Physicochemical stability of bortezomib solutions for subcutaneous administration

For the majority of cytotoxic drug preparations, such as bortezomib, the unit dose information is not available. In addition, there is a lack of information on the physicochemical stability of the pharmaceutical preparation after opening; this information is crucial for its administration to patients in successive visits, and the per-patient cost can be affected. The purpose of our proposed physicochemical stability study is to determine the shelf life of the reconstituted liquid product under refrigeration and clinical practice conditions. This evaluation was extended to both vials and ready-to-use syringes prefilled with the contents of the open vial. The stability test design includes the specified storage conditions and the critical physicochemical parameters of reconstituted injectable bortezomib. Furthermore, this approach includes the determination of impurities, the monitoring of the purity of the mean peak using a photodiode array, the control of the mass balance, the monitoring of subvisible particles using a laser diffraction analyser, and the setting of stability specifications. For the chemical stability study, the amount of bortezomib and its degradation products were determined using a stability-indicating HPLC method. The physical inspection of the samples was performed throughout the stability study, and their pH values were also monitored. Bortezomib (2.5 mg/mL) in 0.9% sodium chloride remained stable for 7 days when stored in both polypropylene syringes and vials at 5 ± 3 °C (refrigeration) and shielded from light. Additionally, it exhibits stability for 24 h under storage conditions simulating clinical use (20-30 °C and protected from light). The proposed protocol provides the stability in the vials once reconstituted and in prefilled refrigerated syringes; this protocol can be used to reduce waste and increase cost savings.

In-use stability of ready-to-administer daratumumab subcutaneous injection solution in plastic syringes

OBJECTIVE

In multiple myeloma patients, daratumumab is preferably injected subcutaneously. The summary of product characteristics of daratumumab subcutaneous injection solution specifies physicochemical stability for the prepared syringe for 24 hours at 2-8°C protected from light, and another 12 hours at room temperature (15-25°C) in ambient light conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the in-use stability of ready-to-administer daratumumab subcutaneous injection solution in different types of syringe and different conditions over a 28-day period.

METHODS

Daratumumab subcutaneous (DARZALEX 1800 mg) injection solution was withdrawn into disposable three-piece Luer-Lock syringes (20 mL, 50 mL), capped, and stored light protected at 2-8°C or at room temperature (22±2°C) over a maximum period of 28 days. Samples were taken immediately after preparation (day 0) and after 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Physicochemical stability was determined by ion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (IE-HPLC) and size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) with ultraviolet detection, pH measurement and visual inspection for particles or colour changes.

RESULTS

In the IE-HPLC assay, peak areas and peak-to-peak area ratios remained unchanged over the whole study period, and showed no additional peaks of degraded daratumumab charge variants. In the SE-HPLC assay, neither a formation of aggregates nor of fragments was detected. Daratumumab monomer concentrations exceeded 95% of the initially measured concentrations over the entire test period. pH values remained constant. Test solutions remained clear, and no colour changes or visible particles were detected. All results were independent of storage conditions.

CONCLUSION

Daratumumab subcutaneous injection solution proved to be physicochemically stable in capped three-piece plastic syringes for at least 28 days when stored light protected at 2-8°C or at room temperature (22±2°C). For microbiological reasons aseptic preparation and refrigerated storage are recommended. In-use stability of ready-to-administer daratumumab subcutaneous syringes prepared under appropriate aseptic conditions is given for 28 days.

Evaluation of 30-days stability of morphine hydrochloride and clonidine at high and low concentrations in polypropylene syringes

OBJECTIVES

Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenoreceptor agonist and is frequently combined with opioids (ie, morphine hydrochloride (HCl)) for the management of chronic pain. In palliative care, the administration of clonidine and morphine HCl is recommended in case of tolerance effect. This study aimed to evaluate the physical and chemical stability of this admixture at high and low concentrations in 14 and 48 mL polypropylene syringes.

METHODS

The stability of a low concentration admixture of clonidine (Catapressan 0.15 mg/mL, Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany) and morphine (morphine HCl 40 mg/mL, Sterop, Belgium) at 0.003 and 0.417 mg/mL, respectively, was evaluated by using five polypropylene syringes of 48 mL. The high concentration admixture consisted of 0.032 mg/mL clonidine and 4.286 mg/mL morphine HCl and was evaluated by using five polypropylene syringes of 14 mL. All syringes were stored for 30 days at 5°C±3°C. Periodic samples were visually and microscopically examined to observe any particle appearance or colour change. pH and absorbance at three wavelengths (350, 410 and 550 nm) were monitored. The concentrations were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection.

RESULTS

During the 30 days, there was no change in colour or appearance of opacity, turbidity or precipitation, and pH remained stable. The low and high concentration admixtures were considered chemically stable since the lower limit of the 90% CI remained superior to 90% of the initial concentration. Concentration measurements showed that the degradation rate was less than 1% over 10 days for each component in both admixtures.

CONCLUSIONS

The admixture of clonidine and morphine HCl at low and high concentrations in polypropylene syringes appeared to be physically and chemically stable throughout the study period of 30 days at 5°C±3°C. In conclusion, the admixture can be prepared in advance under aseptic conditions by a centralised intravenous additive service in the pharmacy department.

Stability of pemetrexed disodium in sodium chloride 0.9% w/v intravenous Viaflo infusion bags

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the stability of pemetrexed disodium (Alimta), reconstituted in 100 mL sodium chloride 0.9% w/v intravenous infusion bags (Baxter Viaflo) at two target bag concentrations (2.0 and 13.5 mg/mL) during storage at 2-8°C for 28 days (protected from light), followed by 24 hours at 25±2°C with 60±5% relative humidity (RH) (protected from light). This study was commissioned by NHS England and NHS Improvement to generate data to aid shelf life extensions for aseptic products compounded in National Health Service (NHS) hospital aseptic facilities.

METHODS

A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed and validated to monitor pemetrexed concentration and related substance levels in accordance with NHS yellow cover document requirements. This assay and analysis of related substances was used alongside visual inspection, pH monitoring and sub-visible particle count analysis to monitor stability. The stability of three preparations of each concentration of pemetrexed disodium in Viaflo saline bags (0.9% w/v) was assessed at various time points.

RESULTS

Pemetrexed assay concentrations remained >97.0% of initial concentration at all points during the study (including the period at elevated temperature). Appearance remained consistent with the Summary of Product Characteristics, particle count data remained within the British Pharmacopoeia limits, and pH remained within 0.43 units of T=0 at all times. The increases in related substance levels during the study were found to be the limiting factor for shelf life assignment.

CONCLUSION

The data for appearance, pH, sub-visible particle count analysis and pemetrexed assay would support a shelf life of 28 days stored at 2-8°C (protected from light) followed by 24 hours at 25±2°C with 60±5% RH (protected from light). However, given the increase in related substance levels, a shelf life of 21 days stored at 2-8°C (protected from light) was deemed to be appropriate.

Longterm physicochemical stability of ready-to-administer human insulin injection solutions 1 I.U./mL in 50 mL plastic syringes

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical stability of ready-to-adminster human insulin (HI) 1 I.U./mL injection solutions of two different brand products diluted with 0.9% NaCl solution under different storage conditions either in 50 mL disposable plastic syringes or as bulk solution in infusion bags.

Methods

HI test solutions 1 I.U./mL were prepared with Huminsulin® Normal 100 and Actrapid® Penfill®, diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solution, and filled in Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes. Test solutions were stored for 90 days at 2–8 °C/dark or at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light. Bulk solutions 1 I.U./mL prepared with Huminsulin® Normal 100 were stored in two different 3 L infusion bags (Ecobag® click and ExactaMix® EVA bag) at 2–8 °C/dark for five days. HI concentrations were determined by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography at predefined time points. Beside regular visual inspection, subvisible particles and pH values were measured.

Results

Ready-to-adminster Huminsulin® Normal and Actrapid® Penfill® injection solutions 1 I.U./mL prepared in 50 mL Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes remained physicochemically stable for up to 90 days when stored at 2–8 °C/dark and for at least 14 days when kept at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light. Prefilled 3 L polyolefin infusion bags (Ecobag® click) are suitable for the preparation of Huminsulin® 1 I.U./mL bulk solutions. In ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) bags, HI concentrations decreased rapidly.

Conclusions

Ready-to-administer Huminsulin® Normal and Actrapid® Penfill® injection solutions 1 I.U./mL can be prepared in advance by dilution with 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solution and filled into 50 mL Original-Perfusor® syringes or BD® Perfusion syringes; subsequent storage at 2–8 °C/dark is possible for up to 90 days. For preparation of bulk solutions, the prefilled polyolefin infusion bag is appropriate.

Stability of voriconazole 10 mg/mL ophthalmic solution during 90 days

Objectives

Fungal keratitis is a rare but severe cause of infectious keratitis and can lead to blindness. To cure fungal keratitis, antifungal like voriconazole eye drops must be immediately administered. As no brand is available on the market, voriconazole ophthalmic solution is compounded in hospital pharmacies using voriconazole powder for intravenous infusion. The aims of our study were to both assess the physico-chemical and microbiological stability of eye drop solutions stored at +2 to 8 °C. Two different High-Density-Polyethylene (HDPE) eye drop dispensing containers were assessed, one with a sterility preserving cap Novelia®(Nemera) and the other without sterility preserving cap both provided by CAT laboratory. In addition microbiological quality was assessed during 15 days simulated patient use.

Methods

Multiple batches of voriconazole 10 mg/mL eye drops were prepared and stored at +2 to 8 °C to study their stability over 90 days. All analyses were performed in triplicate. Physical stability was determined, pH determination, osmolarity measurement, and a particle count test was also performed. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) stability indicating method was used to determine chemical stability of the ophthalmic solution over 90 days of storage. For microbiological stability, a sterility test was performed using closed membrane filtration method (Steritest®, Merck Millipore) at D0, D90 and D90+15 days after simulated administration of eye drops (D90+15).

Results

For both containers, no variation of visual aspect, pH, osmolality, particle count and final concentration were observed. No microbiological growth was observed after 90 days of storage. At the end of the simulated administration period (D+15), unconstant microbiological growth was only observed in HDPE vials without sterility preserving cap, whereas HDPE vials with a sterility preserving cap Novelia®(Nemera) remained sterile.

Conclusions

Voriconazole 10 mg/mL ophtalmic solution was stable during 90 days at +2 to 8 °C in lightproof HDPE vials without sterility preserving cap and HDPE vials with a sterility preserving cap Novelia®(Nemera). However, vials with classical cap which are not airtight systems, may microbiologically contaminated during patient’s use than vials with Novelia® cap thanks to their innovative valve system.

Physicochemical stability of human insulin 1 I.U./mL infusion solution in 50 mL polypropylene syringes

Objectives

The objective of this study was to investigate the physicochemical stability of human insulin 1 I.U./mL injection solutions (Insuman® Rapid) diluted with 0.9% NaCl solution in 50 mL disposable three-piece polypropylene syringes and stored refrigerated or at room temperature.

Methods

1 I.U./mL test solutions were prepared with Insuman® Rapid and 0.9% sodium chloride infusion solution in 50 mL Original-Perfusor® syringes and BD® Perfusion syringes. Test solutions were stored for 90 days at 2–8 °C/dark or 48 h at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light in order to determine chemical stability. Additional test solutions were stored 28 days at 2–8 °C/dark followed by 24 h at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light to measure pH and particle counts. Human insulin concentrations were analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography at predefined time points. Test solutions were regularly inspected; subvisible particles and pH values were measured.

Results

Insuman® Rapid 1 I.U./mL injection solutions, stored at 2–8 °C/dark for 90 days showed a decrease of insulin content over time, regardless of the syringe type used. When kept at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light for 48 h, a slight decrease of the HI concentration was observed in both syringe types. No evidence of colour change, relevant particle formation or major pH-change was observed throughout the observation period in any test solution.

Conclusions

Insuman® Rapid 1 I.U./mL injection solutions can be prepared by dilution with 0.9% NaCl infusion solution in disposable 50 mL three-piece polypropylene syringes as suitable primary containers. Physicochemical stability has been demonstrated for at least 21 days stored at 2–8 °C/dark followed by 48 h at 20–25 °C/diffuse room light.

Fifth DSRG symposium at CHU UCL Namur, 18/10/2019. “Centralization of injectables and robotization”

The physico-chemical stability of an injectable preparation (IV) is conditioned by different parameters. A collaboration between the pharmacy, the chemistry laboratory and the statisticians of the scientific support unit was established in 1996, in order to carry out long-term chemical stability studies of commonly used IVs and to be able to take charge of their preparation in pharmacy. In 24 years of activity, the Drug Stability Research Group (DSRG) tested 39 IV at different concentration and temperature of storage. The DSRG has organized an annual symposium since 2015. The theme of the 2019 edition was devoted to the robotization of injectable reconstitution operations, focused on their impact on the workplace and the existing equipment.

Stability of Ophthalmic Atropine Solutions for Child Myopia Control

Myopia is an ophthalmic condition affecting more than 1/5th of the world population, especially children. Low-dose atropine eyedrops have been shown to limit myopia evolution during treatment. However, there are currently no commercial industrial forms available and there is little data published concerning the stability of medications prepared by compounding pharmacies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of two 0.1 mg/mL atropine formulations (with and without antimicrobiobial preservatives) for 6 months in two different low-density polyethylene (LDPE) multidose eyedroppers. Analyses used were the following: visual inspection, turbidity, chromaticity measurements, osmolality and pH measurements, atropine quantification by a stability-indicating liquid chromatography method, breakdown product research, and sterility assay. In an in-use study, atropine quantification was also performed on the drops emitted from the multidose eyedroppers. All tested parameters remained stable during the 6 months period, with atropine concentrations above 94.7% of initial concentration. A breakdown product (tropic acid) did increase slowly over time but remained well below usually admitted concentrations. Atropine concentrations remained stable during the in-use study. Both formulations of 0.1 mg/mL of atropine (with and without antimicrobial preservative) were proved to be physicochemically stable for 6 months at 25 °C when stored in LDPE bottles, with an identical microbial shelf-life.