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This study aimed to prepare a combined self-nanoemulsifying and self-assembled cubic nanoparticles (SNE/SAC) lyophilized tablet eliciting biphasic release pattern escorted with enhanced bioavailability for drugs hampered with slow dissolution and poor absorption. The antimuscarinic Darifenacin hydrobromide (DRF) was selected as a model drug used to treat overactive bladder-associated nocturia. The DRF-SNE/SAC lyophilized tablet was prepared so that upon reconstitution a mixture of DRF-loaded cubic nanoparticles and nanoemulsion dispersion is obtained. The nanoemulsion portion is responsible for the fast release followed by controlled release of the remaining dose loaded in cubic nanoparticles. A comparative pharmacokinetic study adopting randomized crossover design in male albino rabbits versus marketed product Frequefenacine® tablet was performed. Half of the dose (52.05% ± 4.21%) was rapidly released in the first 4 h followed by sustained release of the remaining drug where (90.16% ± 8.85%) was released in 24 h. The tested system showed 2.45 folds higher % relative bioavailability and 1.57 folds higher C max with 1.62 longer residence time relative to reference product. The results endow the ability of the developed DRF-SNE/SAC lyophilized tablet to be considered as a propitious approach for the treatment of overactive bladder-associated nocturia without midnight dose administration., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Mirtazapine (MZPc) is an antidepressant drug which is approved by the FDA. It has low bioavailability, which is only 50%, in spite of its rapid absorption when orally administered owing to high first-pass metabolism. This study was oriented towards delivering intranasal (IN) mirtazapine by a direct route to the brain by means of preparing lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) as a targeted drug delivery system. MZP-LNCs were constructed by solvent-free phase inversion temperature technique applying D-Optimal mixture design to study the impact of 3 formulation variables on the characterization of the formulated nanocapsules. Independent variables were percentage of Labrafac oil, percentage of Solutol and percentage of water. Dependent variables were particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), Zeta potential and solubilization capacity. Nanocapsules of the optimized formula loaded with MZP were of spherical shape as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy with particle diameter of 20.59 nm, zeta potential of - 5.71, PDI of 0.223 and solubilization capacity of 7.21 mg/g. The in vivo pharmacokinetic behavior of intranasal MZP-LNCs in brain and blood was correlated to MZP solution after intravenous (IV) and intranasal administration in mice. In vivo biodistribution of the drug in mice was assessed by a radiolabeling technique using radioiodinated mirtazapine ( 131 I-MZP). Results showed that intranasal MZP-LNCs were able to deliver higher amount of MZP to the brain with less drug levels in blood when compared to the MZP solution after IV and IN administration. Moreover, the percentage of drug targeting efficiency (%DTE) of the optimized MZP-LNCs was 332.2 which indicated more effective brain targeting by the intranasal route. It also had a direct transport percentage (%DTP) of 90.68 that revealed a paramount contribution of the nose to brain pathway in the drug delivery to the brain., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: This is a phase II clinical trial to investigate the immunotherapeutic effect of Curcumin, Piperine, and Taurine (CPT) combination in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)., Methods: Twenty-six HCC patients aged (50-80 years) were recruited for administration of a daily dose of 5 g of curcumin, 50 mg of piperine, and 500 mg of taurine divided into three doses for successive 3 months. The three components (CPT) were prepared in one capsule. Patients were assessed after each month (cycle) for the plasma levels of CD4, CD8, CD25, Interleukins-2 (IL-2), IL-6, IL-12, Interferon-gamma (IFN- γ), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), FOXP3 mRNA, and miRNA 21., Results: There was a significant increase in the plasma levels of CD4 and CD8, while a significant decrease in the CD25 level after the second and third cycles compared to the baseline level [P < 0.001 for both]. Also, there was a significant increase in the plasma levels of IL-2, IL-12, and IFN-γ [ P = 0.001, P = 0.006, and P = 0.029; respectively], while there was a significant decrease in IL-6, VEGF-α, LDH, and Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) after CPT administration compared to the baseline levels [P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.020, and P = 0.004; respectively]. The expression level of miRNA-21 was significantly decreased after CPT administration compared to the baseline level [5.5±0.88, 4.1±0.78, 3±0.75, and 2.5±0.76; respectively, P<0.001]. Though there was a noticeable decrease in the FOXP3 expression after each cycle, however, it didn't reach a significant level [5.3±0.8, 4.2±0.76, 3.2±0.67, and 2.5±0.79; respectively, P=0.184]., Conclusion: CPT could exhibit a potential immune-stimulating effect in HCC patients. The current trial had been registered at the National Hepatology and Tropical Medicine Research Institute (NHTMRI), with a registration number of NHTMRI-IRB 2-21 on 5th January 2021., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.)

The current study is regarding the development and characterization of Darifenacin-loaded self-assembled liquid crystal cubic nanoparticles (LCCN). An anhydrous approach was used for the preparation of these cubic nanoparticles using a hydrotropic agent (propylene glycol), with minimal energy input. Upon dispersion in aqueous medium, the system was successfully transformed to cubosomal nanoparticles counterpart as depicted by transmission electron micrographs. A Box-Behnken design was used to optimize formulation variables, namely A: amount of GMO, B: amount of Pluronic F127, C: amount of PG, and D: amount of HPMC. The design has generated 29 formulae which were tested regarding drug content uniformity, dispersibility in water, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and in vitro release behavior. The numerical optimization algorithms have generated an optimized formula with high desirability ≈ 1. The optimized formula displayed small particle size, good homogeneity, and zeta potential along with controlled in vitro release profile and ex vivo permeation through rabbit intestine. Thus, self-assembled LCCN might offer an alternative anhydrous approach for the preparation of cubosomal nanoparticles with controlled release profile for a possibly better control of overactive bladder syndrome which tremendously affect the overall life quality., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Ocular drug administration is usually problematic and suffers low bioavailability due to several physiological and biological factors that hinder their effective treatment. Terconazole (TZ) is considered as one of the effective ocular antifungal agents that is usually administrated intravitreally for higher efficacy. The aim of the work in this study is to formulate a TZ-loaded ocular drug delivery system with high efficiency and good tolerability. First, TZ-loaded bile-based nanovesicles (BBNV) were prepared and the formulation variables (namely, Span 60, cholesterol, and sodium deoxycholate levels) were optimized based on the results of the entrapment efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), and zeta potential (ZP) using Box-Behnken statistical design. The optimized system was formulated using 73.59 mg Span 60, 1.28 mg cholesterol, and 3.11 mg sodium deoxycholate. The formulated system showed vesicles with PS of 526 nm, - 42.2 mV ZP, and 93.86% EE%. TZ release, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity of the optimized system were evaluated in vitro. In addition, in vivo assessment of its safety was conducted histopathologically and via ocular irritation test to ensure the ocular tolerance of the system. Afterwards, the optimized TZ-loaded BBNV was integrated into a self-nanoemulsifying system (SNES) to allow faster TZ release for immediate antifungal effect, enhanced ocular residence, and improved ocular permeation. TZ release study revealed more than 2 folds increment in drug release rate from the integrated system compared to BBNV alone. Finally, this integrated system was assessed for its antifungal activity in vivo where it demonstrated higher antifungal activity against induced Candida albicans infection. Graphical abstract.

Febuxostat suffers from relatively low bioavailability owing to the poor drug solubility and hepatic first-pass effect. This study aimed to prepare highly drug-loaded self-nanoemulsifying self-nanosuspension systems (SNESNS). SNESNS were designed to improve febuxostat's oral bioavailability by enhancing its solubility. Different oil and surfactant/co-surfactant mixtures were used for the preparation of SNESNS. The prepared SNESNS were estimated for their particle size, in vitro drug release and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results revealed that the oil mixture of Capryol™ 90:Miglyol ® 812 (1:1 w/w) with surfactant/co-surfactant mixture of Cremophor ® RH 40/Transcutol ® HP loaded with drug in 4-fold greater concentration than its saturated solubility resulted in the formation of SNESNS by dilution under the effect of magnetic stirring. SNESNS were freeze-dried using trehalose as a cryoprotectant. TEM images and the bimodal particle size curve confirmed the formation of the biphasic nanosystems after dilution (nanoemulsion and nanosuspension). Higher C max and AUC 0-48 values compared to those of the market product Feburic ® tablets confirmed the success of the SNESNS as a promising carrier for drugs suffering from poor water solubility like febuxostat.

Quetiapine fumarate (QF), an anti-schizophrenic drug, suffers from rapid elimination and poor bioavailability due to extensive first-pass effect. Intramuscularly (IM) injected lipospheres were designed to enhance the drug's bioavailability and extend its release. A central composite design was applied to optimize the liposphere preparation by a melt dispersion technique using Compritol® 888 ATO or glyceryl tristearate as lipid component and polyvinyl alcohol as surfactant. Lipospheres were evaluated for their particle size, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release. The optimized QF lipospheres were prepared using a Compritol® 888 ATO fraction of 18.88% in the drug/lipid mixture under a stirring rate of 3979 rpm. The optimized lipospheres were loaded into a thermoresponsive in situ forming gel (TRIFG) and a liquid crystalline in situ forming gel (LCIFG) to prevent in vivo degradation by lipases. The loaded gels were re-evaluated for their in vitro release and injectability. Bioavailability of QF from liposphere suspension and bio-shielding in situ gels loaded with QF lipospheres were assessed in rabbits compared to drug suspension. Results revealed that the AUC 0-72 obtained from the liposphere-loaded TRIFG was ∼3-fold higher than that obtained from the aqueous drug suspension indicating the bio-shielding effect of Poloxamer® 407 gel to inhibit the biodegradation of the lipospheres prolonging the residence of the drug in the muscle for higher absorption. Our results propose that bio-shielding in situ Poloxamer® 407 gels loaded with lipospheres is promising for the development of IM depot injection of drugs having extensive first-pass metabolism and rapid elimination.

The aim of this study was to apply quality by design (QbD) for pharmaceutical development of felodipine solid mixture (FSM) containing hydrophilic carriers and/or polymeric surfactants, for easier development of controlled-release tablets of felodipine. The material attributes, the process parameters (CPP), and the critical quality attributes of the FSMs were identified. Box-Behnken experimental design was applied to develop space design and determine the control space of FSMs that have maximum solubility, maximum dissolution, and ability to inhibit felodipine crystallization from supersaturated solution. Material attributes and CPP studied were the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC; X(1)), amount of polymeric surfactants Inutec®SP1 (X(2)), amount of Pluronic®F-127 (X(3)) and preparation techniques, physical mixture (PM) or solvent evaporation (SE; X(4)). There is no proposed design space formed if the Pluronic® content was below 45.1 mg and if PM is used as the preparation technique. The operating ranges, for robust development of FSM of desired quality, of Pluronic®, Inutec®SP1, HPMC, and preparation technique, are 49-50, 16-23, 83-100 mg, and SE, respectively. The calculated value of f2 was 56.85, indicating that the release profile of the controlled-release (CR) tablet (CR-6) containing the optimized in situ-formed FSM was similar to that of the target release profile. Not only did the ternary mixture of Pluronic®, HPMC with Inutec®SP1 enhance the dissolution rate and inhibit crystallization of felodipine, but also they aided Carbopol®974 in controlling felodipine release from the tablet matrix. It could be concluded that a promising once-daily CR tablets of felodipine was successfully designed using QbD approach.

Several matrix tablet formulations (hydrophilic-based, wax-based, and three-layer tablets) were designed for controlling the release of the highly water soluble drug, venlafaxine hydrochloride (VenHCl) for once-daily administration. The three-layer tablets consist of non-swellable, compritol-based middle layers containing the drug to which hydrophilic top and bottom barrier layers were applied. A 2(3) full-factorial design was employed for optimization and to explore the effect of different variables on the release rate of the drug from the three-layer tablets. The optimized levels of each independent variable were based on the criterion of desirability. The calculated values of f(1) and f(2) were 4.131 and 79.356, respectively; indicating that the release profile of the optimized PEO layered tablet formulation is comparable to that of the target release model. The pharmacokinetic parameters of VenHCl from the optimized three-layer tablet was compared to the marketed extended release capsule as a reference in healthy human subjects using a randomized crossover design. In this study, the 90% confidence interval for AUC(0-24) and AUC(0-∞) are within (0.8-1.25), which satisfied the bioequivalence criteria. It could be concluded that a promising once-daily extended-release three-layer tablet of the highly water soluble drug, VenHCl, was successfully designed.

Two groups of fluconazole mucoadhesive buccal discs were prepared: (a) Fluconazole buccal discs prepared by direct compression containing bioadhesive polymers, namely, Carbopol 974p (Cp), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC), or sodium alginate (SALG) in combination with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). (b) Fluconazole buccal discs prepared by freeze drying containing different polymer combinations (SCMC/HPMC, Cp/HPMC, SALG/HPMC, and chitosan/SALG). The prepared discs were evaluated by investigating their release pattern, swelling capacity, mucoadhesion properties, and in vitro adhesion time. In vivo evaluation of the buccal disc and in vivo residence times were also performed. Fluconazole salivary concentration after application of fluconazole buccal systems to four healthy volunteers was determined using microbiological assay and high-performance liquid chromatography. SCMC/HPMC buccal disc prepared by direct compression could be considered comparatively superior mucoadhesive disc regarding its in vitro adhesion time, in vivo residence time, and in vitro/in vivo release rates of the drug. Determination of the amount of drug released in saliva after application of the selected fluconazole disc confirmed the ability of the disc to deliver the drug over a period of approximately 5 h and to reduce side effects and possibility of drug interaction encountered during systemic therapy of fluconazole, which would be beneficial in the case of oral candidiasis.