Evolution of a mini-scale biphasic dissolution model: Impact of model parameters on partitioning of dissolved API and modelling of in vivo-relevant kinetics.

Biphasic dissolution models are proposed to have good predictive power for the in vivo absorption. The aim of this study was to improve our previously introduced mini-scale dissolution model to mimic in vivo situations more realistically and to increase the robustness of the experimental model. Six dissolved APIs (BCS II) were tested applying the improved mini-scale biphasic dissolution model (miBIdi-pH-II). The influence of experimental model parameters including various excipients, API concentrations, dual paddle and its rotation speed was investigated. The kinetics in the biphasic model was described applying a one- and four-compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model. The improved biphasic dissolution model was robust related to differing APIs and excipient concentrations. The dual paddle guaranteed homogenous mixing in both phases; the optimal rotation speed was 25 and 75rpm for the aqueous and the octanol phase, respectively. A one-compartment PK model adequately characterised the data of fully dissolved APIs. A four-compartment PK model best quantified dissolution, precipitation, and partitioning also of undissolved amounts due to realistic pH profiles. The improved dissolution model is a powerful tool for investigating the interplay between dissolution, precipitation and partitioning of various poorly soluble APIs (BCS II). In vivo-relevant PK parameters could be estimated applying respective PK models.

Development of a nanosuspension for iv administration: From miniscale screening to a freeze dried formulation.

The aim was to develop a nanosuspension of the poorly soluble BI XX. The nanosuspension is intended for intravenous (iv) administration in preclinical studies and should not cause any unwanted side effects. Thus, only stabilizers that are accepted for iv application should be used and isotonicity, euhydria and the absence of living microorganisms were targeted. Suspensions were prepared in a ball-mill (mixing mill MM 400 from Retsch). There were various vials used as containers; HPLC-vials were used for the small scale screening of stabilizers and injection vials for preparation of larger quantities of the nanosuspensions. Particle size distribution was analyzed by laser diffraction measurement (Mastersizer 2000). Lyophilization was used for processing of the suspensions (Christ freeze dryer). Stable nanosuspensions (d90 remained <1µm up to 7days) were prepared with several FDA-accepted stabilizers. Freeze drying was evaluated for one formulation containing 2% of the API, 0.5% of arginine and 4% of mannitol. The particle size distribution before freeze drying and after re-dispersion was comparable. After milling for 2h, no living microorganisms were detected in the nanosuspension. Various FDA accepted excipients were identified which resulted in stable nanosuspensions of BI XX. The most stable formulation was successfully freeze dried. It was proven that milling in the ball-mill decreases the presence of living microorganisms.

What is the mechanism behind increased permeation rate of a poorly soluble drug from aqueous dispersions of an amorphous solid dispersion?

Our aim was to explore the influence of micelles and microparticles emerging in aqueous dispersions of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) on molecular/apparent solubility and Caco-2 permeation. The ASD, prepared by hot-melt extrusion, contained the poorly soluble model drug ABT-102, a hydrophilic polymer, and three surfactants. Aqueous dispersions of the ASD were investigated at two concentrations, one above and one close to the critical micelle concentration of the surfactants blend in the extrudate. Micelles were detected at the higher concentration and no micelles at the lower concentration. Apparent solubility of ABT-102 was 20-fold higher in concentrated than in diluted dispersions, because of micelles. In contrast, Caco-2 permeation of ABT-102 was independent of the ASD concentration, but three times faster than that of crystalline suspensions. Molecular solubility of ABT-102 (equilibrium dialysis) was also independent of the ASD concentration, but by a factor 2 higher than crystalline ABT-102. The total amount of ABT-102 accumulated in the acceptor during Caco-2 experiments exceeded the initial amount of molecularly dissolved drug in the donor. This may indicate that dissolution of amorphous microparticles present in aqueous dispersions induces lasting supersaturation maintaining enhanced permeation. The hypothesis is supported by a slower drug permeation when the microparticles were removed.

In vivo predictive mini-scale dissolution for weak bases: Advantages of pH-shift in combination with an absorptive compartment.

The purpose was the evaluation of a new miniscale biphasic dissolution model with pH-shift (miBIdi-pH). Its capability to predict supersaturation and precipitation of weak bases (e.g. dipyridamole) and the in vivo performance of various formulations of the model compound BIXX (weak base, poor solubility, good permeability) was investigated with respect to dissolution, precipitation and re-dissolution. Single phase dissolution with and without pH-shift [small scale dissolution (V = 20 ml) and USPII] and miBIdi-pH (50 ml aqueous phase covered by 15 ml octanol) were used for analyzing crystalline dipyridamole and the four BIXX-containing formulations. Precipitate was analyzed via X-ray diffraction. Bioavailability of the formulations was tested in dogs. Phoenix WinNonlin(®) was used for IVIVC. For dipyridamole, precipitation upon pH shift was less pronounced in the miBIdi-pH in comparison to the single phase dissolution (35% vs. 90%). In case of four BIXX-containing formulations, USPII revealed significant differences in their dissolution, whereas the final amounts of BIXX in the octanol phase in the miBIdi-pH were alike. Different partitioning rates into octanol were observed. The miBIdi-pH was superior to single phasic dissolution in predicting in vivo precipitation of dipyridamole. In case of the BIXX-containing formulations, it was superior in ranking the formulations and it was capable to capture the kinetics of different absorption processes in vivo.

The amorphous solid dispersion of the poorly soluble ABT-102 forms nano/microparticulate structures in aqueous medium: impact on solubility.

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are a promising formulation approach for poorly soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), because they ideally enhance both dissolution rate and solubility. However, the mechanism behind this is not understood in detail. In the present study, we investigated the supramolecular and the nano/microparticulate structures that emerge spontaneously upon dispersion of an ASD in aqueous medium and elucidated their influence on solubility. The ASD, prepared by hot melt extrusion, contained the poorly soluble ABT-102 (solubility in buffer, 0.05 µg/mL), a hydrophilic polymer, and three surfactants. The apparent solubility of ABT-102 from the ASD-formulation was enhanced up to 200 times in comparison to crystalline ABT-102. At the same time, the molecular solubility, as assessed by inverse equilibrium dialysis, was enhanced two times. Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation in combination with a multiangle light-scattering detector, an ultraviolet detector, and a refractometer enabled us to separate and identify the various supramolecular assemblies that were present in the aqueous dispersions of the API-free ASD (placebo) and of binary/ternary blends of the ingredients. Thus, the supramolecular assemblies with a molar mass between 20,000 and 90,000 could be assigned to the polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate 64, while two other kinds of assemblies were assigned to different surfactant assemblies (micelles). The amount of ABT-102 remaining associated with each of the assemblies upon fractionation was quantified offline with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet-visible. The polymeric and the micellar fraction contributed to the substantial increase in apparent solubility of ABT-102. Furthermore, a microparticulate fraction was isolated by centrifugation and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, and infrared spectroscopy. The microparticles were found to be amorphous and to contain two of the surfactants besides ABT-102 as the main component. The amorphous microparticles are assumed to be the origin of the observed increase in molecular solubility ("true" supersaturation).

Amorphous solid dispersion enhances permeation of poorly soluble ABT-102: true supersaturation vs. apparent solubility enhancement.

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) represent a promising formulation approach for poorly soluble drugs. We explored the formulation-related impact of ASDs on permeation rate, apparent solubility and molecular solubility of the poorly soluble drug ABT-102. The influence of fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF) as dispersion medium was also studied. ASDs were prepared by hot-melt extrusion. Permeation rate was assessed by the Caco-2 transwell assay. Cell viability and barrier integrity were assured by AlamarBlue©, TEER and permeability of the hydrophilic marker carboxyfluorescein. Apparent solubility and molecular solubility were evaluated by using centrifugation and inverse dialysis, respectively. The in vitro permeation rate of ABT-102 from aqueous dispersions of the ASD was found 4 times faster than that from the dispersions of the crystals, while apparent solubility and molecular solubility of ABT-102 were increased. Yet, a further increase in apparent solubility due to micellar solubilization as observed when dispersing the ASD in FaSSIF, did not affect molecular solubility or permeation rate. Overall, a good correlation between permeation rate and molecular solubility but not apparent solubility was seen.

Impact of FaSSIF on the solubility and dissolution-/permeation rate of a poorly water-soluble compound.

The poorly water-soluble drug ABT-102, a potent TRPV1 (transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1) antagonist, was investigated in terms of its solubility and dissolution-permeation rate across Caco-2 cell monolayers in the presence and absence of fasted state simulated intestinal fluid (FaSSIF). ABT-102 showed a more than 30-fold higher apparent solubility in FaSSIF, compared to Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). On the other hand, the amount of truly dissolved API in the suspension, as assessed by inverse dialysis, was found hardly influenced by FaSSIF. Neither the drug nor FaSSIF adversely affected cell viability or integrity of the Caco-2 monolayer. P-gp-inhibition experiments confirmed that the drug was not a substrate of the export pump. The flux of ABT-102 across the Caco-2 barrier was found virtually the same in FaSSIF and in buffer, i.e. in vitro overall dissolution-/permeation rate of ABT-102 from suspensions appears not affected by its enhanced apparent solubility due to association with TC/PC-micelles.