Comparison of Flow and Compression Properties of Four Lactose-Based Co-Processed Excipients: Cellactose® 80, CombiLac®, MicroceLac® 100, and StarLac®

Development and Characterization of Trihexyphenidyl Orodispersible Minitablets: A Challenge to Fill the Therapeutic Gap in Neuropediatrics

Background: Trihexyphenidyl (THP) has been widely used for over three decades as pediatric pharmacotherapy in patients affected by segmental and generalized dystonia. In order to achieve effective and safe pharmacotherapy for this population, new formulations are needed. Objective: The aim of this work is the development of trihexyphenidyl orodispersible minitablets (ODMTs) for pediatric use. Methods: Six different excipients were tested as diluents. The properties of powder mixtures were evaluated before direct compression and pharmacotechnical tests were performed on the final formulation. The determination of the API content, uniformity of dosage, and physicochemical stability studies were analyzed by an HPLC-UV method. Results: The developed ODMTs met pharmacopeia specifications for content, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution tests. The physicochemical stability study performed over 18 months shows that API content remains within 90.0-110.0% at least for this period. Conclusions: These ODMTs will allow efficient, safe, and high-quality pharmacotherapy.

Evaluation of the Potential of Novel Co-Processed Excipients to Enable Direct Compression and Modified Release of Ibuprofen

Background/Objectives: Improving the production rates of modern tablet presses places ever greater demands on the performance of excipients. Although co-processing has emerged as a promising solution, there is still a lack of directly compressible excipients for modified-release formulations. The aim of the present study was to address this issue by investigating the potential of novel co-processed excipients for the manufacture of modified-release tablets containing ibuprofen. Methods: The excipients were prepared by melt granulation of lactose monohydrate with glyceryl palmitostearate as a binder. The influence of glyceryl palmitostearate particle size, ibuprofen content, compression pressure, and compression speed on the compaction behavior of the tablet blends was analyzed. Results: Novel co-processed excipients ensured good flowability and acceptable mechanical properties of the tablets containing up to 70% ibuprofen. Furthermore, lipid-based co-processed excipients proved to be very promising for directly compressible formulations with high-dose, highly adhesive active pharmaceutical ingredients such as ibuprofen, as they do not require additional lubricants. The influence of compression speed on the tensile strength of the tablets prepared was not pronounced, indicating the robustness of these directly compressible excipients. The investigated lipid-based excipients enabled a prolonged release of ibuprofen over 10 h. Conclusions: The novel lipid-based co-processed excipients have shown great potential for directly compressible formulations with modified release of high-dose, challenging active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Comprehensive Analysis of Novel Synergistic Antioxidant Formulations: Insights into Pharmacotechnical, Physical, Chemical, and Antioxidant Properties

(1) Background: Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, highlighting the pressing need for effective antioxidant interventions. (2) Methods: In this study, we aimed to develop and characterise two novel antioxidant formulations, F3 and F4, as therapeutic interventions for oxidative stress-related conditions. (3) Results: The physicochemical characterisation, preformulation analysis, formulation, preparation of filling powders for capsules, capsule content evaluation, and antioxidant activity assessment of the two novel antioxidant formulations were assessed. These formulations comprise a combination of well-established antioxidants like quercetin, biotin, coenzyme Q10, and resveratrol. Through comprehensive testing, the formulations' antioxidant efficacy, stability, and potential synergistic interactions were evaluated. (4) Conclusions: The findings underscore the promising potential of these formulations as therapeutic interventions for oxidative stress-related disorders and highlight the significance of antioxidant interventions in mitigating their progression.

Lactose in tablets: Functionality, critical material attributes, applications, modifications and co-processed excipients

Lactose is one of the most widespread excipients used in the pharmaceutical industry. Because of its water solubility and acceptable flowability, lactose is generally added into tablet formulation to improve wettability and undesirable flowability. Based on Quality by Design, a better understanding of the critical material attributes (CMAs) of raw materials is beneficial in guiding the improvement of tablet quality and the development of lactose. Additionally, the modifications and co-processing of lactose can introduce more-desirable characteristics to the resulting particles. This review focuses on the functionality, CMAs, applications, modifications and co-processing of lactose in tablets.

Preparation and Evaluation of a Dosage Form for Individualized Administration of Lyophilized Probiotics

Probiotics have been used in human and veterinary medicine to increase resistance to pathogens and provide protection against external impacts for many years. Pathogens are often transmitted to humans through animal product consumption. Therefore, it is assumed that probiotics protecting animals may also protect the humans who consume them. Many tested strains of probiotic bacteria can be used for individualized therapy. The recently isolated Lactobacillus plantarum R2 Biocenol™ has proven to be preferential in aquaculture, and potential benefits in humans are expected. A simple oral dosage form should be developed to test this hypothesis by a suitable preparation method, i.e., lyophilization, allowing the bacteria to survive longer. Lyophilizates were formed from silicates (Neusilin® NS2N; US2), cellulose derivates (Avicel® PH-101), and saccharides (inulin; saccharose; modified starch® 1500). They were evaluated for their physicochemical properties (pH leachate, moisture content, water absorption, wetting time, DSC tests, densities, and flow properties); their bacterial viability was determined in conditions including relevant studies over 6 months at 4 °C and scanned under an electron microscope. Lyophilizate composed of Neusilin® NS2N and saccharose appeared to be the most advantageous in terms of viability without any significant decrease. Its physicochemical properties are also suitable for capsule encapsulation, subsequent clinical evaluation, and individualized therapy.

Modulation of the Gal-9/TIM-3 Immune Checkpoint with α-Lactose. Does Anomery of Lactose Matter?

Simple Summary

The disaccharide lactose is a common excipient in pharmaceutical products. In addition, the two anomers α- and β-lactose can exert immuno-modulatory effects. α-Lactose functions as a major regulator of the T-cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 (Gal-9) immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of TIM-3 with monoclonal antibodies or small molecules represents a promising approach to combat onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes, and acute myeloid leukemia. Alternatively, the activity of the checkpoint can be modulated via targeting of Gal-9 with both α- and β-lactose. In fact, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. This review discusses the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. The immuno-regulatory roles of lactose and Gal-9 are highlighted.

Abstract

The disaccharide lactose is an excipient commonly used in pharmaceutical products. The two anomers, α- and β-lactose (α-L/β-L), differ by the orientation of the C-1 hydroxyl group on the glucose unit. In aqueous solution, a mutarotation process leads to an equilibrium of about 40% α-L and 60% β-L at room temperature. Beyond a pharmaceutical excipient in solid products, α-L has immuno-modulatory effects and functions as a major regulator of TIM-3/Gal-9 immune checkpoint, through direct binding to the β-galactoside-binding lectin galectin-9. The blockade of the co-inhibitory checkpoint TIM-3 expressed on T cells with anti-TIM-3 antibodies represents a promising approach to combat different onco-hematological diseases, in particular myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In parallel, the discovery and development of anti-TIM-3 small molecule ligands is emerging, including peptides, RNA aptamers and a few specifically designed heterocyclic molecules. An alternative option consists of targeting the different ligands of TIM-3, notably Gal-9 recognized by α-lactose. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint can be achieved with both α- and β-lactose. Moreover, lactose is a quasi-pan-galectin ligand, capable of modulating the functions of most of the 16 galectin molecules. The present review provides a complete analysis of the pharmaceutical and galectin-related biological functions of (α/β)-lactose. A focus is made on the capacity of lactose and Gal-9 to modulate both the TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoints in oncology. Modulation of the TIM-3/Gal-9 checkpoint is a promising approach for the treatment of cancers and the role of lactose in this context is discussed. The review highlights the immuno-regulatory functions of lactose, and the benefit of the molecule well beyond its use as a pharmaceutical excipient.

Compressional Physics of Binary Mixture of Dried Andrographis paniculata and Moringa oleifera Leaves

Traditionally, the leafy part of Andrographis paniculata and Moringa oleifera have been widely reported to manage hypertension. Investigation of its pharmacological actions justifies its use. As part of formulation studies to standardize them, this study focused on their compaction and compression properties. Compacts equivalent to 250 mg of A. paniculata and M. oleifera were produced by compressing powders and granules at various compression pressure. Results show that M. oleifera met the WHO limit for ash values. Relative density values for granulated batches were higher, while their moisture content values were lower when compared to those of direct compression. The result from Heckel plots shows that batches deform mainly by plastic flow. For Kawakita plots, values of 1/b show that batches containing microcrystalline cellulose were less cohesive. The plot of tensile strength signifies that granulated batches achieved maximum crushing strength faster at low pressure. Formulations containing maize starch were shown to have higher percent porosity, and granulated batches gave higher values for apparent density-pressure relationship and lower friability values. Tablets produced by the wet granulation method showed better compression and compaction properties than those formulated by direct compression.