Liposomes as Carriers for the Delivery of Efavirenz in Combination with Glutathione-An Approach to Combat Opportunistic Infections.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals display an enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This reduction of antioxidant capacity in host tissues has been related to the decrease in total levels of ROS scavengers such as glutathione (GSH). Prevention of opportunistic infections due to a weakened immune system is becoming a key strategy along with HIV elimination. Research in these directions is clearly warranted, especially a combination of antiretrovirals and antioxidants to ameliorate oxidative stress, improve intracellular uptake and target viral reservoirs. Hence, we aimed to formulate liposomes loaded with the antiretroviral drug efavirenz (EFA) in the presence of glutathione, as these carriers can be engineered to enhance the ability to reach the target reservoirs. The goal of the present work was to investigate the intracellular uptake of EFA-loaded liposome (with and without GSH) by human monocytic leukemia cells (THP-1 cells) and examine cell viability and ROS scavenging activity. Results obtained provided significant data as follows: (i) treatment with EFA and GSH combination could enhance the uptake and reduce cytotoxicity; (ii) encapsulation of EFA into liposomes increased its levels in the macrophages, which was further enhanced in the presence of GSH; (iii) delivery of EFA in the presence of GSH quenched the intracellular ROS, which was significantly higher when delivered via liposomes. Data revealed that a combination of EFA and GSH encompasses advantages; hence, GSH supplementation could be a safe and cost-effective treatment to slow the development of HIV infection and produce an immune-enhancing effect.

Formulation of Dronedarone Hydrochloride-Loaded Proliposomes: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation Using Caco-2 and Rat Model.

The objective of the present study was to develop a proliposomal formulation to increase the oral bioavailability of dronedarone hydrochloride (dronedarone HCl) by enhancing solubility, dissolution, and/or intestinal absorption. Proliposomes were prepared by using solvent evaporation method. In this process, different ratios of drug, phospholipids, such as soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), Phospholipon 90H, hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine (HEPC), and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG), and cholesterol were used. Physical characterization and in vitro dissolution studies were evaluated for the prepared formulations. In vitro transport across the membrane was carried out using Caco-2 cells. Among all the formulations, the amount of drug released in dissolution was higher with DPF8 formulation (drug:DMPG Na:cholesterol:::1:2:0.2) compared to the pure drug. Also, Caco-2 cell permeability studies resulted in 2.6-fold increase in apparent permeability. Optimized formulation was evaluated in vivo in male Sprague-Dawley rats. After single oral administration of optimized formulation (DPF8), a relative bioavailability of 148.36% was achieved compared to the pure drug. Improved oral bioavailability of dronedarone could be provided by an optimized proliposomal formulation with enhanced solubility, permeability, and oral absorption.

Daptomycin Proliposomes for Oral Delivery: Formulation, Characterization, and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics.

The aim of this study was to develop a proliposomal formulation of lipopeptide antibiotic drug daptomycin (DAP) for oral delivery. Thin film hydration was the selected method for preparation of proliposomes. Different phospholipids including soy-phosphatidylcholine (SPC), hydrogenated egg-phosphatidylcholine (HEPC), and distearoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) were evaluated in combination with cholesterol. The inclusion of surface charge modifiers in the formulation such as dicetyl phosphate (DCP) and stearylamine (SA) to enhance drug encapsulation was also evaluated. Particle size, surface charge, and encapsulation efficiency were performed on daptomycin-hydrated proliposomes as part of physical characterization. USP type II dissolution apparatus with phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) was used for in vitro drug release studies. Optimized formulation was evaluated for in vivo pharmacokinetics after oral administration to Sprague-Dawley rats. Proliposomes composed of SPC exhibited higher entrapment efficiency than those containing HEPC or DSPC. The highest entrapment efficiency was achieved by positively charged SPC-SA proliposomes, showing an encapsulation efficiency of 92% and a zeta potential of + 28 mV. In vitro drug release of optimized formulation demonstrated efficient drug retention totaling for less than 20% drug release within the first 60 min and only 42% drug release after 2 h. Pharmacokinetic parameters after single oral administration of optimized proliposomal formulation indicated a significant increase in oral bioavailability of DAP administered as SPC-SA proliposomes when compared to drug solution. Based on these results, incorporation of charge modifiers into proliposomes may increase drug loading and proliposomes an attractive carrier for oral delivery of daptomycin.

Comparative evaluation of proliposomes and self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system for improved oral bioavailability of nisoldipine.

The objective of this study was to develop proliposomal formulation and self micro-emulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) for a poorly bioavailable drug, nisoldipine and to compare their in vivo pharmacokinetics. Proliposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method using different lipids such as Soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), Hydrogenated Soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), Dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and Dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol sodium (DMPG), Distearyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), and Cholesterol in various ratios. SMEDDS formulations were prepared using varying concentrations of Capmul MCM, Labrasol, Cremophor EL and Tween 80. Both proliposomes and SMEDDS were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeability and in vivo pharmacokinetics. In vitro drug release was carried out in purified water using USP type II dissolution apparatus. In vitro drug permeation was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and everted rat intestinal perfusion techniques. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Among the different formulations, proliposomes with drug:DMPC:cholesterol in the ratio of 1:2:0.5 and SMEDDS with Capmul MCM (13.04% w/w), Labrasol (36.96% w/w), Cremophor EL (34.78% w/w) and Tween 80 (15.22% w/w) demonstrated the desired particle size and zeta potential. Enhanced drug release was observed with proliposomes and SMEDDS compared to pure nisoldipine in purified water after 1h. Nisoldipine permeability across PAMPA and everted rat intestinal perfusion models was significantly higher with proliposomes and SMEDDS. Following single oral administration of proliposomes and SMEDDS, a relative bioavailability of 301.11% and 239.87% respectively, was achieved compared to pure nisoldipine suspension.

Design, Characterization, and In Vivo Pharmacokinetics of Tacrolimus Proliposomes.

The objective of this study was to develop proliposomal formulation for a poorly bioavailable drug, tacrolimus. Proliposomes were prepared by thin film hydration method using different lipids such as hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HEPC), soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), distearyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol sodium (DMPG) and cholesterol in various ratios. Proliposomes were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. In vitro drug release was carried out in purified water using USP type II dissolution apparatus. In vitro drug permeation was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and everted rat intestinal perfusion techniques. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Among the different formulations, proliposomes with drug/DSPC/cholesterol in the ratio of 1:2:0.5 demonstrated the desired particle size and zeta potential. Enhanced drug release was observed with proliposomes compared to pure tacrolimus in purified water after 1 h. Tacrolimus permeability across PAMPA and everted rat intestinal perfusion models was significantly higher with proliposomes. The optimized formulation of proliposomes indicated a significant improvement in the rate and absorption of tacrolimus. Following a single oral administration, a relative bioavailability of 193.33% was achieved compared to pure tacrolimus suspension.

Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Improved Oral Bioavailability of Valsartan: Proliposomes Versus Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System.

The objective of this study was to develop proliposomes and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for a poorly bioavailable drug, valsartan, and to compare their in vivo pharmacokinetics. Proliposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method using different lipids such as soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), distearyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol sodium (DMPG) and cholesterol in various ratios. SNEDDS formulations were prepared using varying concentrations of capmul MCM, labrafil M 2125, and Tween 80. Both proliposomes and SNEDDS were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. In vitro drug release was carried out in purified water and 0.1 N HCl using USP type II dissolution apparatus. In vitro drug permeation was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and everted rat intestinal permeation techniques. Among the formulations, the proliposomes with drug/DMPG/cholesterol in the ratio of 1:1:0.5 and SNEDDS with capmul MCM (16.0% w/w), labrafil M 2125 (64.0% w/w), and Tween 80 (18.0% w/w) showed the desired particle size and zeta potential. Enhanced drug release was observed with proliposomes and SNEDDS as compared to pure valsartan. Valsartan permeability across PAMPA and everted rat intestinal permeation models was significantly higher with proliposomes and SNEDDS. Following single oral administration of proliposomes and SNEDDS, a relative bioavailability of 202.36 and 196.87%, respectively, was achieved compared to pure valsartan suspension. The study results indicated that both proliposomes and SNEDDS formulations are comparable in improving the oral bioavailability of valsartan.

Improved oral bioavailability of valsartan using proliposomes: design, characterization and in vivo pharmacokinetics.

The objective of our investigational work was to develop a proliposomal formulation to improve the oral bioavailability of valsartan. Proliposomes were formulated by thin film hydration technique using different ratios of phospholipids:drug:cholesterol. The prepared proliposomes were evaluated for vesicle size, encapsulation efficiency, morphological properties, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeability and in vivo pharmacokinetics. In vitro drug-release studies were performed in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) and purified water using dialysis bag method. In vitro drug permeation was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA), Caco-2 monolayer and everted rat intestinal perfusion techniques. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Among the proliposomal formulations, F-V was found to have the highest encapsulation efficiency of 95.6 ± 2.9% with a vesicle size of 364.1 ± 14.9 nm. The in vitro dissolution studies indicated an improved drug release from proliposomal formulation, F-V in comparison to pure drug suspension in both, purified water and pH 1.2 dissolution media after 12 h. Permeability across PAMPA, Caco-2 cell and everted rat intestinal perfusion studies were higher with F-V formulation as compared to pure drug. Following single oral administration of F-V formulation, a relative bioavailability of 202.36% was achieved as compared to pure valsartan.

Evaluation of various processes for simultaneous complexation and granulation to incorporate drug-cyclodextrin complexes into solid dosage forms.

Insoluble drugs often formulated with various excipients to enhance the dissolution. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are widely used excipients to improve dissolution profile of poorly soluble drugs. Drug-CD complexation process is complex and often requires multiple processes to produce solid dosage form. Hence, this study explored commonly used granulation processes for simultaneous complexation and granulation. Poorly soluble drugs ibuprofen and glyburide were selected as experimental drugs. Co-evaporation of drug:CD mixture from a solvent followed by wet granulation with water was considered as standard process for comparison. Spray granulation and fluid bed processing (FBP) using drug:CD solution in ethanol were evaluated as an alternative processes. The dissolution data of glyburide tablets indicated that tablets produced by spray granulation, FBP and co-evaporation-granulation have almost identical dissolution profile in water and 0.1% SLS (>70% in water and >60% in SLS versus 30 and 34%, respectively for plain tablet, in 120 min). Similarly, ibuprofen:CD tablets produced by co-evaporation-granulation and FBP displayed similar dissolution profile in 0.01 M HCl (pH 2.0) and buffer pH 5.5 (>90 and 100% versus 44 and 80% respectively for plain tablets, 120 min). Results of this study demonstrated that spray granulation is simple and cost effective process for low dose poorly soluble drugs to incorporate drug:CD complex into solid dosage form, whereas FBP is suitable for poorly soluble drugs with moderate dose.

Proliposomes for oral delivery: progress and challenges.

Proliposomes are phospholipid based drug delivery systems that are finding important applications in the field of pharmaceutics. Proliposomes have been extensively studied as a potential carrier for oral delivery of drugs with poor bioavailability, but the mechanism of absorption and cellular uptake pathways has not yet been clearly understood. An in-depth insight into the physical and biological behavior of proliposomes is necessary for designing an effective delivery system for enhancing the availability of drug at the intended site. Reformulation of sub optimal drugs using proliposomes has given an opportunity to improve the therapeutic indices of various drugs predominantly by altering their uptake mechanism. This work reviews the proliposomal drug delivery field, summarizes the success of proliposomes for the oral delivery of drugs with poor bioavailability; indicating the key issues to be addressed to affirm that proliposomes can effectively work as a drug carrier in clinical settings with a clear understanding of its behavior in biological environment, as they are now an established platform technology with considerable clinical acceptance.

Proliposomes as a drug delivery system to decrease the hepatic first-pass metabolism: case study using a model drug.

Objective of the present study was to develop a proliposomal formulation to decrease the hepatic first-pass metabolism of a highly metabolized drug. Lovastatin was chosen as the model drug. Proliposomes were prepared by mixing different ratios of phospholipids such as soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), hydrogenated egg phosphatidylcholine (HEPC) and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) individually with drug and cholesterol in an organic solvent. Proliposomal powder was obtained following evaporation of the solvent. The proliposomal powder was either filled into capsules or compressed into tablets. Physical characterization, in vitro drug transport studies and in vitro dissolution of formulations and pure drug was carried out. In vitro transport across the membrane was evaluated using parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). The extent of drug released from various proliposomal formulations in the first 30 min was 85%, 87% and 96% with DMPG, SPC and HEPC containing formulations respectively, while the pure drug formulation showed 48% drug release in the same period. In vivo studies were carried out in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Following single oral administration of the selected formulation (F9), a relative bioavailability of 162% was achieved compared to pure lovastatin. The study demonstrated that proliposomes can be used as a drug delivery system to decrease the hepatic first-pass metabolism.

Improved oral delivery of resveratrol using proliposomal formulation: investigation of various factors contributing to prolonged absorption of unmetabolized resveratrol.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to design lipid-based formulation to enhance the absorption of unmetabolized resveratrol (RSV) over adequate time and investigate various factors that contribute to prolonged absorption of RSV. METHODS: Proliposomal formulations containing distearoyl phosphatidyl choline (DSPC) with or without cholesterol were prepared and evaluated. The liposomes obtained from hydration of proliposomal mixture were evaluated for size, zeta, physical appearance and entrapment. The integrity of liposomes in bile salt solution and solubility of RSV in sodium taurocholate solution in the presence of various concentrations of DSPC were evaluated to assess the stability and in varied gastrointestinal conditions. Finally, oral pharmacokinetic studies of liposomal dispersions in comparison with RSV solution were evaluated. RESULTS: Results revealed that spontaneous formation of liposomes did not occur upon hydration of RSV: DSPC proliposomes rather showed tendency to form loose cotton-like aggregates. Cholesterol aided in the formation of stable liposomes with large negative zeta potential. Release of RSV from liposomes in the presence of taurocholate was dependent on the amount and type of total lipid. Liposomes without cholesterol showed faster release, and release increased as the amount of DSPC in the formulation increased. Solubility studies indicated that DSPC increases the solubility of RSV in the presence of sodium taurocholate, and corroborates that bilayer assembly is disrupted because of interaction between RSV and DSPC. Mixture of RSV:DSPC:Chol at 1:0.25:0.25 formed stable colloidal dispersion with zeta potential -22 and released only 20 - 23% of entrapped RSV when incubated with 20 mM sodium taurocholate. Pharmacokinetic profile revealed that AUC and Cmax were twofold higher than plain RSV. CONCLUSION: The proliposomal formulation optimized by considering various physicochemical factors and simulated in vitro testing result in significant improvement rate and extent of absorption of unmetabolized RSV.

Can formulation and drug delivery reduce attrition during drug discovery and development-review of feasibility, benefits and challenges.

Drug discovery and development has become longer and costlier process. The fear of failure and stringent regulatory review process is driving pharmaceutical companies towards "me too" drugs and improved generics (505(b) (2)) fillings. The discontinuance of molecules at late stage clinical trials is common these years. The molecules are withdrawn at various stages of discovery and development process for reasons such as poor ADME properties, lack of efficacy and safety reasons. Hence this review focuses on possible applications of formulation and drug delivery to salvage molecules and improve the drugability. The formulation and drug delivery technologies are suitable for addressing various issues contributing to attrition are discussed in detail.

Bioavailability enhancement of glucosamine hydrochloride by chitosan.

Glucosamine, as a dietary supplement for management of osteoarthritis, has a low and erratic oral bioavailability due to its transport-mediated absorption and presystemic loss in liver and GI tract. The present study described an effective approach to improve glucosamine intestinal absorption and hence its bioavailability using chitosan. Effects of chitosan on intestinal permeability and pharmacokinetics of glucosamine were evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayer and rats, respectively. In addition, randomized crossover pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs were performed to evaluate the oral bioavailabilities of the developed glucosamine oral formulations containing chitosan (QD-Glu solution and QD-Glu tablet) in comparison to its commercial products. Caco-2 permeability studies demonstrated that chitosan could enhance the absorptive transport of glucosamine by 1.9-4.0-fold via the reversible opening of the cell tight junction. After oral administration of glucosamine solutions containing chitosan in rats, it was found that 0.5% (w/v) chitosan exhibited the highest enhancement in Cmax (2.8-fold) and AUC0-∞ (2.5-fold) of glucosamine. Further pharmacokinetic studies in beagle dogs demonstrated that QD-Glu solution and QD-Glu tablet showed much higher relative bioavailabilities of 313% and 186%, when comparing with Wellesse™ solution and Voltaflex™ tablet, respectively. In conclusion, chitosan could serve as a promising oral absorption enhancer for glucosamine.

Formulation of lipid bearing pellets as a delivery system for poorly soluble drugs.

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize phospholipid bearing pellets for a poorly water-soluble drug, nisoldipine. Pellets were prepared using extrusion-spheronization technique containing microcrystalline cellulose, soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), granulating fluid and lactose. Operational parameters such as extrusion speed, spheronization speed and residence time were evaluated. Optimal extrusion speed was found to be 50 rpm with a spheronization speed of 60 Hz and residence time of 2 min. Pellets were characterized for their size, shape, density, flow properties, friability, moisture content, surface morphology and thermal properties. Pellets were evaluated for their assay and in vitro drug release. Mathematical modeling was used to determine the release patterns of the pellets. Pellets were found to be spherical, 600-850 µm size with <0.01% friability and had >70% yield. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies showed a smoother external surface and a porous internal matrix. SPC incorporated pellets resulted in improved dissolution of the drug. Pellets with SPC (20 and 30%) released >90% of the drug within 24 h. The dissolution profiles of the pellets were best fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic model. In this study, we could successfully incorporate a lipid and a water-insoluble drug into a pellet formulation with improved dissolution profile.

Liposomes as nanocarriers for anti-HIV therapy.

Globally, in the last three decades of medical research, the use of liposomes as carrier for anti-HIV/AIDS drugs is gaining prominence. These potential anti-HIV nanocarriers are concentric lipid bilayers which can be fabricated to protect molecules and to target the drugs to specific sites, which is the reason behind their popularity in the antiretroviral drug delivery. The development of an effective drug delivery system such as liposomes presents an opportunity to circumvent the many challenges associated with antiretroviral drug therapy. The physiochemical properties of liposomes such as size, charge, and lipid composition significantly affect the liposomal efficiency. These nanocarriers offer advantages such as drug loading both in aqueous region and within the bilayer of the vesicles, act as solubilizing agents, protect drug from degradation in the body, allow modification of the pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution patterns of the drug, provide drug targeting, and have low immunogenicity, biocompatibility, and cell specificity. Different types of liposome-based delivery systems, such as cationic, anionic, sterically stabilized, and immunoliposomes, have been studied for the anti-HIV/AIDS drug delivery. Liposomes, however, face challenges with regard to their use in antiretroviral drug delivery such as limited hydrophilic drug-loading capacity, issues related to physical and biologic stability, poor scale-up, cost, short shelf life, and toxicity. Numerous patented strategies have been granted in the USA and around the world related to these anti-HIV nanocarriers. In the present article, we have discussed the general physiological aspects of the HIV infection, relevance of the nanocarrier, liposomes, in the treatment of this disease and some recently awarded US patents and patent applications of these liposomal delivery systems for anti-HIV drugs.

Inflammatory responses improve with milk ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin supplementation in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: A 6-month, randomized clinical study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a ribonuclease-enriched lactoferrin (R-ELF) supplement on the circulating cytokine levels and bone health of postmenopausal women. SUBJECTS: Thirty-eight healthy postmenopausal women, aged 45-60 years, were randomized into placebo and R-ELF groups. TREATMENT: The R-ELF group was supplemented with R-ELF (2 × 125 mg/day) and calcium (100% RDA), while the placebo group received only the calcium supplement. METHODS: Serum levels of receptor activator for NF-κB ligand (RANKL), C-reactive protein (CRP) and various pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly (-44 and -10%, respectively) while anti-inflammatory IL-10 increased (140%) due to R-ELF supplementation at the end of study. RANKL and CRP were modestly reduced (-50%) relative to their placebo levels, although RANKL elevated initially. CONCLUSIONS: R-ELF supplementation showed beneficial effects towards improvement of inflammatory status in postmenopausal women.

Effect of dodecylmaltoside (DDM) on uptake of BCS III compounds, tiludronate and cromolyn, in Caco-2 cells and rat intestine model.

The efficacy of n-lauryl-beta-D-maltopyranoside, (dodecylmaltoside, DDM) as a permeability-enhancer for tiludronate and cromolyn (BCS Class III, water-soluble compounds with oral bioavailability < 5%) was evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers and rat intestinal sacs. In Caco-2 cells samples were collected over a 5-h period and transepithelial resistance (TEER) was measured concurrently. In rat intestinal sacs, samples of the test compounds and marker (Lucifer Yellow) were collected over a 40 min period; accumulation in the serosal fluid and intestinal tissue was measured. At lower concentration DDM had no effect on cromolyn permeability and a marginal increase was observed at higher concentration. Tiludronate permeability in the presence of DDM showed greater enhancement as compared to cromolyn. At higher concentration DDM appeared to cause permanent damage to the cell monolayer (irreversible change in TEER). In the intestinal tissue, DDM caused increased tissue accumulation of test compounds. This indicated that transport was not restricted to the paracellular route and damage to the intestinal tissue could not be ruled out. Based on the results obtained in this study it can be concluded that at concentrations that are non-toxic DDM appears to have a limited use to improve the oral absorption of cromolyn and tiludronate.

Controlled release application of multilamellar vesicles: a novel drug delivery approach.

A novel multilamellar vesicular delivery system was developed for the controlled release application. Multilamellar vesicles were prepared by thin film hydration and converted into proliposomes by freeze-drying. A model drug metoclopramide, a highly hydrophilic drug, was successfully encapsulated into proliposomes. The proliposomes produced were non-sticky, free-flowing powders. The proliposomes were formulated into a unit dosage form by combining with various excipients. The effect of different compositions such as type and concentration of phospholipid or hydrophilic polymer was investigared to optimize the formulation. The formation of multilamellar vesicles was confirmed by observing the process of hydration of proliposomes under an optical microscope. The spherical shape of vesicles was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and mean particle sizes were in the range of 1.3-2.5 microm, as measured by dynamic light scattering technique. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study of formulations was conducted to understand the crystalline nature of drug in the vesicles. The results indicated a molecular level dispersion of drug into proliposomes with encapsulation efficiency up to 43%. Critical formulation parameters were identified to obtain a near zero order in vitro release pattern. Proliposomal formulations produced were suitable as multiparticulate drug delivery systems for the controlled release of a highly hydrophilic molecule.

Proliposomes of exemestane for improved oral delivery: formulation and in vitro evaluation using PAMPA, Caco-2 and rat intestine.

The aim of the present study was to develop proliposomal formulations to enhance the oral bioavailability of exemestane by improving solubility, dissolution and/or intestinal permeability. Proliposomal powder formulations were prepared using different ratios of drug (exemestane), distearoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), cholesterol and dimyristoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) by solvent evaporation method. The effect of phospholipid composition and drug:lipid ratio on in vitro performance of proliposomes was studied. Proliposomes were characterized for their particle size distribution, thermal characteristics by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dissolution behavior. Further, the formulated proliposomes were subjected to in vitro permeation or transport studies using different models such as rat intestine, parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) and Caco-2 cell line. Proliposomes provided enhanced exemestane dissolution due to incorporation into the phospholipid bilayers and change in the physical state from crystalline to amorphous. The in vitro transport studies in rat intestine, PAMPA and Caco-2 models revealed that the proliposomes were successful in enhancing the permeation of exemestane. These proliposomal formulations of exemestane could provide improved oral bioavailability due to enhanced solubility, permeability and hence absorption.

Improved delivery of cromolyn from oral proliposomal beads.

Proliposomal bead formulations for improved oral delivery of cromolyn (BCS Class III compound) were formulated. Phospholipid (distearylphosphatidylcholine)-cholesterol-surfactant (Tween 80/sodium cholate) systems were spray-coated on beads containing cromolyn sodium and the dosage forms were characterized for vesicle formation and encapsulation efficiency. Delivery of cromolyn sodium from this novel dosage form was evaluated across the Caco-2 and everted rat intestinal sac model. Spontaneous formation of vesicles upon dilution of beads was observed. Enhancement in cromolyn transport was higher with phospholipids-surfactant proliposomal formulations compared to surfactant-free lipid formulations or pure surfactant solutions, most significant enhancement being with formulations with low surfactant concentration. No evidence of cellular damage to Caco-2 monolayers (e.g. significant decrease in the TEER) or change in transport and tissue accumulation of a marker molecule in the intestinal tissue model was observed. This indicated enhancement of transport via transcellular routes and not due to the modulation of the tight junctions or cell disruption. Results suggest that phospholipids-surfactant proliposomal beads offer a good potential for improved oral delivery of cromolyn.