solubility-permeability interplay, the permeability may decrease, remain unchanged, and even increase, in a way that may critically affect the formulation capability to improve the overall absorption. Therefore, an intelligent design of solubility-enabling formulation needs to consider both the solubility afforded by the formulation and the permeability in the new luminal environment resulting from the formulation.

50years of oral lipid-based formulations: Provenance, progress and future perspectives

Lipid based formulations (LBF) provide well proven opportunities to enhance the oral absorption of drugs and drug candidates that sit close to, or beyond, the boundaries of Lipinski's 'rule-of-five' chemical space. Advantages in permeability, efflux and presystemic metabolism are evident; however, the primary benefit is in increases in dissolution and apparent intestinal solubility for lipophilic, poorly water soluble drugs. This review firstly details the inherent advantages of LBF, their general properties and classification, and provides a brief retrospective assessment of the development of LBF over the past fifty years. More detailed analysis of the ability of LBF to promote intestinal solubilisation, supersaturation and absorption is then provided alongside review of the methods employed to assess formulation performance. Critical review of the ability of simple dispersion and more complex in vitro digestion methods to predict formulation performance subsequently reveals marked differences in the correlative ability of in vitro tests, depending on the properties of the drug involved. Notably, for highly permeable low melting drugs e.g. fenofibrate, LBF appear to provide significant benefit in all cases, and sustained ongoing solubilisation may not be required. In other cases, and particularly for higher melting point drugs such as danazol, where re-dissolution of crystalline precipitate drug is likely to be slow, correlations with ongoing solubilisation and supersaturation are more evident. In spite of their potential benefits, one limitation to broader use of LBF is low drug solubility in the excipients employed to generate formulations. Techniques to increase drug lipophilicity and lipid solubility are therefore explored, and in particular those methods that provide for temporary enhancement including lipophilic ionic liquid and prodrug technologies. The transient nature of these lipophilicity increases enhances lipid solubility and LBF viability, but precludes enduring effects on receptor promiscuity and off target toxicity. Finally, recent efforts to generate solid LBF are briefly described as a means to circumvent the need to encapsulate in soft or hard gelatin capsules, although the latter remain popular with consumers and a proven means of LBF delivery.

Physical chemistry of supersaturated solutions and implications for oral absorption

Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulations are widely used for delivery of poorly soluble drugs for dissolution enhancement and bioavailability improvement. When administered, ASDs often exhibit fast dissolution to yield supersaturated solutions. The physical chemistry of these supersaturated solutions is not well understood. This review will discuss the concepts of solubility, supersaturation, and the connection to membrane transport rate. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), which occurs when the amorphous solubility is exceeded, leading to solutions with interesting properties is extensively discussed as a phenomenon that is relevant to all enabling formulations. The multiple physical processes occurring during dissolution of the ASD and during oral absorption are analyzed. The beneficial reservoir effect of a system that has undergone LLPS is demonstrated, both experimentally and conceptually. It is believed that formulations that rapidly supersaturate and subsequently undergo LLPS, with maintenance of the supersaturation at this maximum value throughout the absorption process, i.e. those that exhibit "spring and plateau" behavior, will give superior performance in terms of absorption.

UFLC method development and validation of a novel triethylamine containing thiophene S006-830 - an antitubercular molecule and its application to pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies in SD rats

A sensitive and selective ultra fast liquid chromatography (UFLC) method has been developed and validated for the determination of a potent and novel antitubercular compound S006-830 in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat plasma. Samples were extracted and processed by protein precipitation method using acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Phenomenex, Luna C-18 column (3μm, 100mm x 2mm i.d.) under isocratic condition. Detection was performed on UFLC-NEXERA system (LC-30AD, Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) with a degasser (DGU-20A), auto-injector (SIL-30AC), fixed with a 100-μL loop. Method was found sensitive and reproducible over a linearity range of 15.6-2000 ng/mL. Recovery of S006-830 and internal standard was found >90% for spiked matrix control and standard quality control plasma samples. This validated method was successfully applied to generate pharmacokinetic profile of S006-830 in SD rats. Oral dose proportionality studies were conducted at 100, 50, 25 mg/Kg dose levels, while an IV study was conducted at 25 mg/Kg dose. There was dose dependent increase in AUC and Cmax indicating S006-830 to exhibit linear pharmacokinetics. S006-830 exhibited favorable bioavailability in the range of 45-55%.

In situ perfusion in rodents to explore intestinal drug absorption: challenges and opportunities

The in situ intestinal perfusion technique in rodents is a very important absorption model, not only because of its predictive value, but it is also very suitable to unravel the mechanisms underlying intestinal drug absorption. This literature overview covers a number of specific applications for which the in situ intestinal perfusion set-up can be applied in favor of established in vitro absorption tools, such as the Caco-2 cell model. Qualities including the expression of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes relevant for human intestinal absorption and compatibility with complex solvent systems render the in situ technique the most designated absorption model to perform transporter-metabolism studies or to evaluate the intestinal absorption from biorelevant media. Over the years, the in situ intestinal perfusion model has exhibited an exceptional ability to adapt to the latest challenges in drug absorption profiling. For instance, the introduction of the mesenteric vein cannulation allows determining the appearance of compounds in the blood and is of great use, especially when evaluating the absorption of compounds undergoing intestinal metabolism. Moreover, the use of the closed loop intestinal perfusion set-up is interesting when compounds or perfusion media are scarce. Compatibility with emerging trends in pharmaceutical profiling, such as the use of knockout or transgenic animals, generates unparalleled possibilities to gain mechanistic insight into specific absorption processes. Notwithstanding the fact that the in situ experiments are technically challenging and relatively time-consuming, the model offers great opportunities to gain insight into the processes determining intestinal drug absorption.

Development and optimization of self microemulsifying drug delivery of domperidone

The present investigation is aimed to develop self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) to improve the in vitro dissolution of a BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) class II anti emetic agent, domperidone. Solubility study was performed to identify the ingredients showing highest solubility of domperidone. The ternary phase diagrams were plotted for selected components to identify the area of microemulsion existence. D-optimal mixture experimental design was applied to optimize a liquid SMEDDS using formulation variables; the oil phase X1 (Oleic acid), the surfactant X2 (Labrasol) and the co-surfactant X3 (Transcutol HP). The liquid SMEDDS were evaluated for droplet size, emulsification time, % transmittance and drug release. Stability study was performed at 40 °C/75% RH. Liquid formulation was solidified by adsorption on carrier Aerosil 300. Solid SMEDDS was evaluated and compared with liquid SMEDDS and marketed formulation. Oleic acid was selected as oil, Labrasol as surfactant and Transcutol HP as co-surfactant for formulation of SMEDDS. The optimized batch showed best results in terms of smaller droplet size (<170 nm), emulsification time (<40 s) and drug release (>85% in 15 min) and was stable for 3 months. Solid SMEDDS containing Aerosil 300 showed good flow properties and uniform drug content. XRPD study revealed that the crystalline drug was converted to amorphous form in solid SMEDDS. The rate and extent of drug dissolution from solid SMEDDS was significantly higher than pure drug and commercial tablet formulation. The results demonstrate the potential of SMEDDS as a means of improving solubility, dissolution and hence the bioavailability.

Oral bioavailability of ketoprofen in suspension and solution formulations in rats: the influence of poloxamer 188

Objectives

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of poloxamer 188 (P-188) on the bioavailability of the BCS class 2 drug ketoprofen in vivo.

Methods

Aqueous suspension and solution formulations of ketoprofen with and without P-188 were orally administered to fasted male Wistar rats. The intrinsic dissolution rate and solubility of ketoprofen in simulated intestinal fluid, in both the presence and absence of P-188, was measured.

Key findings

The AUC and Cmax were found to be significantly enhanced when ketoprofen was administered as suspension and P-188 was present in the formulation (Susp P-188) as compared to the surfactant-free formulation (∼4-fold higher AUC, 7-fold higher Cmax). While drug solubility appeared to be almost unaffected by P-188, a significantly faster dissolution was observed. In addition, the influence of P-188 on the drug absorption process was investigated by comparison of solution formulations with and without P-188.

Conclusions

The in-vivo performance of these solutions, a pure buffer solution and a P-188-containing buffer solution showed no significant difference, suggesting that the increase in bioavailability for Susp P-188 was primarily a consequence of the dissolution rate-enhancing effect.

The solubility-permeability interplay and its implications in formulation design and development for poorly soluble drugs

While each of the two key parameters of oral drug absorption, the solubility and the permeability, has been comprehensively studied separately, the relationship and interplay between the two have been largely ignored. For instance, when formulating a low-solubility drug using various solubilization techniques: what are we doing to the apparent permeability when we increase the solubility? Permeability is equal to the drug's diffusion coefficient through the membrane times the membrane/aqueous partition coefficient divided by the membrane thickness. The direct correlation between the intestinal permeability and the membrane/aqueous partitioning, which in turn is dependent on the drug's apparent solubility in the GI milieu, suggests that the solubility and the permeability are closely associated, exhibiting a certain interplay between them, and the current view of treating the one irrespectively of the other may not be sufficient. In this paper, we describe the research that has been done thus far, and present new data, to shed light on this solubility-permeability interplay. It has been shown that decreased apparent permeability accompanies the solubility increase when using different solubilization methods. Overall, the weight of the evidence indicates that the solubility-permeability interplay cannot be ignored when using solubility-enabling formulations; looking solely at the solubility enhancement that the formulation enables may be misleading with regards to predicting the resulting absorption, and hence, the solubility-permeability interplay must be taken into account to strike the optimal solubility-permeability balance, in order to maximize the overall absorption.

Improved oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble indirubin by a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system

BACKGROUND

Indirubin, isolated from the leaves of the Chinese herb Isatis tinctoria L, is a protein kinase inhibitor and promising antitumor agent. However, the poor water solubility of indirubin has limited its application. In this study, a supersaturatable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) was developed to improve the oral bioavailability of indirubin.

METHODS

A prototype S-SMEDDS was designed using solubility studies and phase diagram construction. Precipitation inhibitors were selected from hydrophilic polymers according to their crystallization-inhibiting capacity through in vitro precipitation tests. In vitro release of indirubin from S-SMEDDS was examined to investigate its likely release behavior in vivo. The in vivo bioavailability of indirubin from S-SMEDDS and from SMEDDS was compared in rats.

RESULTS

The prototype formulation of S-SMEDDS comprised Maisine™ 35-1:Cremophor(®) EL:Transcutol(®) P (15:40:45, w/w/w). Polyvinylpyrrolidone K17, a hydrophilic polymer, was used as a precipitation inhibitor based on its better crystallization-inhibiting capacity compared with polyethylene glycol 4000 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. In vitro release analysis showed more rapid drug release from S-SMEDDS than from SMEDDS. In vivo bioavailability analysis in rats indicated that improved oral absorption was achieved and that the relative bioavailability of S-SMEDDS was 129.5% compared with SMEDDS.

CONCLUSION

The novel S-SMEDDS developed in this study increased the dissolution rate and improved the oral bioavailability of indirubin in rats. The results suggest that S-SMEDDS is a superior means of oral delivery of indirubin.

In-vitro permeability of poorly water soluble drugs in the phospholipid vesicle-based permeation assay: the influence of nonionic surfactants

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of nonionic surfactants on drug permeability using the phospholipid vesicle-based permeation assay (PVPA), which excludes other than trans-membrane diffusion pathways.

Methods

Barrier integrity was monitored both by electrical resistance and permeability measurement of the hydrophilic marker calcein. Permeability of the model drugs ketoprofen and nadolol across the PVPA-barrier was measured by HPLC-UV. Micelle association of the model drugs was determined using ultrafiltration, whereby micelle-bound drug and molecular drug were separated.

Key findings

The nonionic surfactant poloxamer 188 was demonstrated not to affect barrier integrity. Drug permeability was found depressed in the presence of poloxamer 188 in a concentration-dependent manner. Both drugs were found to associate with poloxamer 188 micelles. The extent of the decrease in permeability correlated mostly, but not in all cases, with the fraction of micelle-bound drug.

Conclusions

Micelle association was one important but not the only factor affecting drug permeability across the PVPA-barrier.

Effects of polysorbate 80 on the in-vitro precipitation and oral bioavailability of halofantrine from polyethylene glycol 400 formulations in rats

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of formulations of polysorbate 80 (PS 80) and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) on the precipitation and oral bioavailability of the hydrophobic drug halofantrine.

Methods

The in-vitro dilution profile of the formulations was evaluated in phosphate buffer and in simulated intestinal fluids using a standard dissolution apparatus. The pharmacokinetic profile of the formulations was investigated in fasted rats at two dose levels, 5 and 17.5 mg/kg, with blood sampling by vein puncture in the tail.

Key findings

The solubility of halofantrine was found to be highest in PS 80, and in co-mixtures there was a correlation with the content of PS 80. The in-vitro dilution profile revealed precipitation of halofantrine when dissolved in pure PEG 400, although the precipitation was smaller in the simulated intestinal fluid. Addition of 25% PS 80 to the PEG 400 significantly decreased precipitation. The animals dosed with the PEG 400 formulation had significant lower bioavailability than the PS 80–PEG 400 co-mixtures, possibly due to halofantrine precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Conclusions

Addition of PS80 to the formulation increased the bioavailability of halofantrine and the more compound, the more PS80 was needed to prevent precipitation.

Permeability assessment of poorly water‐soluble compounds under solubilizing conditions: The reciprocal permeability approach

The objective of this study was to develop a general method to assess the intestinal permeability of poorly water-soluble drugs where low-aqueous drug solubility requires conduct of experiments under solubilizing experimental conditions. The permeability (Papp) of diazepam (DIA) was assessed across excised rat jejunum in the absence (Pappcontrol) and presence (Pappuncorr) of polysorbate-80 (PS-80). The micellar association constant (Ka) of DIA, estimated via equilibrium solubility studies, was used to correct Pappuncorr data and obtain an estimate of the true permeability coefficient (Pappcorr). An alternate approach was also developed (the reciprocal permeability approach) to allow direct estimation of Pappcorr without the need for independent estimation of Ka. The approach was further examined experimentally using a range of model drugs. DIA Pappcorr values obtained using the Ka from equilibrium solubility studies deviated from Papp(control) values, especially at PS-80 concentrations above 0.1% w/v. In contrast, data obtained using the reciprocal permeability method were consistent with Pappcontrol across the PS-80 concentration range. Similar trends were observed with propranolol (PRO), antipyrine (ANT), naproxen (NAP), and cinnarizine (CIN). The reciprocal permeability approach therefore provides a simple and accurate method by which the permeability of poorly water-soluble compounds may be estimated under solubilizing conditions.

Canine Intestinal Contents vs. Simulated Media for the Assessment of Solubility of Two Weak Bases in the Human Small Intestinal Contents

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to assess the relative usefulness of canine intestinal contents and simulated media in the prediction of solubility of two weak bases (dipyridamole and ketoconazole) in fasted and fed human intestinal aspirates that were collected under conditions simulating those in bioavailability/bioequivalence studies.

METHODS

After administration of 250 mL of water or 500 mL of Ensure plus [both containing 10 mg/mL polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 as nonabsorbable marker], intestinal aspirates were collected from the fourth part of the duodenum of 12 healthy adults and from the mid-jejunum of four Labradors. Pooled samples were analyzed for PEG, pH, buffer capacity, osmolality, surface tension, pepsin, total carbohydrates, total protein content, bile salts, phospholipids, and neutral lipids. The shake-flask method was used to measure the solubility of dipyridamole and ketoconazole in pooled human and canine intestinal contents and in fasted-state-simulating intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) and fed-state-simulating intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) containing various bile salts and pH-buffering agents.

RESULTS

For both compounds, solubility in canine contents may be predictive of human intralumenal solubility in the fasting state but not in the fed state. The poor agreement of results in canine and human aspirates can be attributed to the higher bile salt content in canine bile. Solubility in FaSSIF containing a mixture of bile salts from crude bile predicted satisfactorily the intralumenal solubility of both drugs in the fasted state in humans. Solubility in FeSSIF, regardless of the identity of bile salts or of the buffering species, deviated from intralumenal values in the fed human aspirates by up to 40%. This was attributed to the lack of lipolytic products in FeSSIF, the higher bile salt content of FeSSIF, and the lower pH of FeSSIF.

CONCLUSIONS

FaSSIF containing a mixture of bile salts from crude bile, and FeSSIF containing lipolytic products and, perhaps, having lower bile salt content but slightly higher pH, should be more useful than canine intestinal aspirates for predicting intralumenal solubilities in humans.

Biowaiver monographs for immediate release solid oral dosage forms: Acetaminophen (paracetamol)

Literature data are reviewed on the properties of acetaminophen (paracetamol) related to the biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS). According to the current BCS criteria, acetaminophen is BCS Class III compound. Differences in composition seldom, if ever, have an effect on the extent of absorption. However, some studies show differences in rate of absorption between brands and formulations. In particular, sodium bicarbonate, present in some drug products, was reported to give an increase in the rate of absorption, probably caused by an effect on gastric emptying. In view of Marketing Authorizations (MAs) given in a number of countries to acetaminophen drug products with rapid onset of action, it is concluded that differences in rate of absorption were considered therapeutically not relevant by the Health Authorities. Moreover, in view of its therapeutic use, its wide therapeutic index and its uncomplicated pharmacokinetic properties, in vitro dissolution data collected according to the relevant Guidances can be safely used for declaring bioequivalence (BE) of two acetaminophen formulations. Therefore, accepting a biowaiver for immediate release (IR) acetaminophen solid oral drug products is considered scientifically justified, if the test product contains only those excipients reported in this paper in their usual amounts and the test product is rapidly dissolving, as well as the test product fulfils the criterion of similarity of dissolution profiles to the reference product.

Development of supersaturatable self-emulsifying drug delivery system formulations for improving the oral absorption of poorly soluble drugs

The supersaturatable self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) represents a new thermodynamically stable formulation approach wherein it is designed to contain a reduced amount of a surfactant and a water-soluble cellulosic polymer (or other polymers) to prevent precipitation of the drug by generating and maintaining a supersaturated state in vivo. The S-SEDDS formulations can result in enhanced oral absorption as compared with the related self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) formulation and the reduced surfactant levels may minimise gastrointestinal surfactant side effects.

Surfactant-mediated dissolution: Contributions of solubility enhancement and relatively low micelle diffusivity

The objective of this study was to assess the contributions of surfactant-mediated solubility and micellar diffusivity on the ability of surfactant to enhance drug dissolution. The following model was derived to predict the degree to which surfactants enhance griseofulvin dissolution: phi = 1 + (fm/ff).((D(D-M)2/3)/(DD2/3)) where phi is the degree of surfactant-mediated dissolution enhancement, fm is the fraction of the drug in micelle, and ff is the fraction of free drug, and DD and D(D-M) are the diffusivities of free drug and drug-loaded micelles, respectively. The Wood apparatus was used to measure the dissolution of griseofluvin in the presence of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the cationic surfactant cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and the neutral surfactants Tween 80 and Cremophor EL. DD was estimated using the Levich equation. D(D-M) was measured using dynamic light scattering. Griseofulvin solubility was evaluated in SDS, CTAB, Tween 80, and Cremophor EL at the surfactant concentrations used in the dissolution studies. DD was 11.0 x 10(-6) cm2/s. D(D-M) was 1.29 x 10(-6) cm2/s, 0.956 x 10(-6) cm2/s, 0.569 x 10(-6) cm2/s, and 0.404 x 10(-6) cm2/s for griseofulvin-loaded micelles of SDS, CTAB, Tween 80, and Cremophor EL, respectively. At the highest surfactant concentrations studied, griseofulvin solubility increased 107-fold, 31-fold, fourfold, and threefold for SDS, CTAB, Tween 80, and Cremophor EL. Dissolution into SDS and CTAB were markedly enhanced, but only about one-third as much as solubility enhancement. Dissolution enhancement in the presence of SDS and CTAB were in excellent agreement with model predicted values, with prediction error less than 12%. The model predicted dissolution into Tween 80 and Cremophor EL to be minimally enhanced, as was observed, although the model underpredicted dissolution into these two neutral surfactants. The derived model predicted surfactant-mediated dissolution and reflects dissolution enhancement to be promoted by surfactant-enhanced solubility, but limited by the relatively slow diffusion of drug-loaded surfactant micelles.

Dissolution media simulating the intralumenal composition of the small intestine: physiological issues and practical aspects

The objective of this study was to test various aspects of dissolution media simulating the intralumenal composition of the small intestine, including the suitability of the osmolality-adjusting agents and of the buffers, the substitution of crude sodium taurocholate (from ox bile) for pure sodium taurocholate and the substitution of partially hydrolysed soybean phosphatidylcholine for egg phosphatidylcholine. It was concluded that biorelevant media should contain sodium as the major cation species to better reflect the physiology. However, the use of non-physiologically relevant buffers is inevitable, especially for simulation of the fed state in the small intestine. The buffers used may affect the solubility product of weakly basic compounds with pK(a)(s) higher than about 5, the solubility of extremely highly lipophilic compounds due to salting in/out properties of the anion of the buffer and the stability of the dissolving compound. It is prudent in relevant situations to run an additional dissolution test in a modified fed state simulated intestinal fluid (FeSSIF) (or fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF), where applicable) containing alternative buffer species. Although a mixture of bile salts is physiologically more relevant than pure sodium taurocholate, this issue seems to be of practical importance in only a few cases. Adequate simulations in these cases will probably require the use of a number of pure substances and could substantially increase the cost of the test. Finally, unless the drug is extremely lipophilic (ca. logP> 5), egg phosphatidylcholine can be substituted by partially hydrolysed soybean phosphatidylcholine.