Irina Nikolaevna Kadiyala

Cocrystalline Solids of Telaprevir with Enhanced Oral Absorption

A combination of coformer screening and modeling, followed by characterization using calorimetry, structure elucidation, and solubility led to the identification of novel crystalline forms of the hepatitis C protease inhibitor, telaprevir. The lead crystalline form, a cocrystalline solid of telaprevir with 4-aminosalycilic acid, was identified among the list of possible cocrystals via modeling and confirmed by initial screening. It displayed the most significant aqueous solubility improvement over the neat crystalline form. Enhancement of in vivo performance was further demonstrated: a 10-fold increase in bioavailability was achieved for the cocrystal in comparison to the neat nanocrystalline telaprevir and it was found to be not statistically different from the lead amorphous spray-dried formulation.

Formulation approaches in mitigating toxicity of orally administrated drugs

This paper provides an overview of current formulation approaches to mitigate toxicity of orally administrated drugs. The formulation approaches are characterized by their intended impact on a drug’s pharmacokinetic parameters, pharmacological properties or metabolic pathways. Regulatory opportunities and constraints with focus on U.S. regulations in optimizing a drug’s safety or efficacy profile are reviewed. The following formulation approaches are described: (i) pharmacokinetic-modulating and (ii) pharmacodynamic-modulating. In the pharmacokinetic-modulating approach, the pharmacokinetic profile of drug release is modified by, for example, a reduction in peak drug plasma concentration while preserving or improving AUC, thereby potentially reducing toxic effects that may be related to Cmax. In the pharmacodynamic-modulating approach, the drug is co-dosed with pharmacologically active or nonpharmacologically active agent or agents intended for mitigation of the drug’s toxicity. The pharmacodynamic-modulating approach requires information on the specificity of drug interactions with other compounds and also on metabolic pathways. Examples demonstrating successful formulation work in reducing drug toxicity are provided. The in-depth knowledge of the drug’s PK and PD properties combined with a greater understanding of the biology of diseases are necessary for successful drug product formulation leading to optimized in vivo exposure and minimized toxicity.