Effect of Molecules' Physicochemical Properties on Whey Protein/Alginate Hydrogel Rheology, Microstructure and Release Profile.

The encapsulation of molecules with different physicochemical properties (theophylline, blue dextran, salicylic acid and insulin) in whey protein (WP) and alginate (ALG) microparticles (MP) for oral administration was studied. MP based on WP/ALG were prepared by a cold gelation technique and coated with WP solution after reticulation. Molecules influenced polymer solution viscosity and elasticity, resulting in differences regarding encapsulation efficiency (from 23 to 100%), MP structure and swelling (>10%) and in terms of pH tested. Molecule release was due to diffusion and/or erosion of MP and was very dependent on the substance encapsulated. All the loaded MP were successfully coated, but variation in coating thickness (from 68 to 146 µm) and function of the molecules encapsulated resulted in differences in molecule release (5 to 80% in 1 h). Gel rheology modification, due to interactions between WP, ALG, calcium and other substances, was responsible for the highlighted differences. Measuring rheologic parameters before extrusion and reticulation appeared to be one of the most important aspects to study in order to successfully develop a vector with optimal biopharmaceutical properties. Our vector seems to be more appropriate for anionic high-molecular-weight substances, leading to high viscosity and elasticity and to MP enabling gastroresistance and controlled release of molecules at intestinal pH.

In vitro- in vivo correlation's dissolution limits setting.

PURPOSE: In vitro in vivo correlation (IVIVC) is a biopharmaceutical tool recommended for use in formulation development. When validated, IVIVC can be used to set dissolution limits and, based on the dissolution limits, as a surrogate for an in vivo study. The purpose of this paper is to study the various methods used to fix dissolution limits. METHODS: Fixing dissolution limits is not a straightforward process; various approaches exist. The classical ±10% of dissolution limits was compared to the recommended ±10% of Cmax and AUC and to an innovative back calculation of the 90% CI. Based on simulated values the influence of the calculation method as well as of the variability of the results and pharmacokinetic processes was investigated. RESULTS: Depending upon the method, the results are different and their comparison leads to possible rules. It appears that the usage of a back calculation of a 90% CI is an accurate and advantageous method when intra-individual variability associated with the drug is low. Those findings are in accordance with the current practice of IVIVC, which is not recommended for highly variable drugs. CONCLUSIONS: The approach of using a 90% CI allows the intra-subject variability to be taken into account and fixes limits that ensure a greater chance to show acceptable BE, in case of reasonable intra-subject variability, leading to setting broader in vitro dissolution limits compared to classical solutions.

Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing a model cytochrome P450 in the rat digestive environment: viability and bioconversion activity.

An innovative "biodrug" concept, based on the oral administration of living recombinant microorganisms, has recently emerged for the prevention or treatment of various diseases. An engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain expressing plant P450 73A1 (cinnamate-4-hydroxylase [CA4H] activity) was used, and its survival and ability to convert trans-cinnamic acid (CIN) into p-coumaric acid (COU) were investigated in vivo. In rats, the recombinant yeast was resistant to gastric and small intestinal secretions but was more sensitive to the conditions found in the large intestine. After oral administration of yeast and CIN, the CA4H activity was shown in vivo, with COU being found throughout the rat's digestive tract and in its urine. The bioconversion reaction occurred very fast, with most of the COU being produced within the first 5 min. The gastrointestinal sac technique demonstrated that the recombinant yeast was able to convert CIN into COU (conversion rate ranging from 2 to 5%) in all the organs of the rat's digestive tract: stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon. These results promise new opportunities for the development of drug delivery systems based on engineered yeasts catalyzing a bioconversion reaction directly in the digestive tract.

Use of rotary fluidized-bed technology for development of sustained-release plant extracts pellets: potential application for feed additive delivery.

The aim of this study was to develop sustained release plant extracts as a potential alternative to antibiotic growth promoters for growing pigs. Pellets with a core based on microcrystalline cellulose and 3 active compounds (eugenol, carvacrol, and thymol) were prepared using rotary fluidized-bed technology. Two particle sizes were produced that had a mean size of approximately 250 and 500 mum. Results show the process was able to produce pellets with a spherical and homogenous form when 10% of the active compounds were incorporated into the core. When active compounds were increased to 20%, the pellet became stickier, and the yield decreased from 90 to 65%. Different amounts of coating in the form of an aqueous-based ethylcellulose (EC) dispersion (Surelease) were applied to the core to modify the release of active compounds. The efficacy of the coating was evaluated in vitro using a flow-through cell apparatus. The time to achieve 50 and 90% dissolution increased with the increase in particle size (P < 0.05) and the increase in EC-coating level from 10 to 20% (wt/wt; P < 0.05), indicating the ability of the process to slow release depending on particle size and the amount of polymer applied. Differences in the release of the active compounds were observed in the same formulation of pellets, except for the formulation with small 10%-EC-coated particles, in which the active compounds were rapidly dissolved (more than 85% in 15 min or less). For all other formulations, the dissolution time for eugenol was always faster than for thymol or carvacrol. The close monitoring of plant extract behavior in the gastrointestinal tract could become a key factor in the continued use of phyto-molecules as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters and in optimizing the balance between cost and efficacy. Different microencapsulation technologies can be used, of which the rotary fluidized bed warrants consideration because of the quality of the products obtained.

The 'biodrug' concept: an innovative approach to therapy.

Cell engineering technology using recombinant microorganisms has created new opportunities in the development of innovative drugs. This article presents the use of living genetically engineered microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeasts, as a new delivery vehicle to the gastrointestinal tract. This 'biodrug' concept was demonstrated using recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae expressing the plant cytochrome P450 73A1. This enzyme provides a relevant model for potential therapeutic applications, such as 'biodetoxication' in the digestive environment. An artificial gastrointestinal tract simulating human digestion was chosen as a powerful tool to validate the biodrug concept. This approach offers a novel strategy for drug discovery and testing.

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of phenylephrine and tropicamide in human aqueous humor.

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of phenylephrine and tropicamide in human aqueous humor was developed. After centrifugation, an aliquot of the supernatant was injected onto the column and the eluent was monitored at 280 nm then 254 nm after 5 min. Separation was performed on a CN column with 0.01 M Pic B8 (octane sulfonic acid)-acetonitrile (65:35, v/v) as mobile phase. The standard curves were linear in the detection range. The precision of the method (expressed by relative standard deviation) and the accuracy (mean error in per cent) were <5% for both intra- and interassays.

Bioinversion of ibuprofen enantiomers after administration in dogs: estimation of a novel index.

This study compares the pharmacokinetics and bioinversion of two chemical forms of ibuprofen administered intravenously or orally. Dogs were given the free acid form of the S(+) isomer p.o. or i.v., or the racemate, as the free acid or sodium salt, p.o., in a cross-over design. The main kinetic parameters were calculated and formation and bioinversion curves plotted. The values of Cmax, Tmax and AUC were higher for the S(+) isomer. The percentage bioinversion averaged between 35-70% according to the form. This study proposes a new index for the calculation of bioinversion, independently of any i.v. administration, and confirms its self-limiting nature.

Average parameters in bioavailability studies: an application to slow-release amitriptyline formulation.

In order to assess the extent and the rate of absorption in bioavailability studies, area under the curve (AUC), experimental maximum concentration (Cmax) and experimental time to reach Cmax (Tmax), are used. But when slow-release formulations are considered, the drug concentration-time curves usually show multiple peaks, and it is difficult to compute a Cmax and Tmax value. In case a Cmax value is computed, important variability in this parameter results in high values in the residual variance of the ANOVA test. So in order to decrease the high variability, average parameters: average concentration (Cav), average maximum concentration (Cmax,av) and Cmax,av x 100/Cav (%Cmax,av), are proposed. These new parameters were applied in a bioavailability study of slow-release amitriptyline formulation.

Bioavailability of morphine after administration of a new bioadhesive buccal tablet.

A new bioadhesive buccal morphine tablet was developed for controlled release delivery of drug and improved bioavailability compared with oral controlled release tablet. In order to characterize the pharmacokinetic properties of this bioadhesive buccal formulation, a bioavailability study was performed in 12 healthy volunteers who received: a 30 mg oral controlled release tablet (A); a 20 mg aqueous solution retained in the mouth for 10 min (B); and the 60 mg bioadhesive buccal tablet placed between the lower gum and lip for 6 h (C). The mean amount of morphine absorbed from the solution was very low, only 2 mg of the 20 mg dose. After administration of forms A and C, plasma levels exhibit typical sustained release concentration-time curves. The mean amount of drug recovered from the residual bioadhesive buccal tablet after 6 h indicated that approximately 50% of the dose was released from the bioadhesive buccal tablet. The relative bioavailability of the buccal tablet (corrected for residual unabsorbed dose) compared with the controlled-release tablet was 98% based on the morphine AUC values. Good correlations between the AUC and the Cmax of the bioadhesive tablet for the drug and metabolite plotted versus the amount of morphine absorbed were found.

Simple and sensitive method for determination of metronidazole in human serum by high-performance liquid chromatography.

A simple and sensitive HPLC method for determination of metronidazole in human plasma has been developed. A step of freezing the protein precipitate allowed an efficient separation of aqueous and organic phases minimizing the noise level and improved therefore the limit of quantitation (10 ng ml(-1) using 1 ml of plasma sample). The separation of compounds was performed on a RP 18 column with acetonitrile-aqueous 0.01 M phosphate solution (15:85, v/v) as mobile phase. Detection was performed by UV absorbance at 318 nm. Metronidazole was well resolved from the plasma constituents and internal standard. An excellent linearity was observed between peak-height ratios plasma concentrations over a concentration range of 0.01 to 10 microg ml(-1). Within-day and between-day precision (expressed by relative standard deviation) and accuracy (mean error in per cent) did not exceed 4% between 1 and 10 microg ml(-1) and 8.3 and 7.2% respectively for the limit of quantitation. The method is suitable for bioavailability and pharmacokinetic studies in humans.

The formulation of drug for ocular administration.

The different barriers that slow the penetration of active ingredients administered by the ocular route are described, and some novel dosage forms designed for this route are discussed. Both precorneal and corneal factors considerably restrict ocular penetration. The low bioavailability of classical ophthalmic dosage forms can be improved by several approaches, particularly by increasing the time the active ingredients remain in contact with the eye tissues. The new dosage forms are reviewed according to their type and their drug release mechanisms. The characteristics, advantages, and limitations of each are outlined. The potential of these dosage forms can be expected to enhance development. They offer prolonged effectiveness, reproducibility, fewer unwanted side effects, and improved tolerance.

The unusual routes of administration.

A wide range of administration routes can be drawn on to optimise drug absorption. Though the oral route remains the favourite one for most drugs in many disease states, other routes are routinely used. Each has its strengths and weaknesses and needs to be selected carefully with full consideration of the drug, its target and the release pattern required. Advances in pharmacology and biopharmaceutics have led to exciting developments in the ways drugs can now be administered. Optimising drug administration means finding answers to a number of questions. These questions include: what, how, when and where to deliver, and how to retain the drug long enough for it to be fully effective. These issues are linked; route of administration, drug and therapeutic systems are interrelated; thus the choice of what to deliver influences how, when and where to deliver. Various definitions of 'usual/unusual' administration routes are presented, depending on the factors that determine the fate of the active ingredients, on the delivery device, and on the therapeutic objectives to be met. The various dosage forms designed for these routes, and the administration strategies developed to achieve the desired effects are described.

In vivo evaluation of an indomethacin monolithic, extended zero-order release hard-gelatin capsule formulation based on saturated polyglycolysed glycerides.

The sustained release properties of an indomethacin hard-gelatin capsule formulated with saturated polyglycolysed glycerides (Gelucire) were demonstrated in vivo. Indomethacin was selected as a model drug with very poor solubility in water and acidic media. It is known to exhibit high intersubject variability because of enterohepatic circulation. The formulation, which in vitro showed an erosion-controlled release, was compared in six human volunteers in the fed state by using a randomized cross-over design, to a standard multiple-unit diffusion-controlled pellet capsule. Close action period values (time duration with plasma levels higher than 0.5 micrograms/ml) were found for the test and the reference formulation (5.2 and 5.7 h). The time to reach peak t(max) appeared slightly shorter for the test preparation (1.75 h) than for the reference formulation (2.67 h), but the difference was not statistically significant because of the high intersubject variability (non-parametric Wilcoxon matched pair test). Again, due to the small number of subjects entered in the study (insufficient for a real bioequivalence study) equivalence could not be accepted in terms of extent and rate of absorption based on the decision procedures involving the 90% confidence interval and the two one-sided t-tests. The mean maximum plasma concentrations Cmax were 3.35 and 2.82 micrograms/ml for the test and the reference formulation respectively, with the corresponding values of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve AUC amounting to 10.14 and 11.38 micrograms h/ml. However, a simulation on 24 subjects (3 repetitions of the same data) would lead to bioequivalence of the two preparations. As for other corrosion-controlled forms, drug release from the proposed Gelucire formulation was very sensitive to hydrodynamic conditions, leading to poor in vitro-in vivo correlation, when comparison is made with a reference formulation characterized by a diffusion-controlled release. Finally, it was concluded that erosion-controlled release formulations are especially suitable for drugs, such as indomethacin, that have low solubility in water or acidic media. More generally, sustained release hard gelatin capsules with thermosetting excipients is very versatile and their preparation is very straightforward.

Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric determination of isosorbide 5-mononitrate in human plasma.

A highly specific and precise method using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was developed for the measurement of isosorbide 5-mononitrate in plasma using isomannide mononitrate as internal standard. With regard to the numerous analytical problems encountered when organic mononitrates were determined in plasma, such as thermal instability and adsorption, compounds were silylated before gas chromatography. In order to increase the specificity of the assay, two specific ions of the isosorbide 5-monitrate were simultaneously recorded. The accuracy of the assay was tested day to day with quality specimens spiked blind to the analyst.

Determination of oxeladin in human plasma by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry.

A capillary gas chromatographic method with mass-selective detection was developed for the determination of oxeladin in human plasma. Plasma samples (1 mL) were alkalinized and extracted using 5mL of hexane: isoamyl alcohol (99:1). The method was demonstrated to be sensitive (limit of quantitation at 1 ng/mL), linear between 1 and 150 mg/mL, accurate and precise enough (mean error and mean coefficient of variation at the limit of quantitation were 2.3 and 13.3%, respectively) to support pharmacokinetic evaluation of the drug at doses down to 30 mg.

Comparison between percutaneous and subcutaneous routes of administration of apomorphine in rabbit.

Apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously and percutaneously to rabbit in order to compare the pharmacokinetic data obtained according these two different routes. For the percutaneous administration, an apomorphine gel was prepared by dissolution of apomorphine in an hydroxypropylmethylcellulose gel of medium viscosity. The evaluation of plasma levels after percutaneous route showed an absorption in all the animals. The time to peak plasma concentration (29.4 +/- 7.8 min) was close than after the subcutaneous route (25.8 +/- 4.9 min). The absorption of apomorphine was of 90% at minute 68 and minute 321 min after the subcutaneous and the percutaneous route, respectively. The peak plasma concentration and the area under the curve were significantly greater with the subcutaneous route. The bioequivalence of the percutaneous route was 35% of the subcutaneous administration. Those data suggested that the percutaneous route of apomorphine could be evaluated in humans to test its efficacy in the treatment of motor fluctuations in parkinsonian patients.

In vitro/in vivo correlations: scientific implications and standardisation.

In vitro/in vivo correlations and the parameters that should be correlated have now been well defined in the USP and FDA working group proposals. Among the three levels of correlation defined, Level A is the most interesting one. In this paper, the Level A correlation is studied from a mathematical and a biopharmaceutical point of view. The conditions that must be met before attempting to establish correlations and the place of in vitro/in vivo correlation in modified release drug dosage form development are discussed. To establish in vitro/in vivo correlations requires a strict development methodology in order to obtain them in the most favourable conditions. In vitro/in vivo correlations should be sought as early as possible during the dosage form development (a priori correlations). If the formulation has been undertaken first and correlations sought on the finished product from subsequent in vitro tests, the predictive power of these correlations (a posteriori correlations) is thus limited and they require additional validation.

[Comparative study of pharmacokinetics and effects on urinary secretion of electrolytes of furosemide and furosemide-amiloride in healthy subjects]. / Etude comparative chez le sujet sain de la pharmacocinétique et des effets sur l'excrétion urinaire d'électrolytes du furosémide et de l'association furosémide-amiloride.

A randomized cross over study was carried out in 12 healthy volunteers to investigate simultaneously the pharmacokinetics and the effects on urinary volume and electrolyte excretion after administration of single doses of 40 mg frusemide and a combination tablet containing both 40 mg frusemide and 5 mg amiloride. From a statistical analysis of plasma levels of frusemide and amiloride measured by HPLC methodology, no significant difference between the reference drug alone, frusemide, and the combination tablets was observed in mean peak plasma levels, mean times to peak or mean areas under the plasma concentration-time curves (AUC). Frusemide and the combination tablet both produced a rapid and powerful diuresis in the 0-2 hours postdose period and did not differ significantly in urine output at any time point. However a difference in natriuretic activity was observed between frusemide and the combination with the latter producing a significantly greater sodium excretion in the 0 to 2 hours period (p less than 0.05). Potassium retaining activity throughout the 24 hours was marked after the administration of the combination, the potassium excretion being significantly less (p less than 0.05) than either control of frusemide alone. There was also a significant correlation between plasma levels of frusemide and the time course of urine and electrolyte excretion in healthy subjects.

Comparison of continuous, constant rate enteral tube feeding in supine patients to bolus food intake in ambulatory, healthy subjects regarding bioavailability of perorally administered cefroxadine.

Stabilized, bedridden, inactive trauma patients on enteral nutrition via continuous, constant rate tube feeding (2 different formulas) were given a single dose of cefroxadine p.o. There were no differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters between the groups on different enteral nutrition. These patients were compared to cefroxadine absorption in ambulatory healthy subjects after a standardized meal (bolus-fed). The mean residence time was significantly longer in the patients, and the extent of absorption was slightly reduced with one enteral nutrition formulation and significantly reduced with the other. The other pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different. The difference is believed to be caused by reduction in splanchnic blood flow in the immobilized patients, weakening of migrating motor complex due to tube feeding and the lower temperature (4 degrees C) of enteral nutrition.