Improvement in photostability of pantoprazole sodium by microencapsulation

Silica-based microencapsulation used in topical dermatologic applications

Microencapsulation has received extensive attention because of its various applications. Since its inception in the 1940s, this technology has been used across several areas, including the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Over-the-counter skin products often contain ingredients that readily and unevenly degrade upon contact with the skin. Enclosing these substances within a silica shell can enhance their stability and better regulate their delivery onto and into the skin. Silica microencapsulation uses silica as the matrix material into which ingredients can be embedded to form microcapsules. The FDA recognizes amorphous silica as a safe inorganic excipient and recently approved two new topical therapies for the treatment of rosacea and acne. The first approved formulation uses a novel silica-based controlled vehicle delivery technology to improve the stability of two active ingredients that are normally not able to be used in the same formulation due to potential instability and drug degradation. The formulation contains 3.0% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 0.1% tretinoin topical cream to treat acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients. The second formulation contains silica microencapsulated 5.0% BPO topical cream to treat inflammatory rosacea lesions in adults. Both formulations use the same amorphous silica sol-gel microencapsulation technology to improve formulation stability and skin compatibility parameters.

Enteric-coating film effect on the delayed drug release of pantoprazole gastro-resistant generic tablets

Background: Enteric coating films in acidic labile tablets protect the drug molecule from the acidic environment of the stomach. However, variations in the excipients used in the coating formulation may affect their ability to provide adequate protection. This study is the first to investigate the potential effects of coating materials on the protective functionality of enteric coating films for pantoprazole (PNZ) generic tablets after their recall from the market. Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted between generic and branded PNZ products, using pure drug powder for identification. The in vitro release of the drug was evaluated in different pH media. The study also utilized various analytical and thermal techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and confocal Raman microscopy. Results: The in vitro assessment results revealed significant variations in the release profile for the generic product in acidic media at 120 min. DSC and TGA thermal profile analyses showed slight variation between the two products. XRD analysis exhibited a noticeable difference in peak intensity for the generic sample, while SEM revealed smaller particle sizes in the generic product. The obtained spectra profile for the generic product displayed significant variation in peaks and band intensity, possibly due to impurities. These findings suggest that the excipients used in the enteric coating film of the generic product may have affected its protective functionality, leading to premature drug release in acidic media. Additionally, the presence of polysorbate 80 (P-80) in the brand product might improve the properties of the enteric coating film due to its multi-functionality. Conclusions: In conclusion, the excipients used in the brand product demonstrated superior functionality in effectively protecting the drug molecule from acidic media through the enteric coating film, as compared to the generic version.

Photodegradation assessment of amisulpride, doxepin, haloperidol, risperidone, venlafaxine, and zopiclone in bulk drug and in the presence of excipients

Abstract

Photostability of amisulpride, doxepin, haloperidol, risperidone, venlafaxine, and zopiclone in APIs and powdered tablets during exposure to UVA irradiation was studied. In order to evaluate the photodegradation process an ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography method coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was developed and validated. It was found that the photodegradation of the studied compounds depends on the type of drug and co-existing excipients. Different percentage of photodegradation of the studied drugs was observed, and therefore amisulpride decomposed at 2.63% in bulk drug and at 5.74% in pharmaceutical preparation, doxepin: 29% and 72.38%, haloperidol: 3.71% and 26.20%, risperidone: 7.13% and 12.86%, venlafaxine: 38.59% and 4.22%, zopiclone: 18.62% and 31.42% respectively, after 114 days of UVA irradiation. In addition, kinetic evaluation of the photodegradation process was performed by determining the order of reaction, reaction rate constant k and time t0.1 and t0.5. The photodegradation products of studied drugs were identified, and their fragmentation pathways, derived from MS/MS data, were proposed. The photostability testing is an integral part of the drug stability assessment to ensure quality, efficacy and safety of the formulated products during manufacturing process, storage as well as normal use.

Graphic abstract

Impact of space environment on stability of medicines: Challenges and prospects

To upkeep health of astronauts in a unique, isolated, and extreme environment of space is the primary goal for a successful space mission, hence, safe and efficacious medications are essential for the wellness of astronauts. Space medication has been challenged with problems related to efficacy. Along with altered physiology, one of the possible reasons could be instability of space medications in the presence of harsh spaceflight environmental conditions. Altered physical and chemical stability can result in reduced potency which can result in reduced efficacy. Right now, medicines from the International Space Station are replaced before their expiration. But, for longer duration missions to Mars or any other asteroid, there will not be any chance of replacement of medicines. Hence, it is desired that medicines maintain the shelf-life throughout the space mission. Stability of medicines used for short term or long term space missions cannot be judged by drug stability guidelines based on terrestrial environmental factors. Unique environmental conditions related to spaceflight include microgravity, excessive vibration, hard vacuum, humidity variation, temperature differences and excessive radiation, which may cause instability of medicines. This write-up provides a review of the problem and countermeasure approaches for pharmaceuticals exposed to the space environment. The first part of the article discusses thought processes behind outlining of International Conference on Harmonization drug stability guidelines, Q1A (R2) and Q1B, and its acceptance limits for accelerated stability study. The second part of the article describes the difference in the radiation environment of deep space compared to radiation environment inside the space shuttle based on penetration power of different types of radiation. In the third part of the article, various promising approaches are listed which can be used for assurance of space medicine stability. One of the approaches is the use of ground-based space simulation analogues and statistical treatment to data to calculate failure rate of drugs and probabilistic risk assessment. Another approach is to innovate storage and packaging technology using radiation harden polymer or using cryogenic temperatures.