Sarasija Suresh

Formulation, optimization and in vitro–in vivo evaluation of febuxostat nanosuspension

The purpose of the present study was to develop febuxostat nanosuspension and investigate its effect on febuxostat solubility, dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. The wet media milling technique was adopted with a combination of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E3) and d-α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) as surface stabilizers for the generation of nanocrystals. Rotatable central composite design (CCD) was selected for nanosuspension optimization. The critical parameters were bead volume, milling time, polymer and surfactant concentrations; whereas particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential were taken as responses. The presence of crystallinity was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed small and uniform plate like morphology. A significant increase was observed in saturation solubility and dissolution rate of the optimized nanosuspension in all the pH conditions tested. Oral bioavailability of FXT and optimized FNC was evaluated in SD rats. The nanosuspension exhibited enhanced Cmax (26.48±2.71 vs. 19.85±2.96μg/mL) and AUC0-∞ (222.29±9.81 vs. 100.32±9.36μgh/mL) with a 221.6% increase in relative bioavailability. Thus, FNC is a viable approach to enhance the bioavailability of FXT, a BCS Class II drug.

Development of tamoxifen-phospholipid complex: Novel approach for improving solubility and bioavailability

In the present study, tamoxifen-phospholipid complex (TMX-PLC) was developed and evaluated for its impact on solubility and bioavailability of tamoxifen. TMX-PLC was prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized. FTIR revealed the disappearance of the characteristic peaks of TMX in the complex, which can be due to weakening, removal or shielding by the phospholipid molecule. This phenomenon could be due to packing of TMX in the hydrophobic cavity of phospholipid and being held by van der Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions. This observation was confirmed by DSC and PXRD. TMX-PLC exhibited increased solubility, dissolution rate with decreased distribution coefficient indicating its increased hydrophilicity. Oral bioavailability of TMX and TMX-PLC were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. TMX-PLC exhibited considerable enhancement in the bioavailability with an increase in Cmax (0.85 vs. 0.40 μg/mL), t1/2 (22.47 vs. 13.93 h), and AUC0-∞ (15.29 vs. 8.62 μg h/mL) with 212.25% relative bioavailability. This enhancement can be attributed to the improvement of the aqueous solubility of the complex and a probable decrease in its extent of intestinal and hepatic metabolism. Thus, phospholipid complexation holds a promising potential for increasing oral bioavailability of TMX.

Novel rifampicin–phospholipid complex for tubercular therapy: Synthesis, physicochemical characterization and in-vivo evaluation

To enhance the oral bioavailability of rifampicin (RMP), the newly emerging phospholipid complexation technique was employed. Rifampicin-phospholipid complex (RMP-PC) was prepared by solvent-evaporation method. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and hot stage microscopy (HSM) analysis were employed to confirm the formation of phospholipid complex. The results reveal hydrogen bond formation and electrostatic interaction between RMP and phospholipid molecule play an important role in the formation of RMP-PC without the formation of a new compound. In comparison with the physical mixture and RMP, solubility studies indicated an enhancement in the aqueous solubility of RMP-PC. Stability studies of RMP-PC in presence of isoniazid showed a remarkable improvement of the stability of the phospholipid complex in comparison to free RMP. Oral bioavailability of RMP-PC was evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and plasma rifampicin estimated by LCMS. RMP-PC exhibited higher peak plasma concentration (54.3 vs. 48.5 μg/mL), increased AUC0-∞ (472.4 vs. 147.71 5.812 ± 0.49 μg h/mL), increased T1/2 (8.3 vs. 1.5h) when compared to free RMP implying improved bioavailability of the drug. This enhancement can be attributed to the improvement of the aqueous solubility of rifampicin-phospholipid complex. Hence, phospholipid complexation holds a promising potential for increasing oral bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs.

Inclusion complex of erlotinib with sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin: Preparation, characterization, in silico, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of erlotinib sulfobutyl ether beta-cyclodextrin complex (ERL-SBE-β-CD) on ERL dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. Preliminary comparative phase solubility study indicated ERL exhibited maximum solubility in SBE-β-CD solution. Optimal experimental design confirmed freeze drying of SBE-β-CD:ERL in 1:1.05 molar ratio as the optimum method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) and two-dimensional rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D ROESY NMR) confirmed the inclusion complexation. The in silico computational study, employed to analyze the comparative interactions of ERL with SBE-β-CD and β-CD, indicated ease of ERL-SBE-β-CD complexation. In vitro dissolution and in vivo bioavailability studies further confirmed the ERL-SBE-β-CD as a valuable approach to enhance ERL oral bioavailability with 3.6-fold increase in relative oral bioavailability with higher Cmax (134.29 ± 36.51 vs. 42.36 ± 1.75 μg/ml) and AUC0-∞ (2103.47 ± 156.75 vs.580.43 ± 71.91 μg/ml h) over the free drug. The complex exhibited 3.2-fold increase in Cmax with 5.4-fold decrease in Tmax (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 2.7 ± 0.8h) in comparison to pure ERL. Thus, ERL-SBE-β-CD complexation exhibits a potential to enhance oral bioavailability of ERL leading to reduce dose and dose-related side effects.

Potential of erlotinib cyclodextrin nanosponge complex to enhance solubility, dissolution rate, in vitro cytotoxicity and oral bioavailability.

The present study was envisaged to evaluate the effect of erlotinib β-cyclodextrin nanosponge (ERL-NS) on the solubility, dissolution, in vitro cytotoxicity and oral bioavailability of erlotinib (ERL). Preliminary studies were conducted to select the optimized stoichiometry concentration of ERL and NS. The drug nanosponge complex comprising of 1:4 proportions of ERL and NS was prepared by freeze drying. ERL-NS formed nanoparticles of 372 ± 31 nm size with narrow size distribution (0.21 ± 0.07 PDI) and high zeta potential (-32.07 ± 4.58 mV). The complexation phenomenon was confirmed by DSC, SEM, PXRD, FTIR, and TEM studies. In vitro dissolution studies revealed an increased dissolution rate (2-folds) with an enhanced dissolution efficiency of the nanosponge complex in comparison to pure drug. In vitro cytotoxicity study and apoptosis assay in pancreatic cell lines (MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1) indicates the increased toxicity of ERL-NS. Both, quantitative and qualitative cell uptake studies unveiled the higher uptake efficiency of ERL-NS than free drug. ERL-NS showed enhanced oral bioavailability with 1.8-fold higher Cmax (78.98 ± 6.2 vs. 42.36 ± 1.75 μg/ml), and ∼ 2-fold AUC0-∞ (1079.95 ± 41.38 vs. 580.43 ± 71.91), in comparison to pure ERL. Therefore, we conclude that the formation of a complex of nanosponge with ERL is a successful approach to increase its solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability which may ultimately result in reduction in dose and dose related side-effects.

Folic acid functionalized long-circulating co-encapsulated docetaxel and curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles: In vitro evaluation, pharmacokinetic and biodistribution in rats

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop folic acid functionalized long-circulating co-encapsulated docetaxel (DTX) and curcumin (CRM) solid lipid nanoparticles (F-DC-SLN) to improve the pharmacokinetic and efficacy of DTX therapy. F-DC-SLN was prepared by hot melt-emulsification method and optimized by face centered-central composite design (FC-CCD). The SLN was characterized in terms of size and size distribution, drug entrapment efficiency and release profile. The cytotoxicity and cell uptake of the SLN formulations were evaluated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The in vivo pharmacokinetic and biodistribution were studied in Wistar rats. F-DC-SLN exhibited 247.5u2009±u20093.40u2009nm particle size with 73.88u2009±u20091.08% entrapment efficiency and zeta potential of 14.53u2009±u20093.6u2009mV. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed spherical morphology of the SLN. Fluorescence microscopy confirmed the targeting efficacy of F-DC-SLN in MCF-7 cells. F-DC-SLN exhibited a significant increase in area under the curve (594.21u2009±u200964.34 versus 39.05u2009±u20097.41u2009μg/mLu2009h) and mean residence time (31.14u2009±u200919.94 versus 7.24u2009±u20094.51u2009h) in comparison to Taxotere®. In addition, decreased DTX accumulation from F-DC-SLN in the heart and kidney in comparison to Taxotere may avoid to toxicity these vital organs. In conclusion, the F-DC-SLN improved the efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of DTX exhibiting enhanced potential in optimizing breast cancer therapy.

Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of spray-dried ternary solid dispersion of biopharmaceutics classification system class II model drug.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel spray‐dried ternary solid dispersion (TSD) on the dissolution rate and bioavailability of a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II model drug, atorvastatin calcium trihydrate (ATC), and evaluate its in‐vitro and in‐vivo performance.

Development and evaluation of PEGylated Enoxaparin: A novel approach for enhanced anti-Xa activity

Enoxaparin (ENX) is one of the most widely prescribed low molecular weight heparin inprophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism. In this study, Enoxaparin-PEG conjugate (P-ENX) was synthesized from Enoxaparin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) and evaluated for its potential for extended duration of action. The esterification of the carboxyl groups of the drug moiety with the hydroxyl groups of mPEG-2000 was done by employing carbodiimide coupling chemistry. P-ENX conjugate was purified by dialysis and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Proton-Nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass analysis techniques. FTIR analysis revealed frequency of the carbonyl group in accord with ester linkage formation between the drug and the PEG moiety. (1)H NMR of the conjugate showed significant change in the chemical shift further indicative of ENX and PEG chemical interaction. In MALDI spectra, small peaks at 12,907 and 16,137 m/z confirmed the probability of conjugation of ENX and PEG. P-ENX exhibited considerable enhancement in anti-Xa activity (by three-folds) in comparison to free ENX. Further, an increase in AUC (over four-folds) was observed in P-ENX. Thus, PEGylation of ENX is a novel approach for extended and enhanced activity of ENX with a potential for decreased dosing frequency.

Modulation of tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity by tamoxifen–phospholipid complex

Tamoxifen (TMX), a non‐steroidal antiestrogen is a first‐line drug in the treatment and prevention of all stages of estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer. However, oxidative liver damage and hepatocarcinoma are the major problems associated with its long‐term clinical use. The aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of phospholipid against TMX‐induced hepatotoxicity.

Potential of aerosolized rifampicin lipospheres for modulation of pulmonary pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution

The aim of the present study was to establish the potential of rifampicin loaded phospholipid lipospheres carrier for pulmonary application. Lipospheres were prepared with rifampicin and phospholipid in the ratio of 1:1 using spray drying method. Further, lipospheres were evaluated for flow properties and surface area measurement. The formulated lipospheres were evaluated in vitro for aerodynamic characterization and in vivo for lung pharmacokinetics and biodistribution studies in Sprague Dawley rats. Powder flow properties finding suggested the free flowing nature of the lipospheres. In-vitro aerosol performance study indicated more than 80±5% of the emitted dose (ED) and 77.61±3% fine particles fraction (FPF). Mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) were found to be 2.72±0.13 μm and 3.28±0.12, respectively. In-vitro aerosol performance study revealed the higher deposition at 3, 4 and 5 stages which simulates the trachea-primary bronchus, secondary and terminal bronchus of the human lung, respectively. The drug concentration from nebulized lipospheres in the non-targeted tissues was lesser than from rifampicin-aqueous solution. The pulmonary pharmacokinetic study demonstrated improved bioavailability, longer residence of drug in the lung and targeting factor of 8.03 for lipospheres as compared to rifampicin-aqueous solution. Thus, the results of the study demonstrated the potential of rifampicin lipospheres formulation would be of use as an alternative to existing oral therapy.