Compatibility Study of Peptide and Glycerol Using Chromatographic and Spectroscopic Techniques: Application to a Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Cbf-14 Gel.

The interactions between active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients may lead to API degradation, thereby affecting the safety and efficacy of drug products. Cbf-14 is a synthetic peptide derived from Cathelicidin-BF, showing potential for bacterial and fungal infections. In order to assess impurities in Cbf-14 gel, we developed a two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometric method. A total of eleven peptide degradation impurities were identified and characterized. Furthermore, the compatibility tests were conducted to evaluate the interactions of Cbf-14 with glycerol and methylcellulose, respectively. The results revealed that the impurities originated from condensation reactions between Cbf-14 and aldehydes caused by glycerol degradation. Several aldehydes were employed to validate this hypothesis. The formation mechanisms were elucidated as Maillard reactions between primary amino groups of Cbf-14 and aldehydes derived from glycerol degradation. Additionally, the compatibility of Cbf-14 with glycerol from different sources and with varying storage times was investigated. Notably, the interaction products in the gel increased with extended storage time, even when fresh glycerol for injection was added. This study offers unique insights into the compatibility study of peptides and glycerol, contributing to the ongoing quality study of Cbf-14 gel. It also serves as a reference for the design of other peptide preparations and excipients selections.

Drug-excipient compatibility studies in formulation development: A case study with benznidazole and monoglycerides.

Monoglycerides (MGs) such as glycerol monolaurate (GML) and glycerol monostearate (GMS) have been used as excipients in oral formulations because of their emulsifying effect as well as their ability to inhibit the precipitation and intestinal efflux of drugs. Excipient-drug compatibility studies, however, have been underexplored. In this study, benznidazole (BNZ) was selected as a drug model due to the difficulty in improving its solubility and because of the potential impact on public health (it is the only drug currently used to treat Chagas disease). The effect of different processing conditions (maceration, ball milling, and melting) on the physical-chemistry properties of BNZ/MGs mixtures was investigated to guide the rational development of new solid formulations. GML was more effective in improving the solubility of BNZ, which could be due to its more malleable structure, less hydrophobic nature, and greater interaction with BNZ. The formation of hydrogen bonds between the imidazole group of BNZ and the polar region of GML was confirmed by spectroscopy analyses (IR, 1H NMR). The higher the monoglyceride content in the mixture, the higher the BNZ solubility. Regardless of the method of processing the mixture, the drug was found to be crystalline. Polarized light microscopy analysis showed the presence of spherulites. Overall, these findings suggest that preparation methods of BNZ:MGs formulations that involve thermal or/and mechanical treatment have a low impact on the solid properties of the material, and this allows for the production of formulations with reproducible performance.

Thermal energy and tableting effects in benznidazole product: the impacts of industrial processing.

OBJECTIVE: The investigation of benznidazole (BZN), excipients, and tablets aims to evaluate their thermal energy and tableting effects. They aim to understand better the molecular and pharmaceutical processing techniques of the formulation. SIGNIFICANCE: The Product Quality Review, part of Good Manufacturing Practices, is essential to highlight trends and identify product and process improvements. METHODS: A set of technique approaches, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis with isoconversional kinetic study, were applied in the protocol. RESULTS: X-ray experiments suggest talc and α-lactose monohydrate dehydration and conversion of ß-lactose to stable α-lactose upon tableting. The signal crystallization at 167 °C in the DSC curve confirmed this observation. A calorimetric study showed a decrease in the thermal stability of BZN tablets. Therefore, the temperature is a critical process parameter. The specific heat capacity (Cp) of BZN, measured by DSC, was 10.04 J/g at 25 °C and 9.06 J/g at 160 °C. Thermal decomposition required 78 kJ mol-1. Compared with the tablet (about 200 kJ mol-1), the necessary energy is two-fold lower, as observed in the kinetic study by non-isothermal TG experiment at 5; 7.5; 10; and 15 °C min-1. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the necessity of considering the thermal energy and tableting effects of BZN manufacturing, which contributes significantly to the molecular mechanistic understanding of this drug delivery system.

Drug-Excipient Compatibility Study Through a Novel Vial-in-Vial Experimental Setup: A Benchmark Study.

Drug-excipient compatibility study (DECS) is one of the critical steps during pre-formulation studies to select the appropriate excipient to obtain a stable formulation/dosage form. As such, there is no recommended guideline for DECS. Further, the previously reported studies and protocols followed by various pharmaceutical industries are very lengthy and laborious. Therefore, to improve the existing study strategies and rapid screening of suitable excipients during formulation development, a novel vial-in-vial approach has been proposed. The devised approach was compared with the previously reported conventional approaches using six different drugs with multiple marketed formulations from different manufacturers for each drug. To validate the proposed novel approach, several reported strategies/methodologies have been executed such as exposure of formulations with and without primary packaging, crushed blend with and without water, and/or acetonitrile at accelerated stability condition of 40°C/75% RH for 3 to 6 months and compared with the novel approach. Eventually, all the samples were subjected to HPLC analysis to evaluate the degradation behaviour. The results suggested that the novel approach demonstrated discriminating results with significant degradation as compared to the conventional approaches. Consequently, exercising this methodology for screening the excipients is expected to shorten the drug development cycle by many folds. Moreover, it has also been anticipated that the developed novel approach would prevent the occurrence of late-stage surprises during stability studies.

Preformulation studies for the development of a microemulsion formulation from Ambrosia peruviana All, with anti-inflammatory effect

Abstract Natural products are considered an important source of the therapeutic arsenal currently available. Among these alternatives are the seeds of Ambrosia peruviana (altamisa), whose extract has shown an anti-inflammatory effect. The main objective of this work was to perform a preformulation study of Ambrosia peruviana seeds ethanolic extract, where the main factors that affect the physical, chemical, and pharmacological stability of the extract were evaluated, as well as a compatibility study by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis against different excipients. A dry extract was obtained by rotary evaporation of the seeds macerated with 96% ethanol. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring its effect on NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, stimulated with LPS. The results showed that the dry extract maintained its stability over time when stored at a temperature of 4 and 25ºC, demonstrating its biological activity, the content of phenolic compounds, and its physicochemical parameters remain practically invariable. However, when exposed to high temperatures (60 ºC) it was affected. The thermal analysis revelated that the behavior of most of the selected excipients and the dry extract was maintained, which indicates that it did not present incompatibilities, therefore they can be candidates for formulating a microemulsion.

Therapeutic Treatment Plan Optimization during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Physicochemical Compatibility Study of Intensive Care Units Selected Drugs.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in a dramatic rise of the demand for medical devices and drugs. In this context, an important shortage of programmable syringe pumps, used to administrate different drugs in intensive care units, was seen. The opportunity of administrating combinations of five intensive care units selected drugs (Sufentanil, Clonidine, Loxapine, Midazolam, and Ketamine) was considered. METHODS: The drug mixtures were studied in a pure form or diluted in NaCl 0.9% or G5%. Twenty-six possible combinations of the five drugs were produced in glass vials or polypropylene syringes and stored at 25 °C for 14 days. The LC method was implemented to study drugs combinations in the presence of the degradation products. The clearness and pH were also monitored. RESULTS: All the 26 possible combinations displayed adequate physicochemical stability at 25 °C: at least 3 days and 7 days, respectively, for the dilution in 0.9% NaCl or glucose 5%, and the pure drug products mixtures. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided sufficient stability results, covering the medication administration period of at least three days. The combination of more than two drugs offers the advantage of minimizing the individual doses and reduces unwanted side-effects. Hence, this study opens up the possibility of combining the five drugs in one single syringe, which is useful especially under the current circumstances associated with an important shortage of programmable syringe pumps and pharmaceuticals.

Interaction and Compatibility Studies in the Development of Olmesartan Medoxomil and Hydrochlorothiazide Formulations under a Real Manufacturing Process.

A drug-drug and drug-excipient interactions and compatibilities study was conducted for two fixed-dose combination (FDC) products containing olmesartan medoxomil (OLM)/hydrochlorothiazide (HCT) 20/12.5 mg and OLM/HCT 40/12.5 mg during their development including storage. The study consisted of the evaluation of samples retrieved during all stages of a real manufacturing process. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle techniques were applied to the samples to determine interactions and incompatibilities. Dissolution tests and long-term stability studies were conducted to evaluate dosage form performance. Results showed weak solid-state interactions able to obtain a eutectic mixture of OLM and HCT while microcrystalline cellulose (MC) impacted the thermal stability of both drugs. Reliable dissolution and long-term stability tests confirmed that the interactions observed were not considered incompatibilities because they were not influenced by the performance of the final products.

Assessing compatibility of excipients selected for a sustained release formulation of bilberry leaf extract

Abstract The study is aimed to assess the compatibility of bilberry leaf powder extract (BLPE) with six excipients selected for sustained-release (SR) tablet formulation. The BLPE was obtained with the addition of L-arginine and Myo-inositol as the carriers. Thermogravimetric (TG-DTG) analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), supported by Pearson correlation analysis, were applied to detect possible interactions in the binary mixtures (1:1) of the BLPE with each excipient. The TG-DTG showed some deviations in the thermal behavior of the BLPE / excipient mixtures. However, only the thermal behavior of magnesium stearate in the mixture significantly differed from individual samples, which suggested chemical interaction for this excipient. The FTIR analysis confirmed that the BLPE is compatible with Eudragit L100, Methocel K4M, Methocel K100LV, Avicel PH-101, and Plasdone S-630. Whereas it undergoes solid-state chemical interaction in the binary mixture with magnesium stearate. According to the FTIR-spectra, it is suggested that this interaction results in the formation of stearic acid and alkalization of the medium. These findings evidence for the possibility of using TG-DTG analysis as an independent thermal technique for compatibility studies and also confirm the earlier reported interaction of basic lubricants, e.g., stearic salts, with active ingredients containing amino groups.

Wutou decoction ameliorates experimental rheumatoid arthritis via regulating NF-kB and Nrf2: Integrating efficacy-oriented compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine.

BACKGROUND: Thousands of years of clinical application of Wutou decoction (WTD) support its reliable efficacy and safety in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear, and the synergistic involvement of assistant herbs in WTD in enhancing the sovereign herb in treating RA is unknown. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy-oriented compatibility of five herbs in WTD and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The anti-arthritic effects of WTD and the compatibilities of the five herbs in WTD were studied in vivo with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model and in vitro with LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage. Network pharmacology analysis was conducted to identify the dominant pathways involved in the anti-arthritis mechanisms of WTD and how the five herbs work synergistically. The results were further verified by in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Our data revealed that the five herbs in WTD exert synergistic anti-arthritic effects on RA. Moreover, Radix Aconite (AC) is the principal anti-inflammatory component in WTD according to the extent of therapeutic effects exerted on the AIA rats. In vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrated that WTD inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation and simultaneously increased the expression of Nrf2, which were the major pathways identified by the network pharmacology analysis. The major assistant component, Herba Ephedrae (EP), evidently inhibited NF-κB mediated inflammatory response. The other assistant component, Radix Astragali (AS), considerably enhanced the expression of Nrf2 when used alone or in combination with AC. These combinations improved the anti-arthritis effects on the AIA rats better than that of AC alone. Nevertheless, WTD always achieved the best effects than any combinations both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION: The ministerial herbs EP and AS intensify the anti-arthritic effects of AC by regulating the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathway and the Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidation pathway which are the major pathways of WTD for alleviating the symptoms of RA.

Structure elucidation and formation mechanistic study of a methylene-bridged pregabalin dimeric degradant in pregabalin extended-release tablets.

During the pharmaceutical development of pregabalin extended-release tablets, an unknown degradant at a relative retention time (RRT) of 11.7 was observed and its nominal amount exceeded the ICH identification threshold in an accelerated stability study. The aim of this study is to identify the structure and investigate the formation mechanism of this impurity for the purpose of developing a chemically stable pharmaceutical product. By utilizing multi-stage LC-MS analysis in conjunction with mechanism-based stress study, the structure of the RRT 11.7 impurity was rapidly identified as a dimeric degradant that is caused by dimerization of two pregabalin molecules with a methylene bridging the two pregabalin moieties. The structure of the dimer was confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR measurement. The formation pathway of the dimeric degradant was also inferred from the mechanism-based stress study, which implicated that the bridging methylene could originate from formaldehyde which might be the culprit that triggers the dimerization in the first place. The subsequent API-excipients compatibility study indicated that the degradant was indeed formed in the compatibility experiments between pregabalin API and two polymeric excipients (PEO and PVPP) that are known to contain residual formaldehyde, but only in the co-presence of another excipient, colloidal silicon dioxide (SiO2). The kinetic behavior of the degradant formation was also investigated and two kinetic models were utilized based on the Arrhenius and Eyring equations, respectively, to calculate the activation energy (Ea) as well as the enthalpy of activation (△H‡), entropy of activation (△S‡), and Gibbs free energy (△G‡) of the degradation reaction. The results of this study would be useful for the understanding of similar dimeric degradant formation in finished products of drug substances containing primary or secondary amine moieties.

Structural and Surface Compatibility Study of Modified Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) Composites for Skin Tissue Engineering.

In this study, biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers (PCL-NF), collagen-coated PCL nanofibers (Col-c-PCL), and titanium dioxide-incorporated PCL (TiO2-i-PCL) nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning technique to study the surface and structural compatibility of these scaffolds for skin tisuue engineering. Collagen coating over the PCL nanofibers was done by electrospinning process. Morphology of PCL nanofibers in electrospinning was investigated at different voltages and at different concentrations of PCL. The morphology, interaction between different materials, surface property, and presence of TiO2 were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurement, energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). MTT assay and cell adhesion study were done to check biocompatibilty of these scaffolds. SEM study confirmed the formation of nanofibers without beads. FTIR proved presence of collagen on PCL scaffold, and contact angle study showed increment of hydrophilicity of Col-c-PCL and TiO2-i-PCL due to collagen coating and incorporation of TiO2, respectively. EDX and XPS studies revealed distribution of entrapped TiO2 at molecular level. MTT assay and cell adhesion study using L929 fibroblast cell line proved viability of cells with attachment of fibroblasts over the scaffold. Thus, in a nutshell, we can conclude from the outcomes of our investigational works that such composite can be considered as a tissue engineered construct for skin wound healing.

Solubility and dissolution enhancement of flurbiprofen by solid dispersion using hydrophilic carriers

ABSTRACT The intent of the current work is to study the effect of polyethylene glycol 8000 and polyethylene glycol 10000 as hydrophilic carriers on dissolution behaviour of flurbiprofen. In the present study, solvent evaporation method was used to prepare flurbiprofen solid dispersions and evaluated for physico-chemical properties, drug-carrier compatibility studies and dissolution behaviour of drug. Solubility studies showed more solubility in higher pH values and formulations SD4 and SD8 were selected to prepare the fast dissolving tablets. FTIR and DSC study showed no interaction and drug was dispersed molecularly in hydrophilic carrier. XRD studies revealed that there was change in the crystallinity of the drug. The results of In vitro studies showed SD8 formulation confer significant improvement (p<0.05) in drug release, Q20 was 99.08±1.35% compared to conventional and marketed tablets (47.31±0.74% and 56.86±1.91%). The mean dissolution time (MDT) was reduced to 8.79 min compared to conventional and marketed tablets (25.76 and 22.22 min.) indicating faster drug release. The DE (% dissolution efficiency) was increased by 2.5 folds (61.63%) compared to conventional tablets (23.71%). From the results, it is evident that polyethylene glycol solid dispersions in less carrier ratio may enhance the solubility and there by improve the dissolution rate of flurbiprofen.

Caracterização no estado sólido e compatibilidade farmacêutica de cloridrato de ziprasidona / Solid-state characterization and pharmaceutical compatibility of ziprasidone hydrochloride

O cloridrato de ziprasidona foi físico-quimicamente caracterizado pelas técnicas de Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Termogravimetria (TG), Espectroscopia no Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FT-IR), Difração de Raios X de Pó (DRX) e Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV). O estudo de compatibilidade foi realizado com 5 excipientes farmacêuticos diferentes (amido pré-gelatinizado, estearato de magnésio, celulose microcristalina, manitol e polivinilpirrolidona ­ PVP) . Amostras de misturas binárias fármaco: excipiente 1:1 m/m foram estocadas por 3 meses em câmara de estabilidade (75% ± 5% de umidade relativa e 40 ºC ± 1 ºC), e então analisadas por Cromatografia Líquida de Alta Eficiência (CLAE) para avaliar o efeito de cada excipiente na estabilidade química e, consequentemente, no teor do fármaco, em cada amostra . Os resultados de DRX e FT-IR identificaram a forma polimórfica F, correspondente ao cloridrato de ziprasidona monohidrato. A análise térmica demonstrou que o fármaco apresentou uma perda de massa de 4%, até 100ºC, correspondente à saída de uma molécula de água. A próxima perda de massa ocorreu a partir da temperatura de fusão (297ºC), e o fármaco foi totalmente degradado até 600ºC. Os resultados de CLAE demonstraram que o estearato de magnésio foi o único, entre os 5 excipientes testados, que provocou uma redução significativa de teor do fármaco na amostra (teor encontrado = 77% ± 3%). Dessa forma, o fármaco foi compatível com amido pré-gelatinizado, celulose microcristalina, manitol e PVP; e incompatível com estearato de magnésio nas condições estudadas.

Ziprasidone hydrochloride was fully characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The stability study was carried out with 5 different pharmaceutical excipients (pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol, polyvinylpyrrolidone ­ PVP). Binary mixtures of the drug-excipient were prepared in a 1:1(w/w) ratio and stored for 3 months in stability chamber (75% ± 5% of relative humidity and temperature of 40 ºC ± 1 ºC), then these samples were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to evaluate the effect of each excipient on chemical stability and, consequently, on amount of drug in each sample. Data obtained by FT-IR and PXRD shown the polymorphic form F, corresponding to monohydrate ziprasidone hydrochloride. The thermal analysis demonstrated a mass loss of 4% until 100ºC, corresponding to a water molecule. The following mass loss occurred from melting temperature (297ºC) to 600ºC, with total sample degradation. The HPLC results shown that, between 5 tested excipients, only magnesium stearate caused significant amount reduction of drug in the sample (amount found = 77% ± 3%). Then, the drug was compatible with pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, mannitol and PVP; and incompatible with magnesium stearate, in these work conditions.

Solid state compatibility study and characterization of a novel degradation product of tacrolimus in formulation.

Tacrolimus is macrolide drug that is widely used as a potent immunosuppressant. In the present work compatibility testing was conducted on physical mixtures of tacrolimus with excipients and on compatibility mixtures prepared by the simulation of manufacturing process used for the final drug product preparation. Increase in one major degradation product was detected in the presence of magnesium stearate based upon UHPLC analysis. The degradation product was isolated by preparative HPLC and its structure was elucidated by NMR and MS studies. Mechanism of the formation of this degradation product is proposed based on complementary degradation studies in a solution and structural elucidation data. The structure was proven to be alpha-hydroxy acid which is formed from the parent tacrolimus molecule through a benzilic acid type rearrangement reaction in the presence of divalent metallic cations. Degradation is facilitated at higher pH values.

Drug-Drug/Drug-Excipient Compatibility Studies on Curcumin using Non-Thermal Methods.

PURPOSE: Curcumin is a hydrophobic polyphenol isolated from dried rhizome of turmeric. Clinical usefulness of curcumin in the treatment of cancer is limited due to poor aqueous solubility, hydrolytic degradation, metabolism, and poor oral bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, we proposed to fabricate curcumin-piperine, curcumin-quercetin and curcumin-silibinin loaded polymeric nanoformulation. However, unfavourable combinations of drug-drug and drug-excipient may result in interaction and rises the safety concern. Hence, the present study was aimed to assess the interaction of curcumin with excipients used in nanoformulations. METHODS: Isothermal stress testing method was used to assess the compatibility of drug-drug/drug-excipient. RESULTS: The combination of curcumin-piperine, curcumin-quercetin, curcumin-silibinin and the combination of other excipients with curcumin, piperine, quercetin and silibinin have not shown any significant physical and chemical instability. CONCLUSION: The study concludes that the curcumin, piperine, quercetin and silibinin is compatible with each other and with other excipients.