Level A in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) model with Bayesian approach to formulation series.

In vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) models for formulation series are useful in drug development, but the current models are limited by their inability to include data variability in the predictions. Our goal was to develop a level A IVIVC model that provides predictions with probabilities. The Bayesian approach was used to describe uncertainty related to the model and the data. Three bioavailability studies of levosimendan were used to develop IVIVC model. Dissolution was tested at pH 5.8 with basket. The IVIVC model with Bayesian approach consisted of prior and observed data. All observed data were fitted to the one-compartment model together with prior data. Probability distributions of pharmacokinetic parameters and concentration time profiles were obtained. To test the external predictability of IVIVC model, only dissolution data of formulations E and F were used. The external predictability was good. The possibility to utilize all observed data when constructing IVIVC model, can be considered as a major strength of Bayesian approach. For levosimendan capsule data traditional IVIVC model was not predictable. The usefulness of IVIVC model with Bayesian approach was shown with our data, but the same approach can be used more widely for formulation optimization and for dissolution based biowaivers.

Pharmacokinetic simulations to explore dissolution criteria of BCS I and III biowaivers with and without MDR-1 efflux transporter.

In this study, a pharmacokinetic simulation model was used to explore the dissolution acceptance criteria for BCS I and III biowaivers and to examine the risk of MDR-1 efflux transporter on bioequivalence of substrates. The compartmental absorption and transit (CAT) model with one- or two systemic compartments was used. The parameter values used in the simulations were based on the pharmacokinetics of existing 70 BCS I and III drugs. Based on the simulations BCS I drug products with Tmax of >0.9 h, both dissolution criteria "very rapid" and "rapid and similar" were acceptable. For rapidly absorbed and distributed BCS I drug products with Tmax of 0.6-0.9 h, the dissolution criterion "very rapid" is preferred. If Tmax is less than 0.6 h there is a risk of bioinequivalence for the BCS I drug products regardless of the dissolution criteria. Based on the simulations, all BCS III drug products were good biowaiver candidates with both dissolution criteria. Almost all the BCS III drug products (>89%) and many BCS I products (9-57%) showed risks of bioinequivalence, if an excipient in either product inhibits MDR1-efflux transport of the drug. To eliminate these risks excipients with prior use in bioequivalent products should be used for MDR-1 efflux substrates.

Very rapid dissolution is not needed to guarantee bioequivalence for biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) I drugs.

Currently, the EMEA, FDA, and WHO as regulatory authorities accept rapidly dissolving (>85% dissolved in 30 min) biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) I drug products for biowaiver candidates. In the draft EMEA guideline the requirement has been set tighter, that is, the drug product should be very rapidly dissolving (>85% dissolved in 15 min) to be eligible for a biowaiver. Pharmacokinetic modeling of 32 BCS I drugs was performed to demonstrate that very rapid dissolution is not necessary to guarantee bioequivalence for them. Rapid dissolution and similar dissolution profiles are sufficient criteria for all BCS I drugs.