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Hiroko Otake,1,* Ko Kobayashi,2,* Reita Kadowaki,1 Taiyo Kosaka,1 Mizuki Itahashi,1 Masanobu Tsubaki,1 Masaru Matsuda,2 Norio Iwakiri,2 Eiji Harata,2 Noriaki Nagai1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan; 2Life Science Division, NOF CORPORATION, Kanagawa, Japan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Noriaki Nagai, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan, Tel +81 6 4307 3638, Fax +81 6 6730 1394, Email nagai_n@phar.kindai.ac.jpPurpose: We aimed to prepare a β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) polymer using radical polymerization with co-monomers, 6-deoxy-6-(2-methacryloyloxyethylsuccinamide)-β-cyclodextrin (CD-MSAm) and N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-hydroxy-3-metacryloyloxopropyl)-ammonium chloride (QA) to design cyclodextrins suitable for use in ophthalmology. In addition, we evaluated their solubility and inclusion properties with rebamipide (REB), a poorly soluble drug, and investigated the usefulness of the β-CD polymer and REB (REB@CDQA) combination in treating dry eye.Methods: The β-CD polymer (CD-MSAm-co-QA, CDQA) based on CD-MSAm/QA was prepared via radical polymerization, and the usefulness of REB@CDQA in treating dry eye was evaluated using a rabbit treated with N-acetylcysteine (dry eye model).Results: The solubility of the CDQA powder was higher than that of the β-CD powder, and 80 nm colloids were observed in the CDQA solution. No corneal toxicity was observed in human corneal epithelial cells or rat corneas treated with 0.2% CDQA solution. The levels of REB dissolved in the CDQA solution were higher than those of the β-CD solution. Moreover, the application of the CDQA solution enhanced REB retention in the cornea and attenuated the transcorneal penetration of REB. In addition, instillation of REB@CDQA enhanced the volume of the lacrimal fluid and normalized the reduced mucin levels in the dry eye model. The extent of tear film breakup was attenuated by REB@CDQA instillation.Conclusion: The CDQA solution enhanced the solubility of REB, and the combination of CDQA and REB enhanced the drug content in the corneal tissue. Moreover, the therapeutic effect on dry eye was higher than that of REB suspensions without CDQA. Keywords: β-cyclodextrin, polymer, cationic group, rebamipide, dry eye

Reita Kadowaki,1 Fumihiko Ogata,1 Miku Nishida,1 Miri Komatsu,1 Hiroko Otake,1 Yosuke Nakazawa,2 Naoki Yamamoto,3 Naohito Kawasaki,1 Noriaki Nagai1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan; 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan; 3Support Office for Bioresource Research, Research Promotion Headquarters, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, JapanCorrespondence: Noriaki Nagai, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan, Tel +81 6 4307 3638, Fax +81 6 6730 1394, Email nagai_n@phar.kindai.ac.jpPurpose: Medical therapies, such as the use of anti-inflammatory agents, are commonly used for the treatment of oral mucositis (OM). However, these treatments have limited efficacy in treating severe cases of OM. In this study, we aimed to develop a carbopol gel incorporating troxipide (TRO) nanoparticles and methylcellulose (TRO-NP gel) and demonstrate its efficacy in accelerating wound healing in a hamster model of OM (OM model) induced by acetic acid injection.Methods: TRO nanoparticles were prepared using bead milling. The crystalline form was determined by powder X-ray diffraction, and the particle size was measured using a NanoSight LM10 instrument. The drug release was determined using a Franz diffusion cell, and the hamsters injected with acetic acid were selected to evaluate the therapeutic effect of OM.Results: After preparing TRO nanoparticles, we observed a mixture of crystals and amorphous TRO, and the particle size of TRO in the TRO-NP gel ranged from 50 to 280 nm. The TRO-NP gel exhibited a more uniform TRO distribution and viscosity compared to the Carbopol gel containing TRO microparticles (TRO-MP gel). However, the solubility of TRO was comparable in both TRO-MP and TRO-NP gels. The TRO-NP gel released a higher amount of TRO than that from the TRO-MP gel, with detectable release of TRO nanoparticles. TRO levels in the cheek pouches of hamsters treated with TRO-NP gel were higher than those treated with TRO-MP gel. The increased TRO levels in the cheek pouches of hamsters treated with TRO-NP gel were attenuated by treatment with 40 μM dynasore, an inhibitor of clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CME). Moreover, the therapeutic effect of the TRO-NP gel was superior to that of the TRO-MP gel in the hamster model of OM.Conclusion: We have designed a TRO-NP gel, and this gel showed excellent TRO delivery into the cheek pouch tissue through the CME pathway. Moreover, the TRO-NP gel treatment enhanced wound healing after acetic acid injection. Keywords: troxipide, nanoparticle, oral mucositis, hydrogel, endocytosis

Shuya Masuda,1,* Saori Deguchi,1,* Fumihiko Ogata,1 Joji Yoshitomi,1 Hiroko Otake,1 Kazutaka Kanai,2 Naohito Kawasaki,1 Noriaki Nagai1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Osaka, Japan; 2Department of Small Animal Internal Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Kitasato, Aomori, Japan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Noriaki Nagai, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan, Tel +81 6 4307 3638, Fax +81 6 6730 1394, Email nagai_n@phar.kindai.ac.jpPurpose: We designed a 0.05% mometasone furoate (MF) nanocrystal dispersion and investigated whether the application of MF nanocrystals in nasal formulations enhanced local absorption compared to traditional nasal MF formulations (CA-MF).Methods: MF nanocrystal dispersions (MF-NPs) were prepared by bead milling MF microcrystal dispersions (MF-MPs) consisting of MF, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, methylcellulose, and purified water. Pluronic F-127 combined with methylcellulose, Pluronic F-68, or carbopol was used as a base for in situ gelation (thickener). MF concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, and nasal absorption of MF was evaluated in 6 week-old male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice.Results: The particle size range of MF prepared with the bead mill treatment was 80– 200 nm, and the nanoparticles increased the local absorption of MF, which was higher than that of CA-MF and MF-MPs. In addition, unlike the results obtained in the small intestine and corneal tissue, the high absorption of nanocrystalline MF in the nasal mucosa was related to a pathway that was not derived from energy-dependent endocytosis. Moreover, the application of the in situ gelling system attenuated the local absorption of MF-NPs, owing to a decrease in drug diffusion in the dispersions.Conclusion: We found that nanoparticulation of MF enhances local intranasal absorption, and nasal bioavailability is higher than that of CA-MF. In addition, we demonstrate that viscosity regulation is an important factor in the design of nasal formulations based on MF nanocrystals. These findings provide insights for the design of novel nanomedicines with enhanced nasal bioavailability.Plain Language Summary: Mometasone furoate (MF) is administered nasally to treat nasal inflammatory diseases. In this study, we designed MF nanocrystal dispersions (MF-NPs) and investigated whether the application of MF nanocrystals in nasal MF formulations enhanced local absorption compared to traditional nasal MF formulations. MF-NPs were obtained via bead-milling of dispersions, consisting of MF, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, methylcellulose, and purified water, and the MF-NPs with in situ gelation were prepared by the addition of a gel base consisting of Pluronic F-127 combined with methylcellulose, Pluronic F-68, or carbopol. The nasal absorption of MF was evaluated in 6 week-old ICR mice. The bead-milled MF particles in the dispersions were crystalline with sizes of 80– 200 nm. Moreover, MF-NPs exhibited lower viscosity and higher local absorption than commercially available nasal formulations and dispersions containing microcrystalline MF. However, the application of in situ gelling systems attenuated the local absorption of the MF-NPs. This is the first study to investigate the nasal absorption of dispersions containing nanocrystalline MF and the basis of in situ gelation, providing important information for the design of nanomedicines with enhanced nasal bioavailability.Graphical Abstract: Keywords: mometasone furoate, nanocrystal, nasal absorption, drug delivery, in situ gel

Hiroko Otake,1,* Ryoka Goto,1,* Fumihiko Ogata,1 Takumi Isaka,1 Naohito Kawasaki,1 Shinichiro Kobayakawa,2 Toru Matsunaga,3 Noriaki Nagai1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, Japan; 2Department of Ophthalmology, Nippon Medical School, Musashi-Kosugi Hospital, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 211-8533, Japan; 3Design and Development, SEED Co., Ltd., Kounosu-shi, Saitama, 369-0131, Japan*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Noriaki NagaiFaculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, 577-8502, JapanTel +81 6 4307 3640Fax +81 6 6730 1394Email nagai_n@phar.kindai.ac.jpPurpose: The multi-instillation of three commercially available (CA) eye drops [fluorometholone (FL)-, bromfenac (BF)- and levofloxacin (LV)-eye drops] has been used to manage pain and inflammation post-intraocular surgery. However, the multi-instillation of these three eye drops causes corneal damage, and the FL drops have the disadvantage of low ocular bioavailability. To overcome these problems, we prepared fixed-combination eye drops based on FL nanoparticles (FL-NPs) and BF/LV solution (nFBL-FC), and evaluated the corneal toxicity and transcorneal penetration of the nFBL-FC eye drops.Methods: FL powder was mixed in 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin solution containing benzalkonium chloride, mannitol and methylcellulose, and milled with a Bead Smash 12 (5500 rpm for 30 s× 30 times). The BF/LV solution was then added to the milled-dispersions to be used as nFBL-FC. The FL, BF and LV concentrations were measured by HPLC methods, and transcorneal penetration was evaluated in rabbits.Results: The FL particle size in nFBL-FC was 40– 150 nm, with only 0.0018% in liquid form. No aggregation of FL particles in the nFBL-FC was observed for 1 month. The viability of human corneal epithelial cells treated with nFBL-FC was remarkably higher than that of cells subjected to the multi-instillation of the corresponding three CA-eye drops. In addition, the corneal penetrations (AUC) of the FL, BF and LV in nFBL-FC were 4.9-, 1.8-, and 7.1-fold those of the corresponding CA-eye drops, respectively. Moreover, the caveolae-dependent endocytosis (CavME) inhibitor (nystatin) significantly prevented the transcorneal penetration of these drugs.Conclusion: We prepared fixed-combination eye drops based on FL-NPs and BF/LV solution (nFBL-FC), and show that high levels of FL-NPs and dissolved BF/LV (liquid drugs) can be delivered into the aqueous humor by the instillation of nFBL-FC. Further, we show that CavME is mainly related to the enhancement of transcorneal penetration of both the solid (NPs) and liquid drugs.Keywords: fluorometholone, bromfenac, levofloxacin, fixed-combination eye drops, corneal permeability, endocytosis

Toshida H, Funaki T, Ono K, et al. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2017;11:1871– 1879 The authors have advised there are some mistakes in the mean changes and standard errors of the paper: 1. The standard errors of groups Placebo and VApal were all the same value for staining and symptom scores in Figure 1 (on page 1875) and Figure 3 (on page 1876), and Table 3 (on page 1877). 2. There were slight discrepancies in the Mean changes of Placebo group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks in Figure 3D. 3. There was a slight discrepancy in the Mean change of foreign body sensation in Placebo group at 1 week in Table 3. The authors have advised the errors were due to: 1. The standard error listed in a different table on the statistical analysis software was adopted. 2. There were typing errors when transferring numerical values from statistical analysis software to graph creation software. 3. There was a mistake when rounding numerical value. Since the statistical analysis had been performed using the original mean values (correct values), all results do not change. The authors apologize for these errors and advise they do not affect the results of the paper. Read the original article

Noriaki Nagai,1 Yoshie Iwai,1 Akane Sakamoto,1 Hiroko Otake,1 Yoshihiro Oaku,2 Akinari Abe,2 Tohru Nagahama2 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Osaka 577-8502, Japan; 2Research & Development Laboratories Self-Medication, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Saitama 331-9530, JapanCorrespondence: Noriaki NagaiFaculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, 3-4-1 Kowakae, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8502, JapanTel +81 6 4307 3640Fax +81 6 6730 1394Email nagai_n@phar.kindai.ac.jpPurpose: We designed formulations based on minoxidil (MXD) nanoparticles (N-MXD) and examined whether N-MXD can increase drug delivery into the follicles. In addition, we investigated the effect of N-MXD on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice.Methods: N-MXD (1%) was prepared as follows: methylcellulose, p-hydroxyalkylbenzoates, mannitol, and MXD were dispersed in purified water and milled using zirconia beads under refrigeration (5500 rpm, 30 s×15 times, intermittent milling). C57BL/6 mice were used to evaluate hair-growth effects. The expression levels of mRNA and protein for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were determined by real-time PCR and ELISA methods, respectively.Results: The ratio of solid-MXD was approximately 60% in N-MXD, and the MXD nanoparticles (90–300 nm) were oblong in shape. For the design of nanomedicines, usability is important. Therefore, we measured the stability and toxicity after N-MXD treatment. No agglutination of MXD nanoparticles was detected for 2 weeks, and no redness or MXD powder residue was observed in the skin after repetitive applications of N-MXD. Next, we evaluated hair-growth effects by N-MXD treatment. MXD contents in the skin tissue from N-MXD were lower than for commercially available MXD formulations (CA-MXD). Conversely, MXD contents in the hair bulbs were higher for N-MXD than for CA-MXD, and the drug efficacy of N-MXD was also higher than that of CA-MXD. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of IGF-1 and VEGF were enhanced by the repetitive application of N-MXD and CA-MXD, and the enhanced IGF-1 and VEGF levels were significantly higher for N-MXD than for CA-MXD.Conclusion: We designed a novel nanomedicine based on MXD nanoparticles and showed that N-MXD can deliver MXD into hair bulbs via hair follicles and that the therapeutic efficiency for hair growth is higher than for CA-MXD (solution type).Keywords: minoxidil, nanoparticle, androgenetic alopecia, hair follicle delivery, hair growth

Noriaki Nagai,1 Fumihiko Ogata,1 Hiroko Otake,1 Yosuke Nakazawa,2 Naohito Kawasaki1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashi-Osaka 577-8502, Japan; 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8512, Japan Purpose: We previously found that ophthalmic formulations containing nanoparticles prepared by a bead mill method lead to an increase in bioavailability in comparison with traditional formulations (solution type). However, the transcorneal penetration pathway for ophthalmic formulations has not been explained yet. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of transcorneal penetration in the application of ophthalmic formulations containing indomethacin nanoparticles (IMC-NPs).Materials and methods: IMC-NPs was prepared by the bead mill method. For the analysis of energy-dependent endocytosis, corneal epithelial (HCE-T) cell monolayers and removed rabbit cornea were thermoregulated at 4°C, where energy-dependent endocytosis is inhibited. In addition, for the analysis of different endocytosis pathways using pharmacological inhibitors, inhibitors of caveolae-mediated endocytosis (54 µM nystatin), clathrin-mediated endocytosis (40 µM dynasore), macropinocytosis (2 µM rottlerin) or phagocytosis (10 µM cytochalasin D) were used.Results: The ophthalmic formulations containing 35–200 nm sized indomethacin nanoparticles were prepared by treatment with a bead mill, and no aggregation or degradation of indomethacin was observed in IMC-NPs. The transcorneal penetration of indomethacin was significantly decreased by the combination of nystatin, dynasore and rottlerin, and the decreased penetration levels were similar to those at 4°C in HCE-T cell monolayers and rabbit cornea. In the in vivo experiments using rabbits, dynasore and rottlerin tended to decrease the transcorneal penetration of indomethacin (area under the drug concentration – time curve in the aqueous humor [AUCAH]), and the AUCAH in the nystatin-treated rabbit was significantly lower than that in non-treatment group. In addition, the AUCAH in rabbit corneas undergoing multi-treatment was obviously lower than that in rabbit corneas treated with each individual endocytosis inhibitor.Conclusion: We found that three energy-dependent endocytosis pathways (clathrin-dependent endocytosis, caveolae-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis) are related to the transcorneal penetration of indomethacin nanoparticles. In particular, the caveolae-dependent endocytosis is strongly involved. Keywords: drug delivery system, bead mill, caveolae-dependent endocytosis, clathrin-dependent endocytosis, macropinocytosis

Noriaki Nagai,1 Fumihiko Ogata,1 Hiroko Otake,1 Yosuke Nakazawa,2 Naohito Kawasaki1 1Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka, Japan; 2Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan Purpose: In the clinical setting, raloxifene, a second-generation selective estrogen receptor modulator, is administered orally; however, the bioavailability (BA) is only 2% because of its poor solubility in aqueous fluids and its extensive first-pass metabolism. Therefore, it is expected that the development of a transdermally delivered formulation may reduce the necessary dose without compromising its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we designed transdermal formulations containing raloxifene nanoparticles and evaluated their usefulness for osteoporosis therapy. Methods: Raloxifene was crushed with methylcellulose by the bead mill method, and the milled raloxifene was gelled with or without menthol (a permeation enhancer) by Carbopol® 934 (without menthol, Ral-NPs; with menthol, mRal-NPs). The drug release and transdermal penetration were measured using a Franz diffusion cell, and the therapeutic evaluation of osteoporosis was determined in an ovariectomized rat model. Results: The mean particle size of raloxifene in the transdermal formulation (Ral-NPs) was 173.7 nm. Although the raloxifene released from Ral-NPs remained in the nanoparticle state, the skin penetration of raloxifene nanoparticles was prevented by the stratum corneum in rat. On the other hand, inclusion of menthol in the formulation attenuated the barrier function of the stratum corneum and permitted the penetration of raloxifene nanoparticles through the skin. Moreover, macropinocytosis relates to the skin penetration of the formulation including menthol (mRal-NPs), since penetration was inhibited by treatment with 2 µM rottlerin, a macropinocytosis inhibitor. In addition, the application of 0.3% mRal-NPs (once a day) attenuated the decreases in calcium level and stiffness of the bones of ovariectomized rat. Conclusion: We prepared raloxifene solid nanoparticles by a bead mill method and designed a novel transdermal formulation containing nanoparticles and permeation enhancers. These transdermal formulations overcome the barrier properties of the skin and show high drug penetration through the transdermal route (BA 8.5%). In addition, we found that raloxifene transdermal formulations are useful for the treatment of osteoporosis in ovariectomized rat. Keywords: nanomedicine, transdermal delivery system, permeation enhancer, endocytosis, skin

Hiroshi Toshida,1 Toshinari Funaki,2 Koichi Ono,3 Nobuhito Tabuchi,4 Sota Watanabe,4 Tamotsu Seki,5 Hiroshi Otake,6 Takuji Kato,7 Nobuyuki Ebihara,8 Akira Murakami2 1Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 3Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Tokyo, 4Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories, Lion Corporation, Kanagawa, 5Tamagawa Eye Clinic, Tokyo, 6Otake Eye Clinic, Kanagawa, 7Kato Eye Clinic, Tokyo, 8Department of Ophthalmology, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the administration of retinol palmitate (VApal) ophthalmic solution (500 IU/mL) for the treatment of patients with dry eye. Patients and methods: This study included 66 patients with dry eye. After a 2-week washout period, patients were randomized (1:1) into either a VApal ophthalmic solution or a placebo group, and a single drop of either solution was administered six times daily for 4 weeks. Efficacy measures were 12 subjective symptoms, rose bengal (RB) and fluorescein staining scores, tear film breakup time, and tear secretion. Safety measures included clinical blood and urine analyses and adverse event recordings. Results: In comparisons of the two groups, the mean change in RB staining score from baseline was significantly lower in the VApal group at 2 and 4 weeks (P