Erik Söderlind

The usefulness of sugar surfactants as solubilizing agents in parenteral formulations

The usefulness of sugar surfactants as solubilizing agents was assessed and compared to commercial polyoxyethylene-based surfactants. The sugar surfactants examined comprised of monosaccharides or disaccharides with alkyl chains ranging from C(8) to C(12). Each surfactant was investigated with respect to solubilization capacity for felodipine and haemolytic activity. The haemolytic activity was determined using a static method in which surfactant solutions were added to fresh dog blood. The polyoxyethylene-based surfactants were found to be more suitable as solubilizing agents than the sugar surfactants due to better solubilization capacities combined with lower haemolytic activities. The sugar surfactants caused severe haemolysis below or at the critical micelle concentration, in contrast to the polyoxyethylene-based surfactants that are nonhaemolytic in this concentration range. The structure-related variations in haemolytic activity are probably due to variations in the surfactants partition coefficients for the distribution equilibrium between the aqueous phase and the cell membrane. Longer alkyl chains cause higher haemolytic activity, while larger saccharide groups lower the activity. The clear difference between sugar and polyoxyethylene surfactants, which are considerably less haemolytic, is due to a combination of low critical micelle concentrations and presumably low degrees of partitioning of the latter surfactants into the cell membranes.

Biorelevant Media to Simulate Fluids in the Ascending Colon of Humans and Their Usefulness in Predicting Intracolonic Drug Solubility

ABSTRACTPurposeTo develop media simulating human colonic fluids (HCFs), to evaluate their use in predicting intracolonic solubility of ketoconazole, danazol and felodipine and to compare solubilities in HCFs with previously determined solubilities in gastric (HGFs) and small intestinal (HIFs) fluids.MethodsFasted state simulated colonic fluid (FaSSCoF) and fed state simulated colonic fluid (FeSSCoF) were designed to reflect fluids previously collected from the ascending colon in healthy adults. Solubilities of the three model compounds were determined in HCFs, simulated HCFs, and plain buffers.ResultsFor ketoconazole, solubilities in FaSSCoF and FeSSCoF were closer than those in the corresponding plain buffers to the solubility in HCFs. For danazol and felodipine, solubilities in FaSSCoF and FeSSCoF predicted solubilities in HCFs. In the fasted state, solubilities of danazol and felodipine in HCFs were higher than or similar to in HGFs or HIFs, while the ketoconazole solubility was lower. In the fed state, solubilities of all three model compounds in HCFs were lower than in HGFs or HIFs.ConclusionsFaSSCoF and FeSSCoF more closely predict solubility of poorly soluble compounds in HCFs than plain buffers. In most cases, solubility in HCFs differs from those in HGFs and HIFs.

Comparison of dissolution profiles obtained from nifedipine extended release once a day products using different dissolution test apparatuses.

In order to improve the predictability of dissolution testing new apparatuses have been proposed that mimic hydrodynamic and mechanical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study tested were four different nifedipine extended release (ER) formulations using the paddle apparatus and the reciprocating cylinder as pharmacopoeial test devices as well as two newly developed test apparatuses: the rotating beaker apparatus and the dissolution stress test apparatus. Investigated were Adalat OROS in strengths of 30 and 60 mg, and two hydrophilic matrix formulations: 60 mg nifedipine Coral and Nifedipin Sandoz 40 mg retard. The results demonstrate that the dissolution characteristic of the ER tablets is strongly dependent on the applied test conditions. The dosage form related food effects for Coral 60 mg tablets that were previously observed in human bioequivalence studies could be predicted with the two non-compendial dissolution test devices. The dissolution of Sandoz 40 mg tablets was very sensitive to all applied test conditions. The stable drug delivery characteristics of Adalat OROS observed in numerous in vivo studies was also observed in all of the dissolution tests. In conclusion, the present study shows that besides pH dependency the aspect of the mechanical robustness may be an essential factor affecting the dissolution characteristic of hydrogel matrix formulations.

The influence of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) molecular weight, concentration and effect of food on in vivo erosion behavior of HPMC matrix tablets

Four different hydrophilic matrix formulations based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were investigated for erosion properties in vivo. Three formulations contained a fixed amount of HPMC (40%) with varying proportions of two HPMC grades with different molecular weights (Methocel K100LV and K4M), and a fourth formulation contained a lower amount of the HPMC of lower molecular weight (20%). The effect of food on the in vivo erosion behavior was investigated on two formulations containing different contents of the same HPMC grade. The in vivo erosion behavior and gastrointestinal transit were investigated using magnetic marker monitoring (MMM). The in vitro and in vivo erosion-time profiles show that the erosion was strongly dependent on the composition of the formulation. The formulations containing a larger proportion of high molecular weight HPMC or higher content of HPMC exhibit relatively slower erosion rate and vice versa. In vivo erosion rates were significantly higher under postprandial administration as compared to fasted state administration. No rapid disintegration of any of the formulations (i.e. formulation failure that can potentially cause dose dumping) was observed.

Mechanistic Modeling of a Magnetic Marker Monitoring Study Linking Gastrointestinal Tablet Transit, In Vivo Drug Release, and Pharmacokinetics

Magnetic marker monitoring (MMM) is a new technique for visualizing transit and disintegration of solid oral dosage forms through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The aim of this work was to develop a modeling approach for gaining information from MMM studies using data from a food interaction study with felodipine extended‐release (ER) formulation. The interrelationship between tablet location in the GI tract, in vivo drug release, and felodipine disposition was modeled. A Markov model was developed to describe the tablets movement through the GI tract. Tablet location within the GI tract significantly affected drug release and absorption through the gut wall. Food intake decreased the probability of tablet transition from the stomach, decreased the rate with which released felodipine left the stomach, and increased the fraction absorbed across the gut wall. In conclusion, the combined information of tablet location in the GI tract, in vivo drug release, and plasma concentration can be utilized in a mechanistically informative way with integrated modeling of data from MMM studies.

A semi-mechanistic modeling strategy for characterization of regional absorption properties and prospective prediction of plasma concentrations following administration of new modified release formulations

ABSTRACTPurposeTo outline and test a new modeling approach for prospective predictions of absorption from newly developed modified release formulations based on in vivo studies of gastro intestinal (GI) transit, drug release and regional absorption for the investigational drug AZD0837.MethodsThis work was a natural extension to the companion article “A semi-mechanistic model to link in vitro and in vivo drug release for modified release formulations”. The drug release model governed the amount of substance released in distinct GI regions over time. GI distribution of released drug substance, region specific rate and extent of absorption and the influence of food intake were estimated. The model was informed by magnetic marker monitoring data and data from an intubation study with local administration in colon.ResultsDistinctly different absorption properties were characterized for different GI regions. Bioavailability over the gut-wall was estimated to be high in duodenum (70%) compared to the small intestine (25%). Colon was primarily characterized by a very slow rate of absorption.ConclusionsThe established model was largely successful in predicting plasma concentration following administration of three newly developed formulations for which no clinical data had been applied during model building.

Validation of the IntelliCap® system as a tool to evaluate extended release profiles in human GI tract using metoprolol as model drug

A clinical study was conducted to validate the in vivo drug release performance of IntelliCap® CR capsules. 12 healthy, male volunteers were administered IntelliCap® CR capsules, filled with metoprolol as a BCS 1 model drug, and programmed to release the drug with 3 different release profiles (2 linear profiles extending over 6h and 14h, respectively, and a pulsed profile with two equal pulses separated by 5h) using a cross-over design. An oral metoprolol solution was included as a reference. Standard bioavailability variables were determined. In vivo drug release-time profiles for the IntelliCap® CR capsules were calculated from the plasma drug concentrations by deconvolution, and they were subsequently compared with the in vitro drug release profiles including assessment of level A in vitro/in vivo correlation (IVIVC). The relative bioavailability for the linear, extended release profiles was about 85% which is similar to other extended release administrations of metoprolol. There was an excellent agreement between the predetermined release profiles and the in vivo release for these two administrations. For IntelliCap® CR capsules programmed to deliver 2 distinct and equal drug pulses, the first pulse was delivered as expected whereas only about half of the second dose was released. Thus, it is concluded that the IntelliCap® system is well suited for the fast and reliable generation of in vivo pharmacokinetic data for extended release drug profiles, e.g. in context of regional drug absorption investigations. For immediate release pulses delivered in the distal GI tract this version of the device appears however less suitable.

Characterization of the Ascending Colon Fluids in Ulcerative Colitis

ABSTRACTPurposeTo characterize the fluid composition in ascending colon of fasted adults with ulcerative colitis in relapse and in remission with a view to predicting variations on dosage form performance in the lower inflamed gut.MethodsTwelve patients participated in a two-phase, crossover study. Enrolment to the relapse phase (Phase A) and designation of the remission state for the second colonoscopy (Phase B) were based on Clinical Rachmilewicz Index values. Samples were analyzed for pH and buffer capacity immediately upon collection. After ultracentrifugation, osmolality, surface tension, soluble protein, soluble carbohydrates, and the levels of ten bile acids, seven short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), three long-chain fatty acids, triglycerides, diglycerides, monoglycerides, phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol were measured.ResultsTotal SCFAs are significantly decreased in relapse, but pH remains unaffected. Regardless of remission/relapse status, pH and isobutyric acid levels are lower than in healthy adults. Buffer capacity, osmolality, and soluble protein are higher than in healthy adults. Treatment with prednisolone increases the volume of intracolonic contents.ConclusionVariations in fluid composition of the ascending colon with activity and severity of ulcerative colitis may have an impact on the performance of orally administered products that are targeted to release the therapeutic agent in the colon.

Reducing Adverse Effects During Drug Development: The Example of Lesogaberan and Paresthesia

PURPOSE Lesogaberan, a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)B receptor agonist, was developed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with a partial response to proton pump inhibitor therapy. A high prevalence of paresthesia was observed in healthy individuals after dosing with lesogaberan in early-phase clinical trials. The aim of this review was to gain further insight into paresthesia caused by lesogaberan by summarizing the relevant preclinical and clinical data. METHODS This study was a narrative review of the literature and unpublished data. FINDINGS The occurrence of paresthesia may depend on the route or rate of drug administration; several studies were conducted to test this hypothesis, and formulations were developed to minimize the occurrence of paresthesia. Phase I clinical studies showed that, in healthy individuals, paresthesia occurred soon after administration of lesogaberan in a dose-dependent manner regardless of the route of administration. The occurrence of paresthesia could be decreased by fractionating the dose or reducing the rate of administration. These findings suggest that the initial rate of absorption plays an important part in the development of paresthesia. Modified-release formulations minimize the occurrence of paresthesia while retaining the anti-reflux activity of the drug, as measured by esophageal pH and the number of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations. IMPLICATIONS The development of lesogaberan was halted because the effect on gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms observed in Phase II studies was not considered clinically meaningful in the target patient population. Nevertheless, it is an example of successful formulation development designed to minimize the occurrence of a compounds adverse effect while retaining its pharmacodynamic action.