Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Improved Oral Bioavailability of Valsartan: Proliposomes <Emphasis Type="Italic">Versus</Emphasis> Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System

The objective of this study was to develop proliposomes and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for a poorly bioavailable drug, valsartan, and to compare their in vivo pharmacokinetics. Proliposomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method using different lipids such as soy phosphatidylcholine (SPC), hydrogenated soy phosphatidylcholine (HSPC), distearyl phosphatidylcholine (DSPC), dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), and dimyristoyl phosphatidylglycerol sodium (DMPG) and cholesterol in various ratios. SNEDDS formulations were prepared using varying concentrations of capmul MCM, labrafil M 2125, and Tween 80. Both proliposomes and SNEDDS were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, in vitro drug release, in vitro permeability, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. In vitro drug release was carried out in purified water and 0.1 N HCl using USP type II dissolution apparatus. In vitro drug permeation was studied using parallel artificial membrane permeation assay (PAMPA) and everted rat intestinal permeation techniques. Among the formulations, the proliposomes with drug/DMPG/cholesterol in the ratio of 1:1:0.5 and SNEDDS with capmul MCM (16.0% w/w), labrafil M 2125 (64.0% w/w), and Tween 80 (18.0% w/w) showed the desired particle size and zeta potential. Enhanced drug release was observed with proliposomes and SNEDDS as compared to pure valsartan. Valsartan permeability across PAMPA and everted rat intestinal permeation models was significantly higher with proliposomes and SNEDDS. Following single oral administration of proliposomes and SNEDDS, a relative bioavailability of 202.36 and 196.87%, respectively, was achieved compared to pure valsartan suspension. The study results indicated that both proliposomes and SNEDDS formulations are comparable in improving the oral bioavailability of valsartan.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Evaluation of a PEO-Gellan Gum Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Network for the Oral Delivery of Sulpiride

In this study, an optimized epichlorohydrin-crosslinked semi-interpenetrating polymer network xerogel matrix system (XePoMas) for the controlled delivery of sulpiride was prepared. The ability of XePoMas to sustain drug release was determined by in vitro and in vivo drug release experiments. Swelling of the xerogel over the 24-h experimental period ranged from 346 to 648%; swelling was observed to increase exponentially over the initial 8 h. In vitro drug release depicted a linear zero order drug release profile with an R ² value of 0.9956. The ability of the fabricated XePoMas to sustain drug release and enhance bioavailability of sulpiride in vivo was investigated by evaluating the plasma drug concentration over 24 h in the large pig model. The optimized XePoMas formulation was shown to increase intestinal absorption of sulpiride to a greater extent than the marketed product in vivo, with a C _max of 830.58 ng/mL after 15 h.     

Lectin-Conjugated Clarithromycin and Acetohydroxamic Acid-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles: a Novel Approach for Effective Treatment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">H. pylori</Emphasis>

Helicobacter pylori infection remains challenging as it mainly colonized beneath the deep gastric mucosa and adheres to epithelial cells of the stomach. Concanavalin-A (Con-A)-conjugated gastro-retentive poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles of acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) and clarithromycin (CLR) were prepared and evaluated under in vitro conditions. Solvent evaporation method was employed for preparation of nanoparticles and characterized for particle size distribution, surface morphology, percent drug entrapment, and in vitro drug release in simulated gastric fluid. Optimized nanoparticles were conjugated with Con-A and further characterized for Con-A conjugation efficiency and mucoadhesion and tested for in vitro anti-H. pylori activity. The conjugation with Con-A further sustained the drug release over a period of 8 h when compared to non-conjugated nanoparticles of AHA and CLR. In vitro anti H. pylori study confirmed that Con-A-conjugated nanoparticles containing both drugs, i.e., CLR and AHA, had shown maximum zone of inhibition compared to other formulations. In a nut shell, results suggest that the developed systems could be used for better therapeutic activity against H. pylori infection.     

Anticancer Efficacy of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Sunitinib Malate

Sunitinib malate (SM) is reported as a weakly soluble drug in water due to its poor dissolution rate and oral bioavailability. Hence, in the current study, various “self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS)” of SM were prepared, characterized and evaluated for the enhancement of its in vitro dissolution rate and anticancer efficacy. On the basis of solubilization potential of SM in various excipients, “Lauroglycol-90 (oil), Triton-X100 (surfactant) and Transcutol-P (cosurfactant)” were selected for the preparation of SM SNEDDS. SM-loaded SNEDDS were developed by spontaneous emulsification method, characterized and evaluated for “thermodynamic stability, self-nanoemulsification efficiency, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), surface morphology, refractive index (RI), the percent of transmittance (% T) and drug release profile.” In vitro dissolution rate of SM was significantly enhanced from an optimized SNEDDS in comparison with SM suspension. The optimized SNEDDS of SM with droplet size of 42.3 nm, PDI value of 0.174, ZP value of ?36.4 mV, RI value of 1.339, % T value of 97.3%, and drug release profile of 95.4% (after 24 h via dialysis membrane) was selected for in vitro anticancer efficacy in human colon cancer cells (HT-29) by MTT assay. MTT assay indicated significant anticancer efficacy of optimized SM SNEDDS against HT-29 cells in comparison with free SM. The results of this study showed the great potential of SNEDDS in the enhancement of in vitro dissolution rate and anticancer efficacy of poorly soluble drug such as SM.     

Soy Protein Microparticles for Enhanced Oral Ibuprofen Delivery: Preparation,Characterization, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Release Evaluation

The objective of this work was to evaluate soy protein isolate (SPI) and acylated soy protein (SPA) as spray-drying encapsulation carriers for oral pharmaceutical applications. SPI acylation was performed by the Schotten–Baumann reaction. SPA, with an acylation rate of 41%, displayed a decrease in solubility in acidic conditions, whereas its solubility was unaffected by basic conditions. The drug encapsulation capacities of both SPI and SPA were tested with ibuprofen (IBU) as a model poorly soluble drug. IBU-SPI and IBU-SPA particles were obtained by spray-drying under eco-friendly conditions. Yields of 70 to 87% and microencapsulation efficiencies exceeding 80% were attained for an IBU content of 20 to 40% w/w, confirming the excellent microencapsulation properties of SPI and the suitability of the chemical modification. The in vitro release kinetics of IBU were studied in simulated gastrointestinal conditions (pH 1.2 and pH 6.8, 37°C). pH-sensitive release patterns were observed, with an optimized low rate of release in simulated gastric fluid for SPA formulations, and a rapid and complete release in simulated intestinal fluid for both formulations, due to the optimal pattern of pH-dependent solubility for SPA and the molecular dispersion of IBU in soy protein. These results demonstrate that SPI and SPA are relevant for the development of pH-sensitive drug delivery systems for the oral route.     

Early Stage HIV Management and Reduction of Stavudine-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats by Experimentally Developed Biodegradable Nanoparticles

The objectives of this research work were to develop optimized nanoparticulate formulations of poly (d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) (85:15) with an anti-AIDS drug stavudine and to evaluate their in-vitro uptake by the macrophages and hepatotoxicity in-vivo. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation method based on a factorial design with varying parameters such as the amounts of polymer and stabilizer used. Physicochemical characterizations such as drug–excipient interaction, surface morphology, particle size, and zeta potential measurements were carried out. The best formulation was selected and tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) for cellular uptake study of the formulation. In-vitro uptake of nanoparticles by macrophages was carried out. Formulation-induced hepatotoxicity was assessed by analyzing some serum hepatotoxic parameters and hepatic histology following 10-day treatment in comparison with the free drug. Nanoparticles exhibited smooth surface with particle size 84–238 nm, high entrapment efficiency (approx 85%), and negative surface charge. Formulations showed a sustained drug release pattern over the study period. In-vitro uptake study by macrophages exhibited a time-dependent profile. In-vivo studies on rats showed improvement in the serum parameters and maintenance of the integrity of the hepatic architecture indicating decreased hepatotoxicity with the formulations as compared to the free drug. The experimental results showed a positive outcome in the development of antiretroviral drug carrier exhibiting sustained drug release, macrophage-targeted delivery characteristics, and having reduced hepatoxicity. This could be beneficial for the management of early stage of HIV infection besides reducing the drug load for effective treatment, thereby offering an attractive option in AIDS therapy.     

Physiological Considerations and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Strategies for Evaluating the Influence of Food on Drug Release from Extended-Release Formulations

Food effects on oral drug bioavailability are a consequence of the complex interplay between drug, formulation and human gastrointestinal (GI) physiology. Accordingly, the prediction of the direction and the extent of food effects is often difficult. With respect to novel formulations, biorelevant in vitro methods can be extremely powerful tools to simulate the effect of food-induced changes on the physiological GI conditions on drug release and absorption. However, the selection of suitable in vitro methods should be based on a thorough understanding not only of human GI physiology but also of the drug and formulation properties. This review focuses on in vitro methods that can be applied to evaluate the effect of food intake on drug release from extended release (ER) products during preclinical formulation development. With the aid of different examples, it will be demonstrated that the combined and targeted use of various biorelevant in vitro methods can be extremely useful for understanding drug release from ER products in the fed state and to be able to forecast formulation-associated risks such as dose dumping in early stages of formulation development.     

QbD-Oriented Development and Characterization of Effervescent Floating-Bioadhesive Tablets of Cefuroxime Axetil

The objective of the present studies was systematic development of floating-bioadhesive gastroretentive tablets of cefuroxime axetil employing rational blend of hydrophilic polymers for attaining controlled release drug delivery. As per the QbD-based approach, the patient-centric target product profile and quality attributes of tablet were earmarked, and preliminary studies were conducted for screening the suitability of type of polymers, polymer ratio, granulation technique, and granulation time for formulation of tablets. A face-centered cubic design (FCCD) was employed for optimization of the critical material attributes, i.e., concentration of release controlling polymers, PEO 303 and HPMC K100 LV CR, and evaluating in vitro buoyancy, drug release, and ex vivo mucoadhesion strength. The optimized formulation was embarked upon through numerical optimization, which yield excellent floatation characteristic with drug release control (i.e., T _60%?>?6 h) and bioadhesion strength. Drug-excipient compatibility studies through FTIR and P-XRD revealed the absence of any interaction between the drug and polymers. In vivo evaluation of the gastroretentive characteristics through X-ray imaging and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits revealed significant extension in the rate of drug absorption (i.e., T _max, K _a, and MRT) from the optimized tablet formulation as compared to the marketed formulation. Successful establishment of various levels of in vitro/in vivo correlations (IVIVC) substantiated high degree of prognostic ability of in vitro dissolution conditions in predicting the in vivo performance. In a nutshell, the studies demonstrate successful development of the once-a-day gastroretentive formulations of cefuroxime axetil with controlled drug release profile and improved compliance.     

Colon-Targeted Delivery of IgY Against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clostridium difficile</Emphasis> Toxin A and B by Encapsulation in Chitosan-Ca Pectinate Microbeads

This study investigated the use of a newly developed chitosan-Ca pectinate microbead formulation for the colon-targeted delivery of anti-A/B toxin immunoglobulin of egg yolk (IgY) to inhibit toxin binding to colon mucosa cells. The effect of the three components (pectinate, calcium chloride, and chitosan) used for the microbead production was examined with the aim of identifying the optimal levels to improve drug encapsulation efficiency, swelling ratio, and cumulative IgY release rate. The optimized IgY-loaded bead component was pectin 5% (w/v), CaCl₂ 3% (w/v), and chitosan 0.5% (w/v). Formulated beads were spherical with 1.2-mm diameter, and the drug loading was 45%. An in vitro release study revealed that chitosan-Ca pectinate microbeads inhibited IgY release in the upper gastrointestinal tract and significantly improved the site-specific release of IgY in the colon. An in vivo rat study demonstrated that 72.6% of biologically active IgY was released specifically in the colon. These results demonstrated that anti-A/B toxin IgY-loaded chitosan-Ca pectinate oral microbeads improved IgY release behavior in vivo, which could be used as an effective oral delivery platform for the biological treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).     

Formulation and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Evaluation of Lipid-Based Terbutaline Sulphate Bi-layer Tablets for Once-Daily Administration

The objective of this study was to prepare and evaluate terbutaline sulphate (TBS) bi-layer tablets for once-daily administration. The bi-layer tablets consisted of an immediate-release layer and a sustained-release layer containing 5 and 10 mg TBS, respectively. The sustained-release layer was developed by using Compritol®888 ATO, Precirol® ATO 5, stearic acid, and tristearin, separately, as slowly eroding lipid matrices. A full 4?×?2² factorial design was employed for optimization of the sustained-release layer and to explore the effect of lipid type (X ₁), drug–lipid ratio (X ₂), and filler type (X ₃) on the percentage drug released at 8, 12, and 24 h (Y ₁, Y ₂, and Y ₃) as dependent variables. Sixteen TBS sustained-release matrices (F1–F16) were prepared by melt solid dispersion method. None of the prepared matrices achieved the targeted release profile. However, F2 that showed a relatively promising drug release was subjected to trial and error optimization for the filler composition to develop two optimized matrices (F17 and F18). F18 which consisted of drug–Compritol®888 ATO at ratio (1:6 w/w) and Avicel PH 101/dibasic calcium phosphate mixture of 2:1 (w/w) was selected as sustained-release layer. TBS bi-layer tablets were evaluated for their physical properties, in vitro drug release, effect of storage on drug content, and in vivo performance in rabbits. The bi-layer tablets showed acceptable physical properties and release characteristics. In vivo absorption in rabbits revealed initial high TBS plasma levels followed by sustained levels over 24 h compared to immediate-release tablets.     

Particle Size Distribution Equivalency as Novel Predictors for Bioequivalence

The use of particle size distribution (PSD) similarity metrics and the development and incorporation of drug release predictions based on PSD properties into PBPK models for various drug administration routes may provide a holistic approach for evaluating the effect of PSD differences on in vitro drug release and bioavailability of disperse systems. The objectives of this study were to provide a rational approach for evaluating the utility of in vitro PSD comparators for predicting bioequivalence for subcutaneously administered test and reference drug emulsions. Two types of in vitro comparators for test and reference emulsion products were evaluated: PSD characterization comparators (overlap metrics, median, and span ratios) and release profile comparators (f₂ and various fractional time ratios). A subcutaneous-input PBPK disposition model was developed to simulate blood concentration-time profiles of reference and test emulsion products and pharmacokinetic responses (e.g., AUC, C_max, and T_max) were used to determine bioequivalence. A pool of 10,440 pairs of test and reference products was simulated using Monte Carlo experiments. The PSD and release profile comparators were correlated to pass/fail bioequivalence metrics using logistical regression. Based on the use of single in vitro comparators, the f₂ method was the best predictor of bioequivalence prediction. The use of combinations of f₂ and PSD overlap comparators (e.g., OVL or PROB) improved bioequivalence prediction to about 90%. Simulation procedures used in this study demonstrated a process for developing reliable in vitro BE predictors.     

Development of a Discriminative <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Release Test for Rivastigmine Transdermal Patches Using Pharmacopeial Apparatuses: USP 5 and USP 6

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a discriminating in vitro release test to evaluate rivastigmine transdermal patches. The Exelon® Patch was chosen as a model transdermal product. The studies of in vitro release were designed to determine the impact of the official apparatus chosen (USP apparatus 5 and USP apparatus 6), the rotation speed, and the dissolution medium characteristics on the rivastigmine release profile from transdermal patches. Patches with different drug release profiles were tested in order to evaluate the discriminating power of the in vitro release test developed and validated. Variables such as the apparatus type, the dissolution medium, and the rotation speed have a significant influence on the drug release characteristics from a transdermal patch. The in vitro release methodologies using the USP apparatus 5 at 50 rpm and USP apparatus 6 at 25 rpm using the medium phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 were considered discriminative and adequate to characterize the rivastigmine (RV) release from a commercial transdermal patch, Exelon® Patch.     

Bio-shielding <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Situ</Emphasis> Forming Gels (BSIFG) Loaded With Lipospheres for Depot Injection of Quetiapine Fumarate: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Evaluation

Quetiapine fumarate (QF), an anti-schizophrenic drug, suffers from rapid elimination and poor bioavailability due to extensive first-pass effect. Intramuscularly (IM) injected lipospheres were designed to enhance the drug’s bioavailability and extend its release. A central composite design was applied to optimize the liposphere preparation by a melt dispersion technique using Compritol® 888 ATO or glyceryl tristearate as lipid component and polyvinyl alcohol as surfactant. Lipospheres were evaluated for their particle size, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release. The optimized QF lipospheres were prepared using a Compritol® 888 ATO fraction of 18.88% in the drug/lipid mixture under a stirring rate of 3979 rpm. The optimized lipospheres were loaded into a thermoresponsive in situ forming gel (TRIFG) and a liquid crystalline in situ forming gel (LCIFG) to prevent in vivo degradation by lipases. The loaded gels were re-evaluated for their in vitro release and injectability. Bioavailability of QF from liposphere suspension and bio-shielding in situ gels loaded with QF lipospheres were assessed in rabbits compared to drug suspension. Results revealed that the AUC_0–72 obtained from the liposphere-loaded TRIFG was ～3-fold higher than that obtained from the aqueous drug suspension indicating the bio-shielding effect of Poloxamer® 407 gel to inhibit the biodegradation of the lipospheres prolonging the residence of the drug in the muscle for higher absorption. Our results propose that bio-shielding in situ Poloxamer® 407 gels loaded with lipospheres is promising for the development of IM depot injection of drugs having extensive first-pass metabolism and rapid elimination.     

Enhancement of the Oral Bioavailability of Felodipine Employing 8-Arm-Poly(Ethylene Glycol): <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Silico</Emphasis> Evaluation

Poor oral bioavailability is the single most important challenge in drug delivery. Prominent among the factors responsible for this is metabolic activity of the intestinal and hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. In preliminary studies, it was demonstrated that 8-arm-PEG was able to inhibit the felodipine metabolism. Therefore, this report investigated the oral bioavailability-enhancing property of 8-arm-PEG employing detailed in vitro, in vivo, and in silico evaluations. The in vitro metabolism of felodipine by cytochrome P450 3A4-expressed human liver microsomes (HLM) was optimized yielding a typical Michaelis–Menten plot through the application of Enzyme Kinetic Module software from where the enzyme kinetic parameters were determined. In vitro investigation of 8-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) against CYP3A4-catalyzed felodipine metabolism employing human liver microsomes compared closely with naringenin, a typical grapefruit flavonoid, yielding IC₅₀ values of 7.22 and 121.97 μM, respectively. The investigated potential of 8-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) in oral drug delivery yielded satisfactory in vitro drug release results. The in vivo studies of the effects of 8-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) on the oral bioavailability of felodipine as performed in the Large White pig model showed a >100% increase in plasma felodipine levels compared to controls, with no apparent effect on systemic felodipine clearance. The outcome of this research presents a novel CYP3A4 inhibitor, 8-arm-poly(ethylene glycol) for oral bioavailability enhancement.     

Transfersomal Nanoparticles for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Clindamycin

The aim of this work was to study the potential of delivering clindamycin phosphate, as an efficient antibiotic drug, into a more absorbed, elastic ultradeformable form, transfersomes (TRSs). These vesicles showed an enhanced penetration through ex vivo permeation characters. TRSs were prepared using thin-film hydration method. Furthermore, they were evaluated for their entrapment efficiency, size, zeta potential, and morphology. Also, the prepared TRSs were converted into suitable gel formulation using carbopol 934 and were evaluated for their gel characteristics like pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity, skin irritation, in vitro release, stability, and ex vivo permeation studies in rats. TRSs were efficiently formulated in a stable bilayer vesicle structure. Furthermore, clindamycin phosphate showed higher entrapment efficiency within the TRSs reaching about 93.3%?±?0.8 and has a uniform particle size. Moreover, the TRSs surface had a high negative charge which indicated the stability of the produced vesicles and resistance of aggregation. Clindamycin phosphate showed a significantly higher in vitro release (p?<?0.05; ANOVA/Tukey) compared with the control carbopol gel. Furthermore, the transfersomal gel showed a significantly higher (p?<?0.05; ANOVA/Tukey) cumulative amount of drug permeation and flux than both the transfersomal suspension and the control carbopol gel. In conclusion, the produced results suggest that TRS-loaded clindamycin are promising carriers for enhanced dermal delivery of clindamycin phosphate.     

Preparation and Optimization of Meropenem-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> Evaluation and Molecular Modeling

Encapsulation of antibiotics into nanocarriers has the potential to overcome resistance and disadvantages associated with conventional dosage forms as well as increase half-life of an antibiotic. Encapsulation of meropenem (MRPN) into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) remains unexplored among the limited work reported on nanoformulation incorporating MRPN. The study aimed to use an experimental design, to optimize MRPN-loaded SLNs, and to undertake in vitro and in silico evaluations. A Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize manufacturing conditions of glycerol monostearate (GMS) SLNs loaded with MRPN. The SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization and ultrasonication method. Optimized MRPN-SLNs showed particle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 112.61?±?0.66 nm, ?20.43?±?0.99 mV, and 89.94?±?1.26%, respectively. The morphology of the SLNs revealed nearly spherical shaped particles. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that meropenem was present in amorphous form in the SLNs. Controlled in vitro MRPN release from SLNs was achieved and followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model (R ²?=?0.9679). Prolonged in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli was also observed. The molecular modeling showed that both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding led to a stable MRPN-GMS complex formation, which was confirmed by its low heat of formation (?5536.13 kcal/mol). This stable complex could have contributed to the controlled release of MRPN from the SLNs and subsequent sustained antibacterial activity.     

Development and Characterization of Nisin Nanoparticles as Potential Alternative for the Recurrent Vaginal Candidiasis Treatment

The aim of this work was the development and characterization of nisin-loaded nanoparticles and the evaluation of its potential antifungal activity. Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida sp. considered as one of the major public health problem currently. The discovery of antifungal agents that present a reduced or null resistance of Candida sp. and the development of more efficient drug release mechanisms are necessary for the improvement of candidiasis treatment. Nisin, a bacteriocin commercially available for more than 50 years, exhibits antibacterial action in food products with potential antifungal activity. Among several alternatives used to modulate antifungal activity of bacteriocins, polymeric nanoparticles have received great attention due to an effective drug release control and reduction of therapeutic dose, besides the minimization of adverse effects by the preferential accumulation in specific tissues. The nisin nanoparticles were prepared by double emulsification and solvent evaporation methods. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Antifungal activity was accessed by pour plate method and cell counting using Candida albicans strains. The in vitro release profile and in vitro permeation studies were performed using dialysis bag method and pig vaginal mucosa in Franz diffusion cell, respectively. The results revealed nisin nanoparticles (300 nm) with spherical shape and high loading efficiency (93.88?±?3.26%). In vitro test results suggest a promising application of these nanosystems as a prophylactic agent in recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and other gynecological diseases.     

Etoposide-Loaded Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) Intravitreal Implants: <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vitro</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">In Vivo</Emphasis> Evaluation

Etoposide-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) implants were developed for intravitreal application. Implants were prepared by a solvent-casting method and characterized in terms of content uniformity, morphology, drug-polymer interaction, stability, and sterility. In vitro drug release was investigated and the implant degradation was monitored by the percent of mass loss. Implants were inserted into the vitreous cavity of rabbits’ eye and the in vivo etoposide release profile was determined. Clinical examination and the Hen Egg Test-Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) method were performed to evaluate the implant tolerance. The original chemical structure of the etoposide was preserved after incorporation in the polymeric matrix, which the drug was dispersed uniformly. In vitro, implants promoted sustained release of the drug and approximately 57% of the etoposide was released in 50 days. In vivo, devices released approximately 63% of the loaded drug in 42 days. Ophthalmic examination and HET-CAM assay revealed no evidence of toxic effects of implants. These results tend to show that etoposide-loaded implants could be potentially useful as an intraocular etoposide delivery system in the future.     

Simulating Different Dosing Scenarios for a Child-Appropriate Valproate ER Formulation in a New Pediatric Two-Stage Dissolution Model

Predictive in vitro test methods addressing the parameters relevant to drug release in the pediatric gastrointestinal tract could be an appropriate means for reducing the number of in vivo studies in children. However, dissolution models addressing the particular features of pediatric gastrointestinal physiology and typical pediatric dosing scenarios have not yet been described. The objective of the present study was to combine the knowledge on common vehicle types and properties and current information on pediatric gastrointestinal physiology to design a dissolution model that enables a biorelevant simulation of the gastrointestinal conditions in young children. The novel dissolution setup consists of a miniaturized dissolution system allowing the use of small fluid volumes, physiological bicarbonate-based test media, and a proper pH control during the experiment using a pHysio-stat® device. Following design and assembly of the novel in vitro setup, a set of experiments screening in vitro drug release from a valproate-extended release formulation under typical dosing conditions in infants was performed. In vitro drug release profiles indicated a controlled drug release of the test product over 12 h and were in good agreement with information given in the Summary of Product Characteristics and the Patient Information Leaflet, as well as with results from an in vivo food effect study performed with the same product and reported in the literature. The new dissolution setup thus represents a promising in vitro screening tool in the development of pediatric dosage forms and may help to reduce the number of pharmacokinetic studies in children.     

Sex Differences in the Blood Concentration of Tacrolimus in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with <Emphasis Type="Italic">CYP3A5</Emphasis>*3/*3

The purpose of this study was to describe the impact of sex and cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) variant on the blood concentration of tacrolimus in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. The blood concentration of tacrolimus (ng/mL) divided by the daily dose of tacrolimus (mg/day) and the patient’s weight (kg) (C/D) was obtained from 55 patients. The C/D value was analysed according to genetic variation in CYP3A5 or ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), sex, and age. The C/D value in the CYP3A5*3/*3 group was significantly higher than in the CYP3A5*1/*1 and *1/*3 groups (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.40). In the CYP3A5*3/*3 group, the concentration of tacrolimus was significantly higher in men than in women (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.78). Furthermore, in the CYP3A5*3/*3 group, the concentration of tacrolimus was significantly higher in women aged over 50 years than in women aged under 50 years (p < 0.05, effect size: d = 1.18). In contrast, ABCB1 genetic variations did not show any significant effect on the C/D value. Since the blood concentration of tacrolimus in patients with CYP3A5*3/*3 varies depending on sex and age, these factors should be considered when studying the difference of sex in CYP3A.