Effects of a novel roflumilast and formoterol fumarate dry powder inhaler formulation in experimental allergic asthma.

In this study we aimed to develop a roflumilast (R) and formoterol fumarate (F) dry powder inhaler formulation (DPI) incorporating HPβCD by spray drying and evaluated if it attenuates the inflammatory process and improves lung function in a murine model of ovalbumin induced allergic asthma. The DPI was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, particle size, density, specific surface area and dynamic vapor sorption analyses. In vitro deposition studies were performed using a NGI, while transepithelial permeability and in vivo effects on lung mechanics and inflammation in a model of allergic asthma were also assessed.

Development of a new formulation of roflumilast for pulmonary drug delivery to treat inflammatory lung conditions.

The aim of this study was to develop roflumilast dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations by spray drying using hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and to determine their suitability for pulmonary delivery. Different feed solution concentrations, solvent systems and spray drying parameters were used to obtain the formulations which were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, particle size distribution, bulk and tapped density, specific surface area, dynamic vapour sorption, in vitro deposition properties using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) and transepithelial permeability. Microparticles spray dried from ethanol were wrinkled and amorphous, exhibiting high glass transition temperatures while those from methanol:n-butyl acetate consisted of irregularly shaped porous particles partially crystalline.

Development and Characterization of Dapsone Cocrystal Prepared by Scalable Production Methods.

In this study, the formation of caffeine/dapsone (CAF/DAP) cocrystals by scalable production methods, such as liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) and spray drying, was investigated in the context of the potential use of processed cocrystal powder for pulmonary delivery. A CAF/DAP cocrystal (1:1 M ratio) was successfully prepared by slow evaporation from both acetone and ethyl acetate. Acetone, ethyl acetate, and ethanol were all successfully used to prepare cocrystals by LAG and spray drying.

Development of a Discriminative In Vitro 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.

Comparative evaluation of rivastigmine permeation from a transdermal system in the Franz cell using synthetic membranes and pig ear skin with in vivo-in vitro correlation.

In the present study, in vitro permeation experiments in a Franz diffusion cell were performed using different synthetic polymeric membranes and pig ear skin to evaluate a rivastigmine (RV) transdermal drug delivery system. In vitro-in vivo correlations (IVIVC) were examined to determine the best model membrane. In vitro permeation studies across different synthetic membranes and skin were performed for the Exelon(®) Patch (which contains RV), and the results were compared.

Development of a novel dry powder inhalation formulation for the delivery of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate.

The purpose of this study was to prepare engineered particles of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate (RHT) and to characterize the physicochemical and aerodynamic properties, in comparison to a lactose carrier formulation (LCF). Microparticles were prepared from ethanol/water solutions containing RHT with and without the incorporation of L-leucine (Leu), using a spray dryer. Dry powder inhaler formulations prepared were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, laser diffraction particle sizing, ATR-FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry, bulk and tapped density, dynamic vapour sorption and in vitro aerosol deposition behaviour using a next generation impactor.

Formulation, stability and pharmacokinetics of sugar-based salmon calcitonin-loaded nanoporous/nanoparticulate microparticles (NPMPs) for inhalation.

A challenge exists to produce dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulations with appropriate formulation stability, biological activity and suitable physicochemical and aerosolisation characteristics that provide a viable alternative to parenteral formulations. The present study aimed to produce sugar-based nanoporous/nanoparticulate microparticles (NPMPs) loaded with a therapeutic peptide - salmon calcitonin (sCT). The physicochemical properties of the powders and their suitability for pulmonary delivery of sCT were determined.

Co-spray dried carbohydrate microparticles: crystallisation delay/inhibition and improved aerosolization characteristics through the incorporation of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin with amorphous raffinose or trehalose.

Purpose: To formulate and investigate the physicochemical properties, physical stability and aerosolization characteristics of nanoporous/nanoparticulate microparticles (NPMPs) prepared by co-spray drying the sugars raffinose pentahydrate (R) or trehalose dihydrate (T) with the cyclic oligosaccharide hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD).

Methods: Production of powders was carried out using a laboratory scale spray dryer. The resulting powders were characterised by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser diffraction particle sizing, specific surface area analysis (SSA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) and aerodynamic assessment using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI).

Dry powders for oral inhalation free of lactose carrier particles.

Dry powder inhaler (DPI) products have traditionally comprised a simple formulation of micronised drug mixed with a carrier excipient, typically lactose monohydrate. The presence of the carrier is aimed at overcoming issues of poor flowability and dispersibility, associated with the cohesive nature of small, micronised active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles. Both the powder blend and the DPI device must be carefully designed so as to ensure detachment of the micronised drug from the carrier excipient on inhalation.

Impact of process variables on the micromeritic and physicochemical properties of spray-dried microparticles--Part II. Physicochemical characterisation of spray-dried materials.

Objectives: In this work we investigated the residual organic solvent content and physicochemical properties of spray-dried chlorothiazide sodium (CTZNa) and potassium (CTZK) salts.

Methods: The powders were characterised by thermal, X-ray diffraction, infrared and dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) analyses. Solvent levels were investigated by Karl-Fischer titration and gas chromatography.

Optimisation of spray drying process conditions for sugar nanoporous microparticles (NPMPs) intended for inhalation.

The present study investigated the effect of operating parameters of a laboratory spray dryer on powder characteristics, in order to optimise the production of trehalose and raffinose powders, intended to be used as carriers of biomolecules for inhalation. The sugars were spray dried from 80:20 methanol:n-butyl acetate (v/v) solutions using a Büchi Mini Spray dryer B-290. A 2(4) factorial design of experiment (DOE) was undertaken.

Evaluation of HPβCD-PEG microparticles for salmon calcitonin administration via pulmonary delivery.

For therapeutic peptides, the lung represents an attractive, noninvasive route into the bloodstream. To achieve optimal bioavailability and control their fast rate of absorption, peptides can be protected by coprocessing with polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). Here, we formulated and characterized salmon calcitonin (sCT)-loaded microparticles using linear or branched PEG (L-PEG or B-PEG) and hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) for pulmonary administration.

Preliminary evaluation of the toxicity of some synthetic furan derivatives in two cell lines and Artemia salina.

This study describes the preliminary toxicity evaluation of five new furan derivatives, 2-[2-acetylamino-2-[(benzothiazolyl-substituted)aminocarbonyl]vinyl]-5-nitro furane (compounds A, B, D and E) and 2-[2-phenylamino-2-[benzothiazolylaminocarbonyl]vinyl]furane (compound C). Cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT (tetrazolium salt) method over BHK21 (Syrian baby hamster kidney) and Hep-2 (human larynx carcinoma) cells, which had previously been used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the 5-nitrofuran derivatives. The lethal concentration 50 (LC(50)) was determined using brine shrimp (Artemia salina) bioassay.