Nakissa Sadrieh

Comparing methods for detecting and characterizing metal oxide nanoparticles in unmodified commercial sunscreens

AIMS To determine if commercial sunscreens contain distinct nanoparticles and to evaluate analytical methods for their ability to detect and characterize nanoparticles in unmodified topical products using commercial sunscreens as a model. METHODS A total of 20 methods were evaluated for their ability to detect and characterize nanoparticles in unmodified commercial sunscreens. RESULTS Variable-pressure scanning-electron microscopy, atomic-force microscopy, laser-scanning confocal microscopy and X-ray diffraction were found to be viable and complementary methods for detecting and characterizing nanoparticles in sunscreens. CONCLUSIONS It was determined that several of the commercial sunscreens contained distinct nanoparticles. No one method was able to completely characterize nanoparticles in the unmodified products but the viable methods provided complementary information regarding the nanoparticles and how they were interacting with the sunscreen matrix.

Considerations when submitting nanotherapeutics to FDA/CDER for regulatory review.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not, as yet, have specific guidances for products containing nanoscale materials. As announced in the report issued by the FDA Nanotechnology Task Force (July 2007), however, there are recommendations to various centers within the FDA to develop guidances for industry. Regardless of the lack of explicit FDA guidances, there are therapeutics currently on the market containing nanoscale materials, and additional novel nanomaterial-containing therapeutics are being developed with the hopes of being submitted for regulatory review and approval. While, for the most part, these novel nanomaterial-containing products are being evaluated using the same regulatory requirements as products that do not contain nanomaterials, it is increasingly evident that at least in the area of characterization of nanomaterials used in drug products, there may be areas where special focus is needed. Specific areas include the validity of applying small molecule principles and methodologies to nanomaterial-containing products, the effects the nanomaterial will impart to the rest of the formulation (or vice versa), and how the physicochemical properties may be impacted by biological settings. Similarly, for safety evaluation, biodistribution studies will be at the core of any evaluation of products containing nanomaterials. These biodistribution studies will, in effect, be indicative of where the nanoparticles are traveling and possibly accumulating, therefore subjecting those sites to increased likelihood of toxicological effects. This chapter focuses on questions and considerations that may arise for sponsors during product characterization, as well as considerations for the appropriate design and conduct of in vivo toxicology studies. This chapter will also review how current FDA guidances apply to nanotherapeutics.This chapter reflects the current thinking and experience of the authors. However, this is not a policy document and should not be used in lieu of regulations, published FDA guidances, or direct discussions with the agency.

Stability, Dose Uniformity, and Palatability of Three Counterterrorism Drugs—Human Subject and Electronic Tongue Studies

PurposeThese studies evaluated the ability of common household food and drink products to mask the bitter taste of three selected anti-terrorism drugs.MethodsThree anti-terrorism drugs (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, and potassium iodide) were mixed with a variety of common household food and drinks, and healthy adult volunteers evaluated the resulting taste and aftertaste. In parallel, the ASTREE Electronic Tongue was used to evaluate taste combinations. Stability of the mixtures over time was monitored, as was the dosage uniformity across preparations.ResultsFoods and drinks were identified that satisfactorily masked the bitter flavor of each drug. Dose uniformity and stability were also acceptable over the range studied, although some combinations were significantly less stable than others. The electronic tongue was able to differentiate between tastes, but ranked masking agents in a different order than human volunteers.ConclusionsDoxycycline, potassium iodide, and ciprofloxacin, which are stockpiled in solid tablet form, can conveniently be prepared into more palatable formulations, using common household foods and drinks. The electronic tongue can be used to perform an initial screening for palatability.

Transdermal delivery of fentanyl from matrix and reservoir systems: Effect of heat and compromised skin

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received numerous reports of serious adverse events, including death, in patients using fentanyl transdermal systems (FTS). To gain a better understanding of these problems, the current research focuses on the in vitro characterization of fentanyl reservoir (Duragesic) and matrix (Mylan) systems with respect to drug release and skin permeation under conditions of elevated temperature and compromised skin. In addition, different synthetic membrane barriers were evaluated to identify the one that best simulates fentanyl skin transport, and thus may be useful as a model for these systems in future studies. The results indicate that reservoir and matrix FTS are comparable when applied to intact skin at normal skin temperature but the kinetics of drug delivery are different in the two systems. At 40 degrees C, the permeation rate of fentanyl was twice that seen at 32 degrees C over the first 24 h in both systems; however, the total drug permeation in 72 h is significantly higher in the reservoir FTS. When applied to partially compromised skin, matrix FTS has a greater permeation enhancement effect than reservoir FTS. The intrinsic rate limiting membrane of the reservoir system served to limit drug permeation when the skin (barrier) permeability was compromised. Different ethylene vinyl acetate membranes were shown to have fentanyl permeability values encompassing the variability in human skin. Results using the in vitro model developed using synthetic membranes suggest that they mimic the effect of compromised skin on fentanyl permeability. Especially for highly potent drugs such as fentanyl, it is important that patients follow instructions regarding application of heat and use of the product on compromised skin.

Nanomedicine drug development: a scientific symposium entitled "Charting a roadmap to commercialization".

The use of nanotechnology in medicine holds great promise for revolutionizing a variety of therapies. The past decade witnessed dramatic advancements in scientific research in nanomedicines, although significant challenges still exist in nanomedicine design, characterization, development, and manufacturing. In March 2013, a two-day symposium “Nanomedicines: Charting a Roadmap to Commercialization,” sponsored and organized by the Nanomedicines Alliance, was held to facilitate better understanding of the current science and investigative approaches and to identify and discuss challenges and knowledge gaps in nanomedicine development programs. The symposium provided a forum for constructive dialogue among key stakeholders in five distinct areas: nanomedicine design, preclinical pharmacology, toxicology, CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and control), and clinical development. In this meeting synopsis, we highlight key points from plenary presentations and focus on discussions and recommendations from breakout sessions of the symposium.

Summary Report of PQRI Workshop on Nanomaterial in Drug Products: Current Experience and Management of Potential Risks

At the Product Quality Research Institute (PQRI) Workshop held last January 14–15, 2014, participants from academia, industry, and governmental agencies involved in the development and regulation of nanomedicines discussed the current state of characterization, formulation development, manufacturing, and nonclinical safety evaluation of nanomaterial-containing drug products for human use. The workshop discussions identified areas where additional understanding of material attributes, absorption, biodistribution, cellular and tissue uptake, and disposition of nanosized particles would continue to inform their safe use in drug products. Analytical techniques and methods used for in vitro characterization and stability testing of formulations containing nanomaterials were discussed, along with their advantages and limitations. Areas where additional regulatory guidance and material characterization standards would help in the development and approval of nanomedicines were explored. Representatives from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Health Canada, and European Medicines Agency (EMA) presented information about the diversity of nanomaterials in approved and newly developed drug products. USFDA, Health Canada, and EMA regulators discussed the applicability of current regulatory policies in presentations and open discussion. Information contained in several of the recent EMA reflection papers was discussed in detail, along with their scope and intent to enhance scientific understanding about disposition, efficacy, and safety of nanomaterials introduced in vivo and regulatory requirements for testing and market authorization. Opportunities for interaction with regulatory agencies during the lifecycle of nanomedicines were also addressed at the meeting. This is a summary of the workshop presentations and discussions, including considerations for future regulatory guidance on drug products containing nanomaterials.

CDER Risk Assessment Exercise to Evaluate Potential Risks from the Use of Nanomaterials in Drug Products

The Nanotechnology Risk Assessment Working Group in the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) within the United States Food and Drug Administration was established to assess the possible impact of nanotechnology on drug products. The group is in the process of performing risk assessment and management exercises. The task of the working group is to identify areas where CDER may need to optimize its review practices and to develop standards to ensure review consistency for drug applications that may involve the application of nanotechnology. The working group already performed risk management exercises evaluating the potential risks from administering nanomaterial active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) or nanomaterial excipients by various routes of administration. This publication outlines the risk assessment and management process used by the working group, using nanomaterial API by the oral route of administration as an example.