Preparation and characterization of polypills containing aspirin and simvastatin using 3D printing technology for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has become a promising manufacturing technique for pharmaceutical products. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most affordable printing technology. But this technique has two major drawbacks: limited drug-loading capacity and the stability of thermolabile drugs. So, other techniques such as melt casting could be associated with FDM to overcome these limitations. In the melt casting method, the drug is mixed with a molten polymer and is poured in the mold and allowed to solidify. The present study for the first time describes the preparation of a multi-compartment polypill permits the physical separation of incompatible drugs by combination of FDM and melt casting techniques. A two-compartment polypill was made using FDM by Eudragit® L100-55 and simultaneously its compartments were filled by aspirin and simvastatin containing molten PEG 6000. Simultaneous usage of FDM and melt casting techniques could increase the drug-loading capacity of 3D-printed polypills. The low temperatures used in melt casting and the absence of solvent in this method would warrant the integrity of polypills, the complete separation of incompatible drugs, and their stability. The prepared polypills showed good uniformity in drug content which confirms the precision of FDM and melt casting techniques. Drug interaction was investigated before and after the accelerated stability test using DSC, which showed that 3D-printed polypills successfully preserved drugs from the interaction. For the first time, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the combination of FDM and melt casting techniques as an innovative platform for CVD polypills production.

Site-specific intestinal DMT1 silencing to mitigate iron absorption using pH-sensitive multi-compartmental nanoparticulate oral delivery system.

Iron is a nutrient metal, but excess iron promotes tissue damage. Since iron chelation therapies exhibit multiple off-target toxicities, there is a substantial demand for more specific approaches to decrease iron burden in iron overload. While the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) plays a well-established role in the absorption of dietary iron, up-regulation of intestinal DMT1 is associated with iron overload in both humans and rodents. Hence, we developed a novel pH-sensitive multi-compartmental particulate (MCP) oral delivery system that encapsulates DMT1 siRNA and validated its efficacy in mice. Using the gelatin NPs coated with Eudragit® L100-55, we demonstrated that DMT1 siRNA-loaded MCPs down-regulated DMT1 mRNA levels in the duodenum, which was consistent with decreased intestinal absorption of orally-administered 59Fe. Together, the Eudragit® L100-55-based oral siRNA delivery system could provide an effective strategy to specifically down-regulate duodenal DMT1 and mitigate iron absorption.

Investigation of Polymer/Surfactant Interactions and Their Impact on Itraconazole Solubility and Precipitation Kinetics for Developing Spray-Dried Amorphous Solid Dispersions.

Methods were developed to systematically screen different polymer-surfactant combinations for the purpose of enhancing amorphous active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) solubility while maintaining its physical stability. Itraconazole (ITZ) was chosen as the model API mostly due to its low aqueous solubility. Special attention was paid to determine the effect of a reduction in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) by specific polymer/surfactant combinations on the ITZ solubility and physical stability. However, only a slight correlation was actually found. Only the polymer/surfactant combinations with the smallest effect on CMC improved solubility and stability of ITZ in simulated intestinal fluids (SIF). Surfactants were found to negate the stabilizing effects of polymers. ITZ crystallization tendency generally depended on the degree of supersaturation and the type of polymer/surfactant combinations used. In general, we found that instead of focusing solely on reducing the CMC, a systematic screening of systems that maintain high ITZ supersaturation proved to be a successful approach.

Formulation and optimization of pH-sensitive nanocrystals for improved oral delivery.

The challenge of low water solubility in pharmaceutical science profoundly impacts drug absorption and therapeutic effectiveness. Nanocrystals (NC), consisting of drug molecules and stabilizing agents, offer a promising solution to enhance solubility and control release rates. In the pharmaceutical industry, top-down techniques are favored for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, increased solubility can lead to premature drug dissolution in the stomach, which is problematic due to the acidic pH or enzymes. Researchers are exploring encapsulating agents that facilitate drug release at customized pH levels as a valuable strategy to address this. This study employed wet milling and spray drying techniques to create encapsulated NC for delivering the drug to the intestinal tract using the model drug ivermectin (IVM). Nanosuspensions (NS) were efficiently produced within 2 h using NanoDisp®, with a particle size of 198.4 ± 0.6 nm and a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.184, ensuring uniformity. Stability tests over 100 days at 4 °C and 25 °C demonstrated practical viability, with no precipitation or significant changes observed. Cytotoxicity evaluations indicated less harm to Caco-2 cells compared to the pure drug. Furthermore, the solubility of the NC increased by 47-fold in water and 4.8-fold in simulated intestinal fluid compared to the pure active compound. Finally, dissolution tests showed less than 10% release in acidic conditions and significant improvement in simulated intestinal conditions, promising enhanced drug solubility and bioavailability. This addresses a long-standing pharmaceutical challenge in a cost-effective and scalable manner.

The Preparation and Evaluation of Cyanocobalamin Mucoadhesive Sublingual Tablets.

Cobalamin (vitamin B12), an essential vitamin with low oral bioavailability, plays a vital role in cellular functions. This research aimed to enhance the absorption of vitamin B12 using sublingual mucoadhesive tablets by increasing the residence time of the drug at the administration site. This research involved the preparation of different 50 mg placebo formulas using different methods. Formulas with disintegration times less than one minute and appropriate physical characteristics were incorporated into 1 mg of cyanocobalamin (S1-S20) using the direct compression method. The tablets obtained were evaluated ex vivo for residence time, and only those remaining for >15 min were included. The final formulas (S5, S8, S11, and S20) were evaluated in several ways, including pre- and post-compression, drug content, mucoadhesive strength, dissolution, and Permeapad® permeation test employed in the Franz diffusion cell. After conducting the evaluation, formula S11 (Eudragit L100-55) emerged as the most favorable formulation. It exhibited a mucoadhesive residence time of 118.2 ± 2.89 min, required a detachment force of 26 ± 1 g, maintained a drug content of 99.124 ± 0.001699%, and achieved a 76.85% drug release over 22 h, fitting well with the Peppas-Sahlin kinetic model (R2: 0.9949). This suggests that the drug release process encompasses the Fickian and non-Fickian kinetic mechanisms. Furthermore, Eudragit L100-55 demonstrated the highest permeability, boasting a flux value of 6.387 ± 1.860 µg/h/cm2; over 6 h. These findings indicate that including this polymer in the formulation leads to an improved residence time, which positively impacts bioavailability.

3D printed tablets containing oxaliplatin loaded alginate nanoparticles for colon cancer targeted delivery. An in vitro/in vivo study.

This study aimed to develop a colon-targeted tablet of oxaliplatin (OP) using the combination of nanotechnology and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing to improve its antitumor activity, tumor targetability, and safety profile. Eudragit L100-55 filament containing OP loaded alginate nanoparticles (OP-NPs) were fabricated using hot-melt extrusion method and printed by an FDM printer to 3D printed tablets with good uniformity in the drug content and selective release of OP in the colonic environment. The antitumor effect of 3D printed tablets containing OP-NPs in CT-26 tumor-bearing mice was evaluated compared to intravenous and oral administration of OP solution, and compressed tablets containing OP-NPs, which were prepared by direct compression method with the same formulation. The antitumor effect of 3D printed tablets containing OP-NPs was remarkable and comparable with intravenous OP solution (p Ëƒ 0.05) with a better safety profile, whereas compressed tablets did not show any significant antitumor effect, probably in terms of non-selective drug release in stomach and upper intestine environments. This study highlights the potential of the combination of nanotechnology and 3D printing in the preparation of colon-specific drug delivery systems of chemotherapeutic drugs with good antitumor activity, tumor targetability, and safety profile for colorectal cancer treatment.

Design, Development, Optimization and Evaluation of Ranolazine Extended Release Tablets

Objectives: The objective of the current study was to develop an extended release (XR) tablet formulation for ranolazine using Eudragit L 100-55 and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) K100M in an appropriate composition. Ranolazine, an anti-anginal agent, is mainly used for treating chronic stable angina pectoris. The main advantage of this drug that it exhibits anti-ischemic effect, which was not influenced by either blood pressure or heart rate. Materials and Methods: XR tablets of ranolazine were prepared using variable amounts of Eudragit L 100-55 and HPMC K100M in various proportions as per 32 factorial design by direct compression technique. The amount of polymers with desired sustained drug release was labeled as factors. On other hand, time taken for drug dissolution was labeled as responses (t10%, t50%, t75%, t90%). Results: Nine formulations were obtained as per design, developed, and evaluated for quality control parameters. The obtained results clear that all formulations pass the compendial limits. Data obtained from the dissolution study fitted well to kinetic modeling and kinetic parameters were determined. Polynomial equations were derived for responses and checked for validity. Conclusion: RF5 composed of 31.25 mg of Eudragit L 100-55 and 31.25 mg of HPMC K100M, is the best formulation showing similarity f2: 85.78, f1: 2.32 with the marketed product (RANEXA). Formulation RF5 follows zero order, whereas the release mechanism was found to be non-fickian type (n= 0.65).

Preparation and characterization of Eudragit L 100-55/chitosan enteric nanoparticles containing omeprazole using general factorial design: in vitro/in vivo study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Omeprazole (OMP) is broadly used for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux and other acid-related diseases. The current study aimed to prepare enteric-coated nanoparticles containing OMP to achieve a stable powder formulation easily prescribed in children. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The nanoparticles were formed by complex coacervation method using chitosan (CTS) and Eudragit L100/55 (EU) and the impact of various formulation variables (the concentrations of EU solution and its volume ratio to CTS solution) were assessed using 32 fractional design. The mean particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE), and drug loading (DL) were determined. Finally, the pharmacological effects of the optimized OMP enteric nanoparticles were evaluated by an in vivo antiulcer study using Sprague-Dawley rats. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The highest desirability value was for formulation F5 (containing EU concentration 4 mg/mL and EU/CTS volume ratio 2:1). PS, ZP, EE, and DL of the optimized OMP-loaded nanoparticles were confirmed 810 ± 14 nm, -38.2 ± 1.8 mV, 83.1± 4.2%, and 13.1± 1.5%, respectively. in vitro release studies showed the pH sensitivity of nanoparticles and OMP release was pH-dependent. in vivo pharmacological assessment revealed that the optimized formulation was able to protect rat stomach against ulcer formation induced by indomethacin compared to the group that received normal saline which demonstrated severe peptic ulcer and hemorrhagic spots. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION: Our results indicated that the enteric EU/CTS nanoparticles were successfully prepared via a complex coacervation method and their efficacy could be comparable with commercial OMP pellets.

Omeprazole nanoparticles suspension: Development of a stable liquid formulation with a view to pediatric administration.

Omeprazole (OME) is often used to treat disorders associated with gastric hypersecretion in children but a liquid pediatric formulation of this medicine is not currently available. The aim of this study is to develop OME loaded nanoparticles with a view to the obtention of a liquid pharmaceutical dosage form. Eudragit® RS100 was selected as the skeleton material in the inner core and pH-sensitive Eudragit® L100-55 was used as the outer coating of the nanoparticles prepared by the nanoprecipitation method. Pharmacological activity was evaluated by induction of ethanol ulcers in mice. The OME nanoparticles exhibited mean diameters of 174 nm (±17), polydispersity index of 0.229 (±0.01), zeta potential values of -13 mV (±2.60) and encapsulation efficiency of 68.1%. The in vivo pharmacological assessment showed the ability of nanoparticles to protect mice stomach against ulcer formation. The prepared suspension of OME nanoparticles represents effective therapeutic strategy in a liquid pharmaceutical form with the possibility of pediatric administration.

Strategies to enhance oral delivery of amphotericin B: a comparison of uncoated and enteric-coated nanostructured lipid carriers.

The oral delivery of amphotericin B (AmB) has remained a challenge due to its low solubility, permeability, and instability in gastric acidic pH. To solve these issues, herein, we reported a novel approach of using nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and NLCs coating with Eudragit®L100-55 (Eu-NLCs) for the oral delivery of AmB. This study aimed to compare their ability in protecting the drug from degradation in gastrointestinal fluids and permeation enhancement in Caco-2 cells. Uncoated NLCs and Eu-NLCs possessed a mean particle size of ∼180 and ∼550 nm, with a zeta potential of ∼-30 and ∼-50 mV, respectively. Both NLCs demonstrated an AmB entrapment efficiency up to ∼75%. They possessed significantly greater AmB water solubility than the free drug by up to 10-fold. In fasted state simulated gastric fluid, Eu-NLCs provided significantly greater AmB protection from acidic degradation than uncoated NLCs. In fasted state simulated intestinal fluid, both uncoated and Eu-NLCs showed a fast release characteristic. Caco-2 cells permeation studies revealed that uncoated NLCs provided significantly higher apparent permeation coefficient (P app) value than Eu-NLCs. Moreover, after 6 months of storage at 4 °C in the absence of light, the physicochemical stabilities of the lyophilized uncoated and Eu-NLCs could be maintained. In conclusion, the developed NLCs and Eu-NLCs could be a potential drug delivery system in improving the oral bioavailability of AmB.

In Vitro Evaluation of Enteric-Coated HPMC Capsules-Effect of Formulation Factors on Product Performance.

A comparative study on different enteric-coated hard capsules was performed. The influence of different formulation factors like choice of enteric polymer, triethyl citrate (TEC) concentration (plasticizer), talc concentrations (anti-tacking agent), and different coating process parameters on the sealing performance of the capsule and the disintegration time were investigated. Furthermore, the influence of different disintegration test methods (with disc vs. without disc and 50 mM U.S. Pharmacopoeia (USP) buffer pH 6.8 vs. biopredictive 15 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.5) was evaluated. All formulations showed sufficient but not equivalent acid resistance when tested. Polymer type was the main factor influencing the capsule sealing and disintegration time. In addition, TEC and talc could affect the performance of the formulation. Regarding the choice of the disintegration test method, the presence of a disc had for the most part only limited influence on the results. The choice of disintegration buffer was found to be important in identifying differences between the formulations.

Microcontainers for protection of oral vaccines, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Oral vaccines are highly desirable due to simple logistics, mass vaccination potential and for mucosal immunity. Subunit vaccines are preferred due to high safety, but are inherently difficult to deliver orally, thus providing motivation for the use of advanced oral delivery systems. Polymeric devices in micrometer size (microcontainers) were tested here for this purpose. Microcontainers were loaded with a vaccine consisting of spray dried cubosomes with OVA and Quil-A, and coated with a pH-sensitive lid for oral delivery to C57Bl/6 mice. The microcontainers were explored in vitro and in vivo for their potential as oral vaccine delivery system in an oral prime-boost setting and as an oral booster after a subcutaneously injected prime. The residence time of microcontainers in the small intestine was less than one hour. Eudragit® L100-55 was therefore chosen as lid material on the microcontainers as it remained stable in vitro at pH 4.7, which simulated the maximal pH of the stomach, and allowed release of the cubosomes within 30-60 min at pH 6.6, which simulated the mean pH of the distal half of the small intestine. In vitro small angle X-ray scattering showed that cubosomes dissolved in small intestinal fluid when not confined in microcontainers but when loaded into microcontainers they were released as hexosomes. However, while microcontainers could protect and release particles with OVA and Quil-A within relevant time frames in vitro, an immune response was not elicited in vivo after oral administration. Nonetheless, some effect was observed when the microcontainers were used to deliver oral boosters following a subcutaneous prime. This work indicates that oral vaccination with subunit vaccines has potential when combined with a parenteral prime and that oral delivery systems like microcontainers may be used to increase the potency of vaccines with low oral immunogenicity.

Dual-responsive drug delivery systems prepared by blend electrospinning.

To prepare temperature and pH dual-responsive drug delivery systems, the thermosensitive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was first synthesized by free-radical polymerization. It was then co-dissolved with the pH-sensitive polymer Eudragit® L100-55 (EL100-55) and processed into fibers using electrospinning. Ketoprofen (KET), a model drug, was also incorporated into the composite fibers, and fibers based on a single polymer additionally prepared. The fibers had smooth cylindrical morphologies, and no obvious phase separation could be seen. Using X-ray diffraction, KET was determined to be present in the amorphous state in the fiber matrix. FTIR spectroscopy also indicated the successful incorporation of amorphous KET in the fibers. In vitro drug release studies in media at different pH (4.5 or 7.4) or temperature (25 and 37 °C) showed that the release of KET from the blend PNIPAAm/EL100-55 fibers was dependent both on environmental temperature and pH, reflecting the dual-responsive properties of the fibers. The MTT assay was used to explore the biocompatibility of the PNIPAAm/EL100-55 composite fibers towards L929 fibroblasts. Viability was always found to be >80%, even at polymer concentrations of 100 mg/L. Therefore, the fibers prepared here could lead to the development of multi-responsive materials for drug delivery and tissue engineering.

Mucoadhesive self-emulsifying delivery systems for ocular administration of econazole.

AIM: Development of mucoadhesive self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) providing a prolonged ocular residence time for poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient. METHODS: l-Cysteine was covalently linked to 6-mercaptonicotinamide. The obtained ligand, Cysteine-6-mercaptonicotinamide (Cys-6-MNA) was attached to Eudragit® L100-55 via a carbodiimide mediated amide bond formation. The resulting entirely S-protected thiolated Eudragit® L100-55 was characterized regarding the degree of modification as well as stability toward oxidation in the presence of strong oxidizing agent (H2O2). The S-protected thiolated Eudragit® L100-55 was incorporated into SEDDS via hydrophobic ion pairing with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in a concentration of 2% (m/m). S-protected thiolated Eudragit® L100-55-BAK ion pair SEDDS (S-protected thiolated EU-BAK SEDDS) were characterized regarding their physicochemical and mucoadhesive properties. Econazole nitrate (EN) was incorporated into SEDDS in concentration of 1% (m/m) and in vitro drug release was assessed. Furthermore, toxicity study was performed on procine corneas via resazurin assay. RESULTS: The entirely S-protected thiolated Eudragit® L100-55 exhibited 282 ±â€¯78.25 µmol of MNA per gram of polymer. Ellman's test confirmed no free thiol groups and stability study showed no significant increase in dynamic viscosity overtime. The droplet size of developed SEDDS in simulated lacrimal fluid was below 100 nm with polydispersity index below 0.3. S-protected thiolated EU-BAK SEDDS exhibited 2.5-fold higher mucoadhesive properties than blank SEDDS on ocular mucosa. S-protected thiolated EU-BAK SEDDS showed sustained EN release over period of 8 h and no pronounced corneal toxicity in 0.5% (m/v) concentration. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, these mucoadhesive SEDDS can be considered as promising ocular delivery system for EN.

The promoting effect of enteric materials on the oral absorption of larotaxel-loaded polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles.

Enteric polymers have been found with absorption promotion effect on nanoparticles. To study the role of enteric polymers played in the process of oral nanoparticle delivery, Eudragit L100-55 (EU) and sodium alginate (SA) were selected as model enteric polymers and larotaxel (LTX) as model drug. Suspensions composed of LTX-loaded nanoparticles, HPMC and different enteric polymers (EU and SA) were prepared (NP@EU, NP@SA). And aspects like precipitate morphology upon contact with acid, nanoparticle encapsulation capability, in vitro drug release, intestinal residence and in vivo oral bioavailability were studied. It was found that precipitates formed by EU could encapsulate more NP in acidic environment than those of SA (>95% of EU vs. approximately 70% of SA), and this difference in NP encapsulation was found correlated with the morphology of the precipitates formed: precipitates of EU appeared as three dimensional granules with dense inner structure, while SA precipitated into film-like porous structures. Results of pharmacokinetic study indicated that both EU and SA were capable in improving LTX absorption with absolute bioavailability of 77.1% and 42.5%, respectively. And the better absorption promoting effect of NP@EU was correlated with its longer intestinal residence shown by the results of ex vivo imaging study. In conclusion, both EU and SA could improve the oral bioavailability of LTX-loaded NP, and NP encapsulation capability and intestinal residence time are considered as key factors affecting the degree of absorption promotion.

Preparation and Characterization of a Novel Aqueous Dispersion for Enteric Coating of Pantoprazole Sodium Pellets.

The purpose of this work was to investigate a novel aqueous dispersion (Eudragit® L100-55) f or e nteric c oating o f drugs. Three different casting solutions, Eudragit® L100-55 aqueous dispersion, Eudragit® L 100-55 o rganic s olution, and Eudragit® L30D-55 aqueous dispersion, were used to prepare free films by the casting method. Drug-loaded pellets, prepared by the extrusion-spheronization method, were coated with one of these three coating solutions using the fluidized-bed spray coating technology. Properties of the free films were thoroughly investigated. Films formed by Eudragit® L100-55 aqueous dispersions showed similar properties to those formed by Eudragit® L100-55 organic solution regarding thermodynamic properties, moisture permeability, solubility and acid tolerance ability. Furthermore, the performance of the novel film was better than that formed by Eudragit® L30D-55 aqueous dispersion. Among the three enteric coating solutions, Eudragit® L100- 55 aqueous dispersion will be a promising aqueous dispersion for enteric coating and can be used in the development of enteric-coated preparations.

Pollen grains as a novel microcarrier for oral delivery of proteins.

Oral delivery of proteins and peptides is a challenge due to their degradation in the stomach. To overcome this challenge, ragweed (Ambrosia elatior) pollen grains were engineered to serve as protective microcapsules. A matrix comprising of Eudragit L100-55, an enteric polymer was deposited on the inner surfaces of ragweed pollens to protect the encapsulated protein from gastric degradation and to achieve pH-dependent release in the intestine. The Eudragit L100-55 matrix was formed without use of organic solvents so that solvent-induced damage to protein molecules could be prevented. To demonstrate the concept, bovine serum albumin (BSA) a model protein was used. A matrix of Eudragit L100-55 embedded with BSA was prepared in ragweed pollens by optimizing their respective concentrations for maximizing BSA loading in the matrix. The ability of this optimized formulation to protect BSA in simulated gastric acid fluid was evaluated. Release studies in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) showed minimal BSA release from the ragweed-Eudragit L100-55 formulation. Analysis of BSA retained in the formulation after its exposure to gastric fluid confirmed that the residual BSA had not denatured. Release studies in the simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) showed that ragweed pollen offered additional controlled release mechanism within the first few hours of release by virtue of their solid wall. In conclusion, upon use of a protein-friendly solvent for Eudragit L100-55, proteins could be encapsulated in ragweed pollen without denaturing them, and the resulting formulation exhibited selective release of the proteins at intestinal pH suggesting that the ragweed pollen grain-based formulation could be promising for oral delivery of proteins.

Extended release delivery system of metoprolol succinate using hot-melt extrusion: effect of release modifier on methacrylic acid copolymer.

The current study reports on the manufacturing of extended release dosage forms of metoprolol succinate via hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology. Either Eudragit®S100 and Eudragit®L100 alone or in combination with release modifying agent Polyox™ WSR 303 and Eudragit®L100-55 were processed to obtain complete and faster release. Metoprolol succinate with similar solubility parameters to polymer was dispersed in polymer matrix and was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Stability of drug after extrusion was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography. Physical characterization method exhibited that the drug was homogeneously dispersed in non-crystalline state in Eudragit®L100-55-based formulations whereas in semi-crystalline state in Polyox™ WSR 303. The drug release percentage was below 3 and 40% in 0.1 N HCL with Eudragit®L100-55- and Polyox™ WSR 303-containing formulations, respectively, and exhibited pH-dependent dissolution properties. The drug-release mechanism was anomalous with Polyox™ WSR 303 formulations whereas diffusion through pore formation was obtained with Eudragit®L100-55. Both Eudragit®L100-55 and Polyox™ WSR 303 changed the release mechanism and kinetics of drug release from thermally processed dosage forms. The optimized stable formulation is similar to the marketed formulation with F2 value of 72.36. Thus, it can be concluded that HME was exploited as an effective process for the preparation of controlled release matrix system based on pH-dependent polymer matrices Eudragit®S100 and Eudragit®L100.

Colonic delivery of indometacin loaded PGA-co-PDL microparticles coated with Eudragit L100-55 from fast disintegrating tablets.

The aim of this work was to investigate the efficient targeting and delivery of indometacin (IND), as a model anti-inflammatory drug to the colon for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. We prepared fast disintegrating tablets (FDT) containing IND encapsulated within poly(glycerol-adipate-co-É·-pentadecalactone), PGA-co-PDL, microparticles and coated with Eudragit L100-55 at different ratios (1:1.5, 1:1, 1:0.5). Microparticles encapsulated with IND were prepared using an o/w single emulsion solvent evaporation technique and coated with Eudragit L-100-55 via spray drying. The produced coated microparticles (PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit) were formulated into optimised FTD using a single station press. The loading, in vitro release, permeability and transport of IND from PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles was studied in Caco-2 cell lines. IND was efficiently encapsulated (570.15±4.2µg/mg) within the PGA-co-PDL microparticles. In vitro release of PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles (1:1.5) showed significantly (p<0.05, ANOVA/Tukey) lower release of IND 13.70±1.6 and 56.46±3.8% compared with 1:1 (89.61±2.5, 80.13±2.6%) and 1:0.5 (39.46±0.9 & 43.38±3.12) after 3 and 43h at pH 5.5 and 6.8, respectively. The permeability and transport studies indicated IND released from PGA-co-PDL-IND/Eudragit microparticles had a lower permeability coefficient of 13.95±0.68×10-6cm/s compared to free IND 23.06±3.56×10-6cm/s. These results indicate the possibility of targeting anti-inflammatory drugs to the colon using FDTs containing microparticles coated with Eudragit.

Development of enteric-coated fixed dose combinations of amorphous solid dispersions of ezetimibe and lovastatin: Investigation of formulation and process parameters.

Enteric-coated fixed-dose combinations of ezetimibe and lovastatin were prepared by fluid bed coating aiming to avoid the acidic conversion of lovastatin to its hydroxyacid derivative. In a two-step process, sucrose beads were layered with a glass solution of ezetimibe, lovastatin and Soluplus®, top-coated with an enteric layer. The impact of different bead size, enteric polymers (Eudragit L100® and Eudragit L100-55®) and coating time was investigated. Samples were evaluated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, laser diffraction and in vitro studies in 0.1M HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8. Results showed that smaller beads tend to agglomerate and release was jeopardized in acidic conditions, most likely due to irregular coating layer. Eudragit L100-55® required longer processing, but thinner coating layers provided lower drug release. Both polymers showed low drug release in acidic environment and fast release at pH 6.8. The off-line measurement of the coating thickness determined the ideal coating time as 15 and 30min for Eudragit L100-55® and Eudragit L100®-based samples, respectively. Both compounds were molecularly dispersed in Soluplus®, and Eudragit L100® formulations showed concave pores on the surface, presenting higher drug release in acidic conditions. Stability studies after 6 months showed unaltered physical properties and drug release.