Targeted Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems to Restore Docetaxel Sensitivity in Resistant Tumors

Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SEDDS): Transition from Liquid to Solid-A Comprehensive Review of Formulation, Characterization, Applications, and Future Trends

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) represent an innovative approach to improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, addressing significant challenges associated with oral drug delivery. This review highlights the advancements and applications of SEDDS, including their transition from liquid to solid forms, while addressing the formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and future prospects in pharmaceutical sciences. The review systematically analyzes existing studies on SEDDS, focusing on their classification into liquid and solid forms and their preparation methods, including spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, and adsorption onto carriers. Characterization techniques such as droplet size analysis, dissolution studies, and solid-state evaluations are detailed. Additionally, emerging trends, including 3D printing, hybrid systems, and supersaturable SEDDS (Su-SEDDS), are explored. Liquid SEDDS (L-SEDDS) enhance drug solubility and absorption by forming emulsions upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids. However, they suffer from stability and leakage issues. Transitioning to solid SEDDS (S-SEDDS) has resolved these limitations, offering enhanced stability, scalability, and patient compliance. Innovations such as personalized 3D-printed SEDDS, biologics delivery, and targeted systems demonstrate their potential for diverse therapeutic applications. Computational modeling and in silico approaches further accelerate formulation optimization. SEDDS have revolutionized drug delivery by improving bioavailability and enabling precise, patient-centric therapies. While challenges such as scalability and excipient toxicity persist, emerging technologies and multidisciplinary collaborations are paving the way for next-generation SEDDS. Their adaptability and potential for personalized medicine solidify their role as a cornerstone in modern pharmaceutical development.

A novel combinatory treatment against a CDDP-resistant non-small cell lung cancer based on a Ruthenium(II)-cyclopentadienyl compound

The therapeutic approach to many solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is mainly based on the use of platinum-containing anticancer agents and is often characterized by acquired or intrinsic resistance to the drug. Therefore, the search for safer and more effective drugs is still an open challenge. Two organometallic ruthenium(II)-cyclopentadienyl compounds [Ru(η5-C5H4CHO)(Me2bipy)(PPh3)]+ (RT150) and [Ru(η5-C5H4CH2OH)(Me2bipy)(PPh3)][CF3SO3] (RT151) were tested against a panel of cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cell lines and xenografts. They were more effective than cisplatin in inducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, affecting the cell cycle and causing apoptosis. Importantly, they were found to be inhibitors of drug efflux transporters. Due to this property, the compounds significantly increased the retention and cytotoxicity of cisplatin within NSCLC cells. Notably, they did not display high toxicity in vitro against non-transformed cells (red blood cells, fibroblasts, bronchial epithelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and endothelial cells). Both compounds induced vasorelaxation and reduced endothelial cell migration, suggesting potential anti-angiogenic properties. RT151 confirmed its efficacy against NSCLC xenografts resistant to cisplatin. Either alone or combined with low doses of cisplatin, RT151 showed a good biodistribution profile in the liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and tumor. Hematochemical analysis and post-mortem organ pathology confirmed the safety of the compound in vivo, also when combined with cisplatin. To sum up, we have confirmed the effectiveness of a novel class of drugs against cisplatin-resistant NSCLC. Additionally, the compounds have a good biocompatibility and safety profile.

Smart Targeted Delivery Systems for Enhancing Antitumor Therapy of Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine

As a therapeutic tool inherited for thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits superiority in tumor therapy. The antitumor active components of TCM not only have multi-target treatment modes but can also synergistically interfere with tumor growth compared to traditional chemotherapeutics. However, most antitumor active components of TCM have the characteristics of poor solubility, high toxicity, and side effects, which are often limited in clinical application. In recent years, delivering the antitumor active components of TCM by nanosystems has been a promising field. The advantages of nano-delivery systems include improved water solubility, targeting efficiency, enhanced stability in vivo, and controlled release drugs, which can achieve higher drug-delivery efficiency and bioavailability. According to the method of drug loading on nanocarriers, nano-delivery systems can be categorized into two types, including physically encapsulated nanoplatforms and chemically coupled drug-delivery platforms. In this review, two nano-delivery approaches are considered, namely physical encapsulation and chemical coupling, both commonly used to deliver antitumor active components of TCM, and we summarized the advantages and limitations of different types of nano-delivery systems. Meanwhile, the clinical applications and potential toxicity of nano-delivery systems and the future development and challenges of these nano-delivery systems are also discussed, aiming to lay the foundation for the development and practical application of nano-delivery systems of TCM in clinical settings.

Concurrent oral delivery of non-oncology drugs through solid self-emulsifying system for repurposing in hepatocellular carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Present study aimed to identify a safe and effective non-oncology drug cocktail as an alternative to toxic chemotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. The assessment of cytotoxicity of cocktail (as co-adjuvant) in combination with chemotherapeutic docetaxel (DTX) is also aimed. Further, we aimed to develop an oral solid self-emulsifying drug delivery system (S-SEDDS) for the simultaneous delivery of identified drugs.

SIGNIFICANCE

The identified non-oncology drug cocktail could overcome the shortage of anticancer therapeutics and help to reduce cancer-related mortality. Moreover, the developed S-SEDDS could be an ideal system for concurrent oral delivery of non-oncology drug combinations.

METHODS

The non-oncology drugs (alone and in combinations) were screened in vitro for anticancer effect (against HepG2 cells) using (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT) dye assay, and cell cycle arresting and apoptotic behaviors using the fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technique. The S-SEDDS is composed of drugs such as Ketoconazole (KCZ), Disulfiram (DSR), Tadalafil (TLF), and excipients like span-80, tween-80, soybean oil, Leciva S-95, Poloxamer F108 (PF-108), and Neusilin® US2 (adsorbent carrier) was developed and characterized.

RESULTS

The cocktail composed of KCZ, DSR, and TLF has showed substantial cytotoxicity (at the lowest concentration of 3.3 picomoles), HepG2 cell arrest at G0/G1 and S phases, and substantial cell death via apoptosis. The Docetaxel (DTX) inclusion into this cocktail has further resulted in increased cytotoxicity, cell arrest at the G2/M phase, and cell necrosis. The optimized blank liquid SEDDS that remains transparent without phase separation for more than 6 months is used for the preparation of drug-loaded liquid SEDDS (DL-SEDDS). The optimized DL-SEDDS with low viscosity, good dispersibility, considerable drug retention upon dilution, and smaller particle size is further converted into drug-loaded solid SEDDS (DS-SEDDS). The final DS-SEDDS demonstrated acceptable flowability and compression characteristics, significant drug retention (more than 93%), particle size in nano range (less than 500 nm) and nearly spherical morphology following dilutions. The DS-SEDDS showed substantially increased cytotoxicity and Caco-2 cell permeability than plain drugs. Furthermore, DS-SEDDS containing only non-oncology drugs caused lower in vivo toxicity (only 6% body weight loss) than DS-SEDDS containing non-oncology drugs with DTX (about 10% weight loss).

CONCLUSION

The current study revealed a non-oncology drug combination effective against hepatocellular carcinoma. Further, it is concluded that the developed S-SEDDS containing non-oncology drug combination alone and in combination with DTX could be a promising alternative to toxic chemotherapeutics for the effective oral treatment of hepatic cancer.

Overcoming multidrug resistance through targeting ABC transporters: lessons for drug discovery

INTRODUCTION

The argument around cancer therapy is an old one. Using chemotherapeutic drugs, as one of the most effective strategies in treatment of malignancies, is restricted by various issues that progress during therapy and avoid achieving clinical endpoints. Multidrug resistance (MDR), frequently mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, is one of the most recognized obstacles in the success of pharmacological anticancer approaches. These transporters efflux diverse drugs to extracellular environment, causing MDR and responsiveness of tumor cells to chemotherapy diminishes.

AREAS COVERED

Several strategies have been used to overcome MDR phenomenon. Succession in this field requires complete knowledge about features and mechanism of ABC transporters. In this review, conventional synthetic and natural inhibitors are discussed first and then novel approaches including RNA, monoclonal antibodies, nanobiotechnology, and structural modification techniques are represented.

EXPERT OPINION

With increasing frequency of MDR in cancer cells, it is essential to develop new drugs to inhibit MDR. Using knowledge acquired about ABC transporter's structure, rational design of inhibitors is possible. Also, some herbal products have shown to be potential lead compounds in drug discovery for reversal of MDR.