Overcoming challenges in dermal and transdermal delivery of herbal therapeutics with polymeric microneedles.

Natural products are generally preferred medications owing to their low toxicity and irritancy potential. However, a good number of herbal therapeutics (HT) exhibit solubility, permeability and stability issues that eventually affect oral bioavailability. Transdermal administration has been successful in resolving some of these issues which has lead in commercialization of a few herbal transdermal products.

Can Continuous Manufacturing of Topical Semisolids by Hot Melt Extrusion Soon Be a Reality?

For more than five decades, pharmaceutical manufacturers have been relying heavily on batch manufacturing that is a sequential, multistep, laborious, and time-consuming process. However, late advances in manufacturing technologies have prompted manufacturers to consider continuous manufacturing (CM) is a feasible manufacturing process that encompasses fewer steps and is less tedious and quick. Global regulatory agencies are taking a proactive role to facilitate pharmaceutical industries to adopt CM that assures product quality by employing robust manufacturing technologies encountering fewer interruptions, thereby substantially reducing product failures and recalls.

Evaluation of solid-lipid nanoparticles formulation of methotrexate for anti-psoriatic activity.

Background & Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used to manage psoriasis. The drug has erratic absorption characteristics and shows several complications. The present study uses different experimental models to evaluate the solid-lipid nanoparticles of MTX (SLN-MTX) for the anti-psoriatic effect.

Non-dermal applications of microneedle drug delivery systems.

Microneedles (MNs) are micron-scaled needles measuring 100 to 1000 μm that were initially explored for delivery of therapeutic agents across the skin. Considering the success in transcutaneous drug delivery, the application of microneedles has been extended to different tissues and organs. The review captures the application of microneedles to the oral mucosa, the eye, vagina, gastric mucosa, nail, scalp, and vascular tissues for delivery of vaccines, biologics, drugs, and diagnostic agents.

Effect of gamma sterilization on the properties of microneedle array transdermal patch system.

Soluble microneedles (MNs) of four different hydrophilic polymers namely sodium carboxymethyl cellulose CMC), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30, PVP K90 and sodium hyaluronate (HU) were fabricated by mold casting technique. When exposed to gamma radiation, a dose of 25 kilogray (kGy) was found to render the microneedle (MN) sterile. However, CMC was found to form MNs with poor mechanical properties, whereas PVP K30 MNs were drastically deformed upon exposure to applied dose as observed in bright field microscopy.

Improved oral bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of erlotinib through molecular complexation with phospholipid.

The current study was aimed to prepare a molecular complex of erlotinib (ERL) with phospholipid (PC) for enhancement of solubility and thus bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy and reducing the toxicity of erlotinib. Phospholipid complex of drug was prepared by solvent evaporation method and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (H NMR and P NMR), powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which all explained the interactions of two components, validating the complexation phenomenon. In silico study also supported the phase change and molecular interactions for the establishment of ERL-PC.

Improved metabolic stability and therapeutic efficacy of a novel molecular gemcitabine phospholipid complex.

The aim of the present research is to increase lipid solubility, metabolic stability and therapeutic efficacy of water soluble gemcitabine (GEM) via phospholipid complex (PC) formation. A novel phospholipid complex of GEM was successfully prepared and optimized. Physical interaction of GEM with phospholipid was evaluated by DSC, FT-IR, H NMR, P-NMR and P-XRD.

Development of Novel Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles of Tamoxifen: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation.

This study was undertaken to develop and investigate the effect of tamoxifen polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles (Tmx-PLN) on its oral bioavailability and efficacy in the 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer model. Modified solvent emulsification-evaporation method was optimized to obtain Tmx-PLN, composed of chitosan and lecithin, of 169.66 ± 4.

In Vitro-In Vivo Evaluation of Novel Co-spray Dried Rifampicin Phospholipid Lipospheres for Oral Delivery.

The objective of this study comprises of developing novel co-spray dried rifampicin phospholipid lipospheres (SDRPL) to investigate its influence on rifampicin solubility and oral bioavailability. Solid-state techniques were employed to characterize the liposphere formulation. SDRPL solubility was determined in distilled water.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Development and evaluation of co-formulated docetaxel and curcumin biodegradable nanoparticles for parenteral administration.

Context: Technology for development of biodegradable nanoparticles encapsulating combinations for enhanced efficacy.

Objective: To develop docetaxel (DTX) and curcumin (CRM) co-encapsulated biodegradable nanoparticles for parenteral administration with potential for prolonged release and decreased toxicity.

Materials And Methods: Modified emulsion solvent-evaporation technique was employed in the preparation of the nanoparticles optimized by the face centered-central composite design (FC-CCD).

A novel nanogel formulation of methotrexate for topical treatment of psoriasis: optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Context: Although several formulation strategies have been developed for the treatment of psoriasis, there is an unmet need for optimization of its therapy.

Objective: The objective was to develop a nanogel composed of methotrexate (MTX)-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (MTX-NLC) and to evaluate its potential in imiquimod-induced psoriasis model to ameliorate symptoms of psoriasis.

Materials And Methods: MTX-NLC nanogel was prepared by hot-homogenization method and optimized by Design of Experiments.

Evaluation of oral bioavailability and anticancer potential of raloxifene solid lipid nanoparticles.

The objective of the present investigation was formulation of raloxifene loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (R-SLN) for oral administration and evaluation of its anticancer potential in 7,12- dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in Sprague-Dawley rats. Optimized R-SLN formulation prepared by modified micro-emulsion method resulted in R-SLN of 288.0±28.

Modulation of tamoxifen-induced hepatotoxicity by tamoxifen-phospholipid complex.

Objectives: 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.

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

Objectives: 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.

Methods: TSD of ATC was prepared by spray-drying method employing ethanol/water solvent systems. The TSD formulations, composed of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC E5) and nicotinamide, were optimized by rotatable central composite design.

Development of novel docetaxel phospholipid nanoparticles for intravenous administration: quality by design approach.

The objective of this study was to develop novel docetaxel phospholipid nanoparticles (NDPNs) for intravenous administration. Modified solvent diffusion-evaporation method was adopted in the NDPN preparation. Central composite design (CCD) was employed in the optimization of the critical formulation factor (drug content) and process variable (stirring rate) to obtain NDPNs with 215.

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.

Novel Curcumin Diclofenac Conjugate Enhanced Curcumin Bioavailability and Efficacy in Streptococcal Cell Wall-induced Arthritis.

Curcumin-diclofenac conjugate as been synthesized by esterification of phenolic group of curcumin with the acid moiety of diclofenac, and characterized by mass spectrometry, NMR, FTIR, DSC, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. The relative solubility of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate, curcumin and diclofenac; stability of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate in intestinal extract; permeability study of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate using the everted rat intestinal sac method; stability of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate in gastrointestinal fluids and in vitro efficacy have been evaluated. In vivo bioavailability of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate and curcumin in Sprague-Dawley rats, and antiarthritic activity of curcumin-diclofenac conjugate, curcumin and diclofenac in modified streptococcal cell wall-induced arthritis model in Balb/c mice to mimic rheumatoid arthritis in humans have also been studied.

Hepatoprotective agent tethered isoniazid for the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity: Synthesis, biochemical and histopathological evaluation.

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of isoniazid-curcumin conjugate (INH-CRM) in INH-induced hepatic injury by biochemical analysis and histology examination of liver in Wistar rats. The biochemical analysis included determination of the levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), albumin content, and lipid peroxidation (MDA). INH-CRM administration resulted in a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, TG, and MDA levels in the liver tissue homogenate with an elevation in albumin level indicating its hepatoprotective activity.

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.

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.

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.