Hetal K. Patel

Topical delivery of clobetasol propionate loaded microemulsion based gel for effective treatment of vitiligo: Ex vivo permeation and skin irritation studies

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate microemulsion as a vehicle for dermal drug delivery and to develop microemulsion based gel (MBC) of clobetasol propionate (CP) for the effective treatment of vitiligo. D-Optimal mixture experimental design was adopted to optimize the amount of oil (X(1)), S(mix) (mixture of surfactant and cosurfactant) (X(2)) and water (X(3)) in the microemulsion. The formulations were assessed for globule size (nm) (Y(1)) and solubility of CP in microemulsion (mg/ml) (Y(2)). The microemulsion containing 3% oil, 45% S(mix) and 50% water was selected as the optimized batch (ME). The globule size and solubility of CP in ME were 18.26 nm and 36.42 mg/ml respectively. Transmission electron microscopy showed that ME globules were spherical in shape. Carbopol 934P was used to convert microemulsion containing drug into gel form without affecting its structure. Ex-vivo permeation studies showed that cumulative amount of CP permeated (Q(n)) from ME, MBC and market formulation (MFCP) at 8h after application were 53.6±2.18, 28.43±0.67 and 37.73±0.77 μg cm(-2) respectively. MBC showed greater retention of CP in to skin layers than ME and MFCP. Skin irritation studies showed MBC to be significantly less irritating than MFCP. Photomicrographs and scanning electron micrographs of skin sections treated with MBC showed significant changes in the skin structure, which was attributed to the interaction of microemulsion components with skin resulting in permeation enhancement and retention of CP into skin layers. It was concluded that CP loaded gel could be a promising formulation for effective treatment of vitiligo.

Innovation of novel 'Tab in Tab' system for release modulation of milnacipran HCl: optimization, formulation and in vitro investigations.

The study was aimed toward development of modified release oral drug delivery system for highly water soluble drug, Milnacipran HCl (MH). Novel Tablet in Tablet system (TITs) comprising immediate and extended release dose of MH in different parts was fabricated. The outer shell was composed of admixture of MH, lactose and novel herbal disintegrant obtained from seeds of Lepidium sativum. In the inner core, MH was matrixed with blend of hydrophilic (Benecel®) and hydrophobic (Compritol®) polymers. 32 full factorial design and an artificial neuron network (ANN) were employed for correlating effect of independent variables on dependent variables. The TITs were characterized for pharmacopoeial specifications, in vitro drug release, SEM, drug release kinetics and FTIR study. The release pattern of MH from batch A10 containing 25.17% w/w Benecel® and 8.21% w/w of Compritol® exhibited drug release pattern close proximal to the ideal theoretical profile (t50% = 5.92 h, t75% = 11.9 h, t90% = 18.11 h). The phenomenon of drug release was further explained by concept of percolation and the role of Benecel® and Compritol® in drug release retardation was studied. The normalized error obtained from ANN was less, compared with the multiple regression analysis, and exhibits the higher accuracy in prediction. The results of short-term stability study revealed stable chataracteristics of TITs. SEM study of TITs at different dissolution time points confirmed both diffusion and erosion mechanisms to be operative during drug release from the batch A10. Novel TITs can be a succesful once a day delivery system for highly water soluble drugs.

Topical delivery of clobetasol propionate loaded microemulsion based gel for effective treatment of vitiligo – Part II: Rheological characterization and in vivo assessment through dermatopharmacokinetic and pilot clinical studies

Vitiligo is a non contagious acquired pigmentation disorder with limited treatment possibilities. Clobetasol propionate (CP) is the drug-of-choice for vitiligo which suppresses the immune system by reducing immunoglobulin action and causes the restoration of melanocytes leading to repigmentation of skin. However, despite being effective, its low and variable bioavailability prompt for development of novel carrier that could effectively target CP to site of action without producing undesirable side-effects. Low solubility of CP in subsequent poor in vivo bioavailability was overcome by formulating microemulsion based gel of CP (MBC) which would enhance the percutaneous transport of CP into and across the skin barrier. Comprehensive characterization of MBC was carried out for viscosity, gel strength and rheological behavior. In vitro studies revealed much higher drug release, skin penetration and enhanced skin accumulation as compared to control (Cream of CP). In vitro and in vivo occlusion studies demonstrated similar occlusiveness for MBC and control. MBC exhibited 3.16 times higher stratum corneum CP levels compared to control. Visualization of cutaneous uptake in vivo using laser scanning microscopy confirmed targeting of CP to epidermis and dermis. Dermatopharmacokinetic studies of MBC showed enhanced drug deposition of CP in skin layers. MBC was assessed for in vivo efficacy by single blind randomized pilot clinical study. The efficacy was assessed by vitiligo area scoring index (VASI) method. After completion of trial, repigmentation of vitiligo patches in patients were evaluated and scored. MBC was superior in terms of faster repigmentation and efficacy when compared with control (p value<0.5). Hence, it was concluded that CP loaded MBC possess enhanced skin localization as well as therapeutic activity in vitiligo patients.

Chronomodulated drug delivery system of urapidil for the treatment of hypertension

Introduction: Hypertension is a disease which shows circadian rhythm in the pattern of two peaks, one in the evening at about 7pm and other in the early morning between 4 am to 8 am. Conventional therapies are incapable to target those time points when actually the symptoms get worsened. To achieve drug release at two time points, chronomodulated delivery system may offer greater benefits. Materials and methods: The chronomodulated system comprised of dual approach; immediate release granules (IRG) and pulsatile release mini-tablets (PRM) filled in the hard gelatin capsule. The mini-tablets were coated using Eudragit S-100 which provided the lag time. To achieve the desired release, various parameters like coating duration and coat thickness were studied. The immediate release granules were evaluated for micromeritical properties and drug release, while mini-tablets were evaluated for various parameters such as hardness, thickness, friability, weight variation, drug content, and disintegration time and in-vitro drug release. Compatibility of drug-excipient was checked by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Differential scanning calorimetry studies and pellets morphology was done by Scanning electron microscopy studies. Results: The in-vitro release profile suggested that immediate release granules gives drug release within 20 min at the time of evening attack while the programmed pulsatile release was achieved from coated mini-tablets after a lag time of 9hrs, which was consistent with the demand of drug during early morning hour attack. Pellets found to be spherical in shape with smooth surface. Moreover compatibility studies illustrated no deleterious reaction between drug and polymers used in the study. Conclusions: The dual approach of developed chronomodulated formulation found to be satisfactory in the treatment of hypertension.

In vivo performance evaluation and establishment of IVIVC for osmotic pump based extended release formulation of milnacipran HCl

The objective of the present study was to carry out a pharmacokinetics evaluation of an oral modified release formulation [Aquarius EKX 19102 SRX–2 based osmotic pump (OP)] containing highly soluble milnacipran HCl (MH) as a model drug. It was also aimed at developing an in vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC) model for a developed OP. In vivo plasma concentration data were obtained from six healthy male New Zealand albino rabbits after administration of immediate‐release milnacipran HCl solution (IRMHSOL) and milnacipran HCl osmotic pump (MHOP). In vitro samples were analysed using an in house developed spectrophotometry method and in vivo samples were analysed using a RP‐HPLC method developed by the author. A deconvolution based Level A model was attempted through a correlation of the percent in vivo input obtained through deconvolution and the percent in vitro dissolution obtained experimentally. A good correlation between the percentages dissolved vs absorbed (R2 = 0.978) was obtained using level A correlation. Evaluation of the internal predictability of level A correlation was calculated in terms of the percent prediction error, which was found to be below 15%. In a nutshell, the success of the present study warrants further studies in patient volunteers to assess the ability of the MHOP to provide an effective therapy for depression. Copyright

Cell Line and Augument Cellular Uptake Study of statistically optimized sustained release capecitabine loaded Eudragit S100/PLGA(poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) Nanoparticles for colon targeting

BACKGROUND Capecitabine, an anti cancer drug, has a very short drug elimination half-life (0.49 to 0.89 h). High doses and absence of targeting ability in the colon region may lead to more side effects to the patients with colon cancer. PURPOSE To develop and optimize sustained release nanoparticles for effective treatment of colon cancer. METHODS Eudragit S100-PLGA(poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)) nanoparticles were prepared by a double emulsification, solvent evaporation method followed by high-pressure homogenisation evaluated and the particles were evaluated for surface morphology, particle size analysis, polydispersity index, drug content, % entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug release. To optimize the batch a 32 full factorial design was applied. The optimized batch was evaluated for cytotoxicity and cellular uptake study. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The optimized formulation exhibited 179.25 nm mean particle size, 71.27% of drug entrapment efficiency and 81.824% drug release up to 72 h. When the concentration of capecitabine was increased from 50-500 μg/ml, the % cytotoxicity of nanoparticles and capecitabine (pure drug) increased from 8.5 to 97.70% and 2.7 to 82.23%, respectively. As per a cellular uptake study, the optimized nanoparticles were completely uptaken by HT 29 adenocarcinoma cells within 2 to 4 h. CONCLUSION Optimized Eudragit S100-PLGA nanoparticles are a promising delivery system for colon targeting.

Quality by Design (QbD) Approach for Development of Co-Processed Excipient Pellets (MOMLETS) By Extrusion-Spheronization Technique

BACKGROUND Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is an excellent excipient for the production of pellets by extrusion spheronization. However, it causes slow release rate of poorly water soluble drugs from pellets. Co-processed excipient prepared by spray drying (US4744987; US5686107; WO2003051338) and coprecipitation technique (WO9517831) are patented. OBJECTIVE The objective of present study was to develop co-processed MCC pellets (MOMLETS) by extrusion-spheronization technique using the principle of Quality by Design (QbD). METHODS Co-processed excipient core pellets (MOMLETS) were developed by extrusion spheronization technique using Quality by Design (QbD) approach. BCS class II drug (telmisartan) was layered onto it in a fluidized bed processor. RESULTS Quality Target Product Profile (QTPP) and Critical Quality Attributes (CQA) for pellets were identified. Risk assessment was reported using Ishikawa diagram. Plackett Burman design was used to check the effect of seven independent variables; superdisintegrant, extruder speed, ethanol: water, spheronizer speed, extruder screen, pore former and MCC: lactose; on percentage drug release at 30 min. Pareto chart and normal probability plot was constructed to identify the significant factors. Box-Behnken design (BBD) using three most significant factors (Extruder screen size, type of superdisintegrant and type of pore former) was used as an optimization design. The control space was identified in which desired quality of the pellets can be obtained. CONCLUSION Co-processed excipient core pellets (MOMLETS) were successfully developed by QbD approach. Versatility, Industrial scalability and simplicity are the main features of the proposed research.