Formulation, characterization and hypersensitivity evaluation of an intravenous emulsion loaded with a paclitaxel-cholesterol complex.

The objective of this paper was to develop a novel Cremophor-free, autoclave stable, intravenous emulsion for paclitaxel (PACE). A paclitaxel-cholesterol complex was used as the drug carrier to improve the solubility of paclitaxel in the oil phase of emulsions. The complex and PACE were prepared by rotary evaporation and high-pressure homogenization, respectively. Effects of oil phases, emulsifiers and pH values on the characteristics of PACE were investigated. PACE was characterized with regard to its appearance, morphology, osmolality, pH value, particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and stability. Hypersensitivity was evaluated by guinea pig hypersensitivity reaction. The final formulation was composed of the complex, soybean oil, medium-chain triglyceridel, soybean lecithin, poloxamer 188 and glycerol. The resulting PACE had an encapsulation efficiency of 97.3% with a particle size of 135 nm and a zeta potential of -38.3 mV. Osmolality and pH of the formulation were 383 mOsmol/kg and 4.5, respectively. The formulation survived autoclaving at 115 °C for 30 min and remained stable for at least 12 months at 6 °C. PACE also exhibited a better tolerance than an equal dose of Cremophor-based paclitaxel injection in guinea pigs, as no obvious hypersensitivity reaction was observed. These results suggested that PACE has a great potential for industrial-scale production and clinical applications.

[Preparation and in vitro study of buagafuran solid dispersions].

Solid dispersions technique was used to solidify buagafuran and improve buagafuran in vitro dissolution and stability. Buagafuran solid dispersions were prepared separately using PVPK30, PEG6000 and Poloxamer188 at various weight ratios as carriers. The status of buagafuran in solid dispersions was determined by using DSC and IR. The solubility, content and in vitro dissolution of pure drug and the solid dispersions were detected by using HPLC. When buagafuran/carrier was 1:5 or less, the drug existed in a solid dispersion form. Three kinds of carriers all can improve buagafuran dispersibility and in vitro dissolution. Accelerating experiment showed that buagafuran/PVPK30 < or = 1:10 solid dispersions was ageing-resistant, and the aspect, content and in vitro dissolution did not change after storaged over 3 months, but PEG6000, Poloxamer188 and a lower ratio PVPK30 solid dispersions became aged. Buagafuran/PVPK30 < or = 1:10 solid dispersions can be developed as buagafuran oral drug delivery carrier.