Preparation of multiparticulate systems for oral delivery of a micronized or nanosized poorly soluble drug

Formulation and Investigation of CK2 Inhibitor-Loaded Alginate Microbeads with Different Excipients

The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize CK2 inhibitor-loaded alginate microbeads via the polymerization method. Different excipients were used in the formulation to improve the penetration of an active agent and to stabilize our preparations. Transcutol® HP was added to the drug-sodium alginate mixture and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added to the hardening solution, alone and in combination. To characterize the formulations, mean particle size, scanning electron microscopy analysis, encapsulation efficiency, swelling behavior, an enzymatic stability test and an in vitro dissolution study were performed. The cell viability assay and permeability test were also carried out on the Caco-2 cell line. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the formulations were finally evaluated. The combination of Transcutol® HP and PVP in the formulation of sodium alginate microbeads could improve the stability, in vitro permeability, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the CK2 inhibitor.

Quality aspects in the development of pelletized dosage forms

The aim of this work was to identify and collate the major common challenges that arise during pellet development. These challenges focus on aspects right from raw material properties until the final drying process of the pelletization. The challenges associated with the particle size of drug and excipients, physicochemical properties, drug excipient interaction and the effect of type/grade and amount of raw material on the pellet properties are covered in this review. Technological and process related challenges within the commonly used pelletization techniques such as extrusion-spheronization, hot-melt extrusion and layering techniques are also emphasized. The paper likewise gives an insight to the possible ways of addressing the quality of pellets during development.

Approaches to developing fast release pellets via wet extrusion-spheronization

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is widely regarded as the excellent choice to manufacture pellets via wet extrusion-spheronisation (ES) process due to its excellent water uptake capability, water holding capacity, desirable rheological properties, cohesiveness and plasticity etc. Nevertheless, in spite of all these advantages, limitations associated with the application of MCC also have been reported. The most prevailing limitation is prolonged or incomplete drug release profile due to the lack of disintegration as pellet contracts significantly during the drying process, especially when in combination with poorly soluble drug at a high level. This characteristic limits the application of MCC in immediate release formulations. Over the years, many approaches have been tried to overcome this disadvantage, such as modifying MCC, incorporation of superdisintegrant, increasing the porosity of pellet, partial or complete substitution for MCC, enhancing the solubility of poorly soluble drug (e.g. solid dispersion, self-emulsifying drug-delivery system), etc. In this review, we will provide an updated and integrated discussion of current approaches to prepare fast release pellets via wet ES.