Acyclovir-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Permeation and Penetrability Study

Herpes simplex virus type I is a cutaneous infection treated with acyclovir. The topical treatment has therapeutic challenges due to the deficient delivery of the drug through epithelial barriers. This results in an inadequate drug-virus interaction in the basal epidermis (virus replication site). For this reason, it is essential to generate drug carrier systems that overcome these limitations. In this study, we evaluated the permeation (through in vitro test Franz cells) and penetration (by ex vivo test Tape Stripping) of a topical formulation of acyclovir loaded in solid lipid nanoparticles and a conventional formulation (Aciclor®). The acyclovir solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared using hot homogenization and sonication methods. The results yielded a particle size of 85 ± 2 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.24 ± 0.01, a zeta potential of −16 ± 2 mV, and 94% ± 3% of encapsulated drug. The in vitro test revealed that the permeability of acyclovir solid lipid nanoparticles formulation was superior compared to reference formulation, with values of 1473.74 ± 30.14 µg/cm2 for the solid lipid nanoparticles and 893.36 ± 38.09 µg/cm2 for the reference formulation. The ex vivo test demonstrated that acyclovir solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited superior penetrability through the stratum corneum compared to the reference formulation, with total amounts of 3767 µg for the solid lipid nanoparticles and 2162 µg for the reference formulation. These findings seem promising in advancing new effective therapies against herpes generated by herpes simplex virus type I.

Betamethasone Dipropionate Loaded in Nanoliposomes vs Conventional Betamethasone Dipropionate: Comparative Study of Permeability and Penetrability in Vitro and ex Vivo

A betamethasone dipropionate (BD) liposomal cream was developed to treat rheumatological, inflammatory, allergic diseases and psoriasis. BD is a corticosteroid, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressant. However, adverse effects are associated with prolonged topical use. For this reason, liposomes were loaded with BD because they offer excellent biocompatibility, bio adhesiveness, and penetrability that improve the effects caused by the conventional drug. Liposomal dispersions were prepared by emulsification using phospholipid 90 (lipid) and Tween 80 (surfactant). The particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential were measured using a particle analyzer. The betamethasone (BM) percentage of encapsulated active (EA) ingredient was also determined through High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The Franz cell and tape stripping characterized these in vitro and ex vivo. Then the final formulation reached a particle size of 70.80 ± 3.31 nm, a PDI of 0.242 ± 0.038, a zeta potential of −11.68 ± 0.77 mv and encapsulate active of 83.1% ± 2.4, complying with the parameters of a nanotechnological formulation. In vitro and ex vivo studies confirmed significantly efficacy of the cream over the commercial product, through the greater penetration into the pig ear skin, resulting in an improved drug. Finally, the liposomal cream demonstrated significant potential for enhanced percutaneous absorption, attributed to its nanometric size. This innovative nanotechnology approach aims to reduce the frequency of topical applications, thereby minimizing the side effects associated with psoriasis treatment.

A Bioequivalence Study of Empagliflozin/Metformin Fixed-Dose Combination in Healthy Subjects under Fasting Conditions

Background: This study evaluated the bioequivalence of empagliflozin 12.5 mg/metformin 1000 mg tablets compared to Synjardy® (Empagliflozin 12.5 mg/metformin 1000 mg) tablets in healthy male subjects under fasting conditions. Methods: This was a phase I, randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence, crossover study to evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) profiles of two fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of empagliflozin/metformin. Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ from test and reference formulations were evaluated to access BE. The plasma concentrations were measured using a validated liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Of the 24 subjects enrolled, 23 completed both periods of the study. The two formulations test and reference were considered bioequivalent if 90% confidence interval (CI) fell within 80.00% - 125.00% for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞. Tolerability and safety were assessed throughout the study. Results: The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were similar between the test product (T) and reference product (R) Synjardy®. The 90% CI of the test/reference ratios of log-transformed PK parameters point estimates was Cmax: 89.87% (85.68% - 94.27%), AUC0-t: 87.91% (83.65% - 92.39%) and AUC0-∞: 87.16% (82.80% - 91.75%) to empagliflozin and Cmax: 92.19% (87.95% - 96.65%), AUC0-t: 91.38% (84.42% - 98.91%) and AUC0-∞: 93.78% (83.82% - 104.93%) to metformin respectively (90% CI for all PK parameters fell within 80.00% - 125.00%). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated BE between the test and reference formulations of oral tablets of empagliflozin 12.5 mg/metformin 1000 mg (FDC) in healthy male subjects under fasting conditions.

Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Evaluation of Two Rosuvastatin Calcium 20 mg Tablets: A Single Oral Dose, Randomized-Sequence, Open-Label, Two-Period Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers under Fasting Conditions

Objectives: To compare the rate and extent of absorption of Racor® 20 mg (Rosuvastatin calcium 20 mg) tablet of Laboratorios Leti, S.A.V., with Crestor® 20 mg (Rosuvastatin calcium 20 mg) tablet of AstraZeneca, UK Limited in healthy adult human subjects under fasting conditions. Method: This was an open label, analyst blind, balanced, randomized, two-treatment, two-period, two-sequence, single oral dose, crossover, bioequivalence study in healthy, adult, human subjects under fasting condition. Twenty-four (24) subjects were planned as per the protocol and all subjects completed both periods of the study. The concentrations of Rosuvastatin in plasma were quantitated using a validated LC-MS/MS method of analysis and plasma levels were submitted for statistical analysis. Cmax, AUC0-t, AUC0-∞, Tmax, t1/2, Kel (hrs-1), percent AUC extrapolated [100 * (AUC0-∞ - AUC0-t)/AUC0-∞] (AUC_%Extrapobs) were calculated for rosuvastatin in plasma using SAS® version 9.1.3, SAS Institute. Inc. USA.CARY. ANOVA, 90% confidence interval using Schuirmann’s two one-sided test for bioequivalence, power and ratio analysis, for lntransformed pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ were computed and reported for Rosuvastatin in plasma for BE. Results: Data showed that 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference geometric mean ratios (GMR) of Cmax (95.01 - 112.66), AUC0-t (93.38 - 111.67) and AUC0-∞ (93.65 - 111.29) were within the BE (80% - 125%) acceptance range. Conclusions: Two products formulation, reference (R) Crestor® (rosuvastatin calcium) of AstraZeneca and test (T), Racor® (rosuvastatin calcium) of Laboratorios Leti S.A.V., with a single dose of 20 mg, under fasting conditions were bioequivalent. No severe, serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs) were reported in this study.

Pharmacokinetics and Bioequivalence Comparison of Two Fixed-Dose Combination of Rosuvastatin/Ezetimibe Formulations: A Randomized, Crossover, Open-Label Study in Healthy Volunteers

Objective: To evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of two fixed-dose combination (FDC) formulations of Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe: Cresadex® EZE 20/10 mg (Abbott Laboratories) as the reference formulation (R), and Racor® Duo 20/10 mg (Laboratorios Leti, S.A.V.) as the test formulation (T). Method: A randomized, single-dose, two-period, two-sequence, open-label, crossover design was employed. Subjects received a single oral dose of either the Test or Reference formulation under fasting conditions, with a 12-day washout period between treatments. Male subjects aged 18 - 45 years with normal health and laboratory values were included. Exclusion criteria encompassed any medical conditions, recent surgery, drug or alcohol use, and hypersensitivity to the study drugs. Blood samples were collected at pre-dose and multiple post-dose time points and analyzed using a validated LC-MS/MS method to quantify Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe concentrations in plasma. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. ANOVA was conducted to compare the ln-transformed values of Cmax, AUC0−t, and AUC0−∞. Schuirmann’s two one-sided t-tests were applied to assess bioequivalence (BE). Results: The 90% Confidence Intervals for the ln-transformed ratios of Cmax, AUC0−t, and AUC0−∞ fell within the acceptance range of 80% to 125%, demonstrating bioequivalence between the Test and Reference formulations. Both formulations were well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Conclusions: The results of this study confirm the bioequivalence of the two tested FDC Rosuvastatin/Ezetimibe formulations: Cresadex® EZE (Abbott Laboratories) and Racor® Duo (Laboratorios Leti, S.A.V.). These findings endorse the therapeutic interchangeability of these products, providing clinicians with greater flexibility in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Bioequivalence Study of Diclofenac 150 mg XR: A Single-Dose, Randomized, Open Label, 2-Period Crossover Study in Healthy Adult Volunteers

Objectives: Evaluate the bioequivalence (BE) of two oral tablets formulations of diclofenac 150 mg in healthy male subjects under fasting condition. This was a phase I, randomized, open label, balanced, two period, two sequences, single oral dose, crossover, analyst blind study. Methods: Twenty four (24) healthy subjects were randomly assigned to one of two sequences protocol: 150 mg XR of reference formulation (R), diclofenac sodium in the first period or the test formulation (T), diclofenac potassium in the second or vice versa. The plasma concentrations were determined using a validated LC-MS/MS method. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters included: maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), area under the plasma concentration—time curve from time 0 to the last measurable concentration (AUC0-t), and area under the plasma concentration—time from time 0 to infinity (AUC0-∞), were evaluated for BE. Results: The results showed that 90% confidence intervals for the test/reference geometric mean ratios (GMR) of Cmax (90.43 - 107.17), AUC0-t (93.08 - 116.46) and AUC0-∞ (92.52 - 117.39) were within the BE (80% - 125%) acceptance range. Conclusions: Two formulations, reference product (R) Voltaren® (diclofenac sodium) of Novartis and test product (T), Diklason Bi (diclofenac potassium) of Laboratorios Leti S.A.V., with a single dose of 150 mg XR, under fasting conditions were bioequivalent. No severe, serious or unexpected adverse events (AEs) were reported in this study.