Improved Dissolution of Dipyridamole with the Combination of pH-Modifier and Solid Dispersion Technology.

The aim of this study was to develop a pH-independent release formulation of dipyridamole (DP) by the combined use of pH-modifier technology and solid dispersion (SD) technology employing enteric polymer, Eudragit® S100 (Eud). Tartaric acid (TA) was selected as an appropriate pH-modifier in terms of improving the dissolution behavior of DP under neutral conditions. Upon optimization of the ratio of TA to DP, SD of DP with Eud and TA (SD-Eud/DP/TA) was prepared by a freeze-drying method. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that DP was dispersed in the polymer in SD-Eud/DP/TA, and DP in SD-Eud/DP/TA was in an amorphous state, supported by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. The dissolution behavior of SD-Eud/DP/TA was not dependent on the pH of the medium, although SD-Eud/DP exhibited very limited dissolution behavior under neutral conditions. Spectroscopic analysis suggested that there might be inter-molecular interaction among DP, TA and enteric polymer in SD-Eud/DP/TA, possibly leading to the stable pH-independent dissolution behavior of SD-Eud/DP/TA. TA in SD-Eud/DP/TA promoted the degradation of DP, suggesting that improving the stability of DP in SD-Eud/DP/TA might be key for its practical use. From these results, pH-independent dissolution behavior of SD-Eud/DP/TA could be achieved by an enteric polymer-based solid dispersion with a pH-modifier.

Microenvironmental pH-modification to improve dissolution behavior and oral absorption for drugs with pH-dependent solubility.

INTRODUCTION: Drug release and oral absorption of drugs with pH-dependent solubility are influenced by the conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, poor oral absorption has been observed for these drugs, causing insufficient drug efficacy. The pH-modification of a formulation could be a promising approach to overcome the poor oral absorption of drugs with pH-dependent solubility. AREAS COVERED: The present review aims to summarize the pH-modifier approach and strategic analyses of microenvironmental pH for formulation design and development. We also provide literature- and patent-based examples of the application of pH-modification technology to solid dosage forms. EXPERT OPINION: For the pH-modification approach, the microenvironmental pH at the diffusion area can be altered by dissolving pH-modifying excipients in the formulation. The modulation of the microenvironmental pH could improve dissolution behavior of drugs with pH-dependent solubility, possibly leading to better oral absorption. According to this concept, the modulated level of microenvironmental pH and its duration can be key factors for improvement in drug dissolution. The measurement of microenvironmental pH and release of pH-modifier would provide theoretical insight for the selection of an appropriate pH-modifier and optimization of the formulation.

In vitro/in vivo characterization of nanocrystalline formulation of tranilast with improved dissolution and hepatoprotective properties.

The present study was undertaken to develop a nanocrystalline formulation of tranilast (NC/TL), an acidic anti-inflammatory agent, with the aim of improving its biopharmaceutical and hepatoprotective properties. NC/TL was prepared by wet-mill technology, and its physicochemical properties were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, particle size distribution, stability and dissolution. Even after the storage of NC/TL for 8 weeks under accelerated conditions, there were no significant transitions in the crystalline form, crystallinity and particle size distribution of wet-milled TL. The nanosized TL particles could be immediately dispersed when the NC/TL was introduced into aqueous medium, and the NC/TL exhibited significant improvement in the dissolution behavior even under acidic conditions, compared with crystalline TL and a physical mixture of TL and polymer (PM/TL). The hepatoprotective effects of orally dosed TL formulations were evaluated in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rat model of acute liver injury. In a rat model of acute liver injury, repeated treatment with NC/TL (2 mg TL/kg) every 12h led to marked attenuation of hepatic damage as evidenced by decreases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total reactive oxygen species levels. However, PM/TL was found to be less effective, and the difference in efficacy between NC/TL and PM/TL should be attributable to the highly enhanced dissolution behavior of NC/TL. Strategic application of NC formulation technology might be an efficacious approach for enhancing the therapeutic potential of TL to treat liver dysfunction.

Development of novel solid dispersion of tranilast using amphiphilic block copolymer for improved oral bioavailability.

The present study aimed to develop novel solid dispersion (SD) of tranilast (TL) using amphiphilic block copolymer, poly[MPC-co-BMA] (pMB), to improve the dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior of TL. pMB-based SD of TL (pMB-SD/TL) with drug loading of 50% (w/w) was prepared by wet-mill technology, and the physicochemical properties were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, dissolution, and hygroscopicity. Powder X-ray diffraction and polarized light microscopic experiments demonstrated high crystallinity of TL in pMB-SD/TL. The pMB-SD/TL exhibited immediate micellization when introduced to aqueous media, forming fine droplets with a mean diameter of ca. 122 nm. There was marked improvement in the dissolution behavior for the pMB-SD/TL even under acidic conditions, although the supersaturated TL concentration gradually decreased. NMR analyses demonstrated interaction between TL and pMB, as evidenced by the chemical shift drifting and line broadening. Pharmacokinetic behaviors of orally dosed TL formulations were evaluated in rats using UPLC/ESI-MS. After oral administration of pMB-SD/TL (10mg TL/kg) in rats, enhanced TL exposure was observed with increases of Cmax and AUC by 125- and 52-fold, respectively, compared with those of crystalline TL. From these findings, pMB-based SD formulation approach might be an efficacious approach for enhancing the therapeutic potential of TL.

Development of cyclosporine A-loaded dry-emulsion formulation using highly purified glycerol monooleate for safe inhalation therapy.

The main objective of this study was to improve the safety and oxidative stability of glycerol monooleate (GMO)-based dry-emulsion (DE) formulation containing cyclosporine A (CsA) for inhalation therapy. GMO or highly purified GMO (hpGMO) was used as surfactant for the DE formulations (GMO/DE or hpGMO/DE), the toxicological and physicochemical properties of which were characterized with a focus on oxidative stability, in vitro/in vivo toxicity, and dissolution property. Incubation of GMO at oxidation accelerating conditions for 10 days at 60°C resulted in the formation of lipid peroxides as evidenced by increased malondialdehyde (111 µmol/mg); however, hpGMO samples exhibited increase of only 20.7 µmol/mg in malondialdehyde level. No significant acute cytotoxicity was observed in rat alveolar L2 cells exposed to hpGMO (0.28mM), and intratracheal administration of hpGMO powder in rats did not cause an increase of the plasma LDH level. The hpGMO/DE exhibited marked improvement in dissolution behavior of CsA, and stable fine micelles with a mean diameter of 320 nm were formed when suspended in water. A respirable powder formulation of hpGMO/DE (hpGMO/DE-RP) was newly prepared, and its in vitro inhalation property and in vivo efficacy were also evaluated. The hpGMO/DE-RP exhibited high dispersibility in laser diffraction analysis and significantly improved potency to attenuate recruitment of inflammatory cells into airway and thickening of airway wall in an animal model. Thus, the strategic use of hpGMO would improve oxidative stability and local toxicity compared with a GMO-based DE formulation, and its application to RP formulation could be a promising approach for effective inhalation therapy.

New dipyridamole salt with improved dissolution and oral bioavailability under hypochlorhydric conditions.

The aim of this study was to develop new dipyridamole (DP) salts with pH-independent solubility for improving oral bioavailability under hypochlorhydria. Salt screening was carried out using nine counterions by the temperature gradient method. Six DP salts were obtained, and there was marked improvement in dissolution behavior for all DP salts in a neutral medium. Most DP salts were stable under accelerated conditions. On the basis of the dissolution and stability data, DP tosylate (DP/TS) was selected as a promising DP salt. The pharmacokinetics of DP and the promising DP salt were assessed in normal rats and omeprazole-treated rats as a hypochlorhydric model. After oral administration of DP/TS (10 mg-DP/kg) in normal rats, enhanced DP exposures with increased C(max) and AUC0₋3 were observed compared with those with DP by ca. 2.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively. There was ca. 1 h delay of T(max) and ca. 62% reduction of AUC0₋3 for DP in omeprazole-treated rats compared with those for DP in normal rats; however, oral absorption for DP/TS under hypochlorhydria was almost identical to that in normal rats. The newly developed DP/TS might provide better therapeutic efficacy in clinical use for hypochlorhydric patients.

Novel formulations of dipyridamole with microenvironmental pH-modifiers for improved dissolution and bioavailability under hypochlorhydria.

This study was undertaken to develop new dipyridamole (DP) formulations with acidic microenvironmental pH-modifiers for improving dissolution and absorption under hypochlorhydric conditions. Dipyridamole granules (DPG) with ten acidic pH-modifiers were prepared with conventional wet granulation, and their manufacturability, stability and dissolution behavior were characterized. Pharmacokinetic profiling of the optimized DPG with acid was carried out in omeprazole-treated rats as a hypochlorhydric model. On the basis of the manufacturability, stability and dissolution behavior of new DPG formulations, p-toluenesulfonic acid (TS) was found to be a suitable acidic pH-modifier for DPG formulation. Although DPG showed pH-dependent dissolution behavior, DPG with TS exhibited a high rate and extent of dissolution in both acidic and neutral media. After oral administration of DPG (10mg DP/kg) in omeprazole-treated hypochlorhydric rats, there was ca. 40% reduction of the area under the curve of plasma concentration vs. time from zero to 3h (AUC(0-3)) for DPG compared with that in normal rats. However, AUC(0-3) for DPG/TS under hypochlorhydria was almost identical to that of DPG in normal rats. From these findings, the addition of TS as a microenvironmental pH-modifier in DP formulation might be beneficial in expanding the therapeutic potential of DP in hypochlorhydric patients.

Comparative studies on physicochemical stability of cyclosporine A-loaded amorphous solid dispersions.

The present study aimed to evaluate the physical stability on amorphous solid dispersion (SD) of cyclosporine A (CsA) employing hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC). SD formulations (5-30% CsA) of CsA such wet-milled SD (WM/SD) and freeze-dried SD (FD/SD) were prepared, and both SD formulations were stored at 40 °C/75% relative humidity for 8 weeks. Transitions in morphology, dissolution behavior, crystallinity and thermal behavior of CsA were evaluated. There was at least 84-fold improvement in initial dissolution rate of SD formulations compared with that of amorphous CsA powder, although their dissolution rate was gradually decreased under accelerated conditions. In particular, aged FD/SD with a drug load of 30% exhibited highly limited dissolution as evidenced by 40% reduction of solubility after 8 weeks of storage. In contrast, aged WM/SD exhibited less reduction in dissolution rate compared with FD/SD. No significant changes were seen in crystallinity and thermal behavior after aging of SD formulations for 8 weeks; however, electron microscopic observations revealed aggregation of drug molecules/particles in the aged FD/SD, possibly leading to the reduced dissolution. From these findings, stability on CsA-loaded SD might be variable depending on the preparation methodology, and the wet-milling approach could be a viable option for preparing efficacious SD formulations with improved stability.

Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characterization of amorphous solid dispersion of tranilast with enhanced solubility in gastric fluid and improved oral bioavailability.

In the present study, amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) formulations of tranilast (TL) with 8 hydrophilic polymers were prepared by a solvent evaporation method with the aim of improving dissolution behavior in gastric fluid and thereby enhancing oral bioavailability. The physicochemical properties were characterized with a focus on morphology, crystallinity, thermal behavior, dissolution, drug-polymer interaction, and stability. Of all TL formulations, ASD formulation with Eudragit EPO exhibited the highest improvement in dissolution behavior with a 3,000-fold increase in the first-order dissolution rate under acidic conditions (pH 1.2). Spectroscopic studies using infrared and near-infrared analyses revealed the drug-polymer interaction in the Eudragit EPO-based ASD formulation. On the basis of dissolution, crystallinity, and stability data, the maximum allowable drug load in the Eudragit EPO-based ASD formulation was deduced to be ca. 50%. Pharmacokinetic profiling of orally dosed TL formulations in rats was also carried out using UPLC/ESI-MS. After oral administration of the Eudragit EPO-based ASD formulation in rats, enhanced TL exposure was observed with an increase of oral bioavailability by 19-fold, and the variation of AUC was ca. 4 times lower than that with crystalline TL. With these data, the ASD approach could be a viable formulation strategy for enhancing the wettability and oral bioavailability of TL, resulting in improved therapeutic potential of TL for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior of dipyridamole formulation with microenvironmental pH-modifier under hypochlorhydria.

The present study aimed to develop and characterize new formulations of dipyridamole (DP), a pH-dependent poorly soluble drug, employing an acidic pH-modifier for improving dissolution and absorption under hypochlorhydric condition. Granule formulations of DP (DPG) with and without fumaric acid (FA) were prepared with wet granulation, physicochemical properties of which were characterized focusing on morphology, dissolution and stability. Pharmacokinetic profiling of orally dosed DPG or DPG with 60% loading of FA (DPG/FA60) was carried out in omeprazole-treated rats as a hypochlorhydric model. Although pH-dependent dissolution behavior was observed in DPG, DPG/FA exhibited high rate and extent of dissolution in both acidic and neutral media. Complete supersaturation was achieved with a 2 h testing period in pH6.8 medium, and co-existing fumaric acid had no impact on the chemical/photochemical stability of DP in solid-state. After oral administration of DPG or DPG/FA60 (10 mg-DP/kg), there was ca. 40% reduction of AUC(0-3) for DPG in omeprazole-treated rats as compared to that in normal rats; however, AUC(0-3) for DPG/FA60 under hypochlorhydria was almost identical to that of DPG in normal rats. Given the improved systemic exposure early after oral administration in hypochlorhydric rats, the DPG/FA might provide better clinical outcomes in hypochlorhydric patients.

Inhalable dry-emulsion formulation of cyclosporine A with improved anti-inflammatory effects in experimental asthma/COPD-model rats.

The main purpose of the present study was to develop a novel respirable powder (RP) formulation of cyclosporine A (CsA) using a spray-dried O/W-emulsion (DE) system. DE formulation of CsA (DE/CsA) was prepared by spray-drying a mixture of erythritol and liquid O/W emulsion containing CsA, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and glyceryl monooleate as emulsifying agent. The DE/CsA powders were mixed with lactose carriers to obtain an RP formulation of DE/CsA (DE/CsA-RP), and its physicochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic properties were evaluated. Spray-dried DE/CsA exhibited significant improvement in dissolution behavior with ca. 4500-fold increase of dissolution rate, and then, nanoemulsified particles were reconstituted with a mean diameter of 317 nm. Laser diffraction analysis on the DE/CsA-RP suggested high dispersion of DE/CsA on the surface of the lactose carrier. Anti-inflammatory properties of the inhaled DE/CsA-RP were characterized in antigen-sensitized asthma/COPD-model rats, in which the DE/CsA-RP was more potent than the RP formulation of physical mixture containing CsA and erythritol in inhibiting inflammatory responses, possibly due to the improved dissolution behavior. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated that systemic exposure of CsA after intratracheal administration of the DE/CsA-RP at a pharmacologically effective dose (100 µg-CsA/rat) was 50-fold less than that of the oral CsA dosage form at a toxic dose (10 mg/kg). From these findings, use of inhalable DE formulation of CsA might be a promising approach for the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases with improved pharmacodynamics and lower systemic exposure.

Formulation design for poorly water-soluble drugs based on biopharmaceutics classification system: basic approaches and practical applications.

The poor oral bioavailability arising from poor aqueous solubility should make drug research and development more difficult. Various approaches have been developed with a focus on enhancement of the solubility, dissolution rate, and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. To complete development works within a limited amount of time, the establishment of a suitable formulation strategy should be a key consideration for the pharmaceutical development of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this article, viable formulation options are reviewed on the basis of the biopharmaceutics classification system of drug substances. The article describes the basic approaches for poorly water-soluble drugs, such as crystal modification, micronization, amorphization, self-emulsification, cyclodextrin complexation, and pH modification. Literature-based examples of the formulation options for poorly water-soluble compounds and their practical application to marketed products are also provided. Classification of drug candidates based on their biopharmaceutical properties can provide an indication of the difficulty of drug development works. A better understanding of the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties of drug substances and the limitations of each delivery option should lead to efficient formulation development for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Development of high-energy amorphous solid dispersion of nanosized nobiletin, a citrus polymethoxylated flavone, with improved oral bioavailability.

Nobiletin (NOB), a citrus polymethoxylated flavone, attracts attention because of a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammation, anticancer, and most notably ameliorative actions on memory impairment and ß-amyloid pathology. However, clinical use of NOB could be partly limited due to its poor solubility and bioavailability, which might necessitate high doses in order to reach therapeutic plasma concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS) after oral administration. In the present study, amorphous solid dispersion (SD) of nanosized NOB (NOB/SD) was prepared by wet-milling technique with the aim of improving dissolution behavior and pharmacokinetic properties of NOB. Physicochemical properties of the NOB/SD were characterized with focus on surface morphology, particle size distribution, dissolution, and crystallinity assessment. Wet-milled NOB particles in NOB/SD appeared to be amorphous with a diameter of approximately 270 nm, and there was marked improvement in the dissolution behavior compared with that of crystalline NOB. After oral administration of NOB/SD, higher exposure of NOB was observed with increases of bioavailability and CNS distribution by 13- and sevenfold, respectively, compared with those of crystalline NOB. These findings suggest that an amorphous, nanosized SD could be a viable option for enhancing the bioavailability and CNS delivery of NOB.

Stable dry powder inhaler formulation of tranilast attenuated antigen-evoked airway inflammation in rats.

Tranilast (TL) has been clinically used for the treatment of airway inflammatory diseases, although the clinical use of TL is limited because of its poor solubility and systemic side effects. To overcome these drawbacks, a novel respirable powder of TL (CSD/TL-RP) for inhalation therapy was developed using nanocrystal solid dispersion of TL (CSD/TL). Stability study on CSD/TL-RP was carried out with a focus on inhalation performance. Even after 6 months of storage at room temperature, there were no significant morphological changes in micronized particles on the surface of carrier particles as compared with that before storage. Cascade impactor analyses on CSD/TL-RP demonstrated high inhalation performance with emitted dose and fine particle fraction (FPF) of ca. 98% and 60%, respectively. Long-term storage of CSD/TL-RP resulted in only a slight decrease in FPF value (ca. 54%). Inhaled CSD/TL-RP could attenuate antigen-induced inflammatory events in rats, as evidenced by marked reduction of granulocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and inflammatory biomarkers such as eosinophil peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase. These findings were consistent with decreased expression levels of mRNAs for nuclear factor-kappa B and cyclooxygenase-2, typical inflammatory mediators. Given these findings, inhalable TL formulation might be an interesting alternative to oral therapy for the treatment of asthma and other airway inflammatory diseases with sufficient dispersing stability.

Development of inhalable nanocrystalline solid dispersion of tranilast for airway inflammatory diseases.

Tranilast (TL), an antiallergic agent, has been clinically used in the treatment of bronchial asthma, although the clinical use of TL is limited because of its poor solubility and systemic side effects. To overcome these drawbacks, a novel respirable powder (RP) of TL for inhalation therapy was developed using nanocrystal solid dispersion of TL (CSD/TL). In the CSD/TL, wet-milled crystalline TL particles with a mean diameter of 122 nm were dispersed, and there was a marked improvement in dissolution behavior of the CSD/TL-RP compared with that of a physical mixture of TL and carrier. Laser diffraction and cascade impactor analyses on the CSD/TL-RP demonstrated high dispersibility and deposition in the respiratory organs with emitted dose and fine particle fraction of ca. 98 and 60%, respectively. Inhaled CSD/TL-RP could attenuate antigen-induced inflammatory events in rats, as evidenced by histochemical analyses and inflammatory biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase, eosinophil peroxidase, and myeloperoxidase. The CSD/TL-RP seemed to be more potent than the physical mixture in inhibiting inflammatory responses, possibly due to the improved dissolution behavior. Systemic exposure of TL after intratracheal administration of CSD/TL-RP at a pharmacologically effective dose (100 µg of TL/rat) was found to be fivefold less than that of the oral TL dosage form at clinical dose (1.67 mg/kg). Given the improved pharmacodynamics and lower systemic TL concentration, the inhalable TL formulation might provide an interesting alternative to oral therapy with a better safety margin for the treatment of asthma and other airway inflammatory diseases.

Improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic behavior of cyclosporine A using high-energy amorphous solid dispersion approach.

The aim of the present investigation is to develop solid dispersion (SD) formulations of cyclosporine A (CsA) for improving the oral bioavailability of CsA. Amorphous SDs of CsA with eight hydrophilic polymers were prepared with wet-mill employing zirconia beads. The physicochemical properties were characterized with a focus on morphology, crystallinity, thermal behavior, dissolution, and interaction of CsA with co-existing polymer. Although CsA molecules were found to be amorphous in all wet-milled formulations, some SD formulations failed to improve the dissolution. Of all CsA formulations, SD using polymer with HPC(SSL) exhibited the largest improvement in dissolution behavior. Pharmacokinetic profiling of orally dosed CsA in rats was carried out using UPLC/ESI-MS. After the oral administration of HPC(SSL)-based SD, enhanced CsA exposure was observed with increases in C(max) and AUC of ca. 5-fold, and the variation in AUC was ca. 40% less than that of amorphous CsA. Infrared spectroscopic studies suggested an interaction between CsA and HPC(SSL), as evidenced by the conformational transition of CsA. From the improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic data, the amorphous SD approach using wet-milling technology should lead to consistent and enhanced bioavailability, leading to an improved therapeutic potential of CsA.

Formulation design and photochemical studies on nanocrystal solid dispersion of curcumin with improved oral bioavailability.

Considerable interest has been focused on curcumin due to its use to treat a wide variety of disorders, however, the therapeutic potential of curcumin could often be limited by its poor solubility, bioavailability, and photostability. To overcome these drawbacks, efficacious formulations of curcumin, including nanocrystal solid dispersion (CSD-Cur), amorphous solid dispersion (ASD-Cur), and nanoemulsion (NE-Cur), were designed with the aim of improving physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations were characterized by scanning/transmission electron microscope for morphological analysis, laser diffraction, and dynamic light scattering for particle size analysis, and polarized light microscope, powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry for crystallinity assessment. In dissolution tests, all curcumin formulations exhibited marked improvement in the dissolution behavior when compared with crystalline curcumin. Significant improvement in pharmacokinetic behavior was observed in the newly developed formulations, as evidenced by 12- (ASD-Cur), 16- (CSD-Cur), and 9-fold (NE-Cur) increase of oral bioavailability. Upon photochemical characterization, curcumin was found to be photoreactive and photodegradable in the solution state, possibly via type 2 photochemical reaction, whereas high photochemical stability was seen in the solid formulations, especially CSD-Cur. On the basis of these observations, taken together with dissolution and pharmacokinetic behaviors, CSD strategy would be efficacious to enhance bioavailability of curcumin with high photochemical stability.

Novel crystalline solid dispersion of tranilast with high photostability and improved oral bioavailability.

Tranilast (TL) is an anti-allergic agent and widely used in the clinical treatment of bronchial asthma, atopic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis and keloids. However, therapeutic potential of TL could be partly limited because of its poor solubility, bioavailability, and photostability. To overcome these drawbacks, crystalline solid dispersion of TL (CSD/TL) was prepared by wet-milling technique with aim of improving physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties. Physicochemical properties of the formulations prepared were characterized by laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering for particle size analysis, scanning electron microscope for morphological analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry for crystallinity assessment. TL particles in CSD/TL appeared to be crystalline with diameter of 122 nm, and CSD/TL exhibited marked improvement in the dissolution behavior as compared to crystalline TL. Under irradiation of UVA/B (250 W/m(2)), solution and amorphous solid dispersion of TL were found to be highly photodegradable, whereas high photochemical stability was seen in CSD/TL. After oral administration of CSD/TL, enhanced TL exposure was observed with increase of C(max) and AUC by 60- and 32-fold, respectively, as compared to crystalline TL. According to these observations, taken together with dissolution and pharmacokinetic behaviors, crystalline solid dispersion strategy would be efficacious to enhance bioavailability of TL with high photochemical stability.

Novel dry powder inhaler formulation of glucagon with addition of citric acid for enhanced pulmonary delivery.

Glucagon, a gut hormone, is one of the key regulatory elements in glucose homeostasis, and is clinically used for treatment of hypoglycemia and premedication in peroral endoscopy. Dry powder inhaler (DPI) form of glucagon is believed to be a promising new dosage form, and the present study aimed to develop a novel glucagon-DPI using absorption enhancer for improved pharmacological effects. The cytotoxicity of citric and capric acids, the potential absorption enhancers, at 1 and 10 mM was assessed by monitoring extracellular LDH levels in rat alveolar L2 cells, and a concentration- and time-dependent release of LDH was observed in capric acid, but not in citric acid-treated cells. DPI form of glucagon containing citric acid was prepared with a jet mill, and laser diffraction and cascade impactor analyses of the newly developed glucagon-DPI suggested high dispersion and deposition in the respiratory organs with an emitted dose and fine particle fraction of 99.5 and 25%, respectively. Addition of citric acid in glucagon-DPI improved the dissolution behavior, and did not impair the solid-state stability of glucagon-DPI. Intratracheal administration of glucagon-DPI (50 microg-glucagon/kg body weight of rat) containing citric acid led to 2.9-fold more potent hyperglycemic effect in rats, as compared to inhaled glucagon-DPI without citric acid. Based on these physicochemical and pharmacological characterization, the dry powder inhaler of glucagon with addition of citric acid would be of use as an alternative to injection form.

New treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and viable formulation/device options for inhalation therapy.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an increasingly important cause of morbidity and mortality, pathological features of which are pulmonary inflammation and irreversible airflow obstruction. Current therapies for COPD are aimed at improvement of clinical symptoms and reduction of inflammation in the respiratory systems. There is a pressing need for the development of new COPD medication, particularly as no existing treatment has been shown to reduce disease progression. In spite of a better understanding of the underlying disease process, there have been limited advances in the drug therapy of COPD, in contrast to the enormous advances in asthma management. Several new therapeutic targets and strategies have been proposed, and new drug candidates, including bronchodilators, protease inhibitors anti-inflammatory drugs and mediator antagonists, are now in clinical development for COPD treatment. New dry powder inhaler (DPI) systems for inhaled COPD therapy have also been developed to maximize drug concentrations in the airway systems, while minimizing systemic exposure and associated toxicity. This article aims to review recent developments in COPD drugs and the delivery systems for inhalation therapy, with particular emphasis on device options and formulations of DPI systems.