Multiple-unit Pellet System Research Articles

Safety and effectiveness of methylphenidate ER multi-unit pellet system in ADHD patients: An open label study

Background: Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder occurring in children and adults. Pharmacotherapy remains the cornerstone of ADHD treatment. Stimulants such as methylphenidate are effective and have been one of the best studied and most frequently used treatment for ADHD. However, different delivery mechanisms and devices may potentially impact patient experience and real-life outcomes.Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of Multiple-Unit Pellet System Delivered Extended-Release Methylphenidate (Contramyl XR) on symptom control and reported outcomes in ADHD patients, in a real-world setting.Setting: A phase IV, open label, flexible dose, prospective, observational study conducted at six sites covering five provinces of South Africa.Methods: About 119 participants with ADHD (both newly diagnosed [treatment-naïve] and methylphenidate-treated [switch-over] patients) were enrolled and initiated either on Contramyl XR or switched over from methylphenidate to Contramyl XR. Primary efficacy was assessed by Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale (WFIRS) over 12 weeks.Results: In all, 117 participants completed the study (treatment-naïve patients: 46% [n = 55] and switch-over patients: 54% [n = 64]). Mean change from baseline in total WFIRS (95% confidence interval) was –17.7 (–21.1, –14.3; p 0.001) at week 4 and –29.3 (–33.5, –25.2; p 0.001) at week 12. At week 12, there was significant improvement in WFIRS scores, with treatment satisfaction reported by treatment-naïve patients. Switch-over patients also demonstrated comparable effectiveness.Conclusion: Contramyl XR was found to be clinically effective either as de novo or as switch therapy. It was well tolerated, and all patients chose to continue with the treatment option.Contribution: Despite distinct and different delivery mechanism of Contramyl XR, this study provides evidence for using it as an alternate treatment option versus reference methylphenidate, in both treatment-naïve and switch-over ADHD patients. Study participants willingness to continue Contramyl XR therapy post study, further strengthens the confidence on the effectiveness of Contramyl XR in managing ADHD patients.

Potentiometric Electronic Tongue for the Evaluation of Multiple-Unit Pellet Sprinkle Formulations of Rosuvastatin Calcium.

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting genre of medicinal products. A frequent problem, however, is the need to mask the unpleasant taste of these drug substances. In the present work, we propose the use of a novel sensor array based on solid-state ion-selective electrodes to evaluate the taste-masking efficiency of rosuvastatin (ROS) sprinkle formulations. Eight Multiple Unit Pellet Systems (MUPSs) were analyzed at two different doses (API_50) and (API_10), as well as pure Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) as a bitter standard. Calcium phosphate-based starter pellets were coated with the mixture containing rosuvastatin. Some of them were additionally coated with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which was intended to separate the bitter substance and prevent it from coming into contact with the taste buds. The sensor array consisted of 16 prepared sensors with a polymer membrane that had a different selectivity towards rosuvastatin calcium. The main analytical parameters (sensitivity, selectivity, response time, pH dependence of potential, drift of potential, lifetime) of the constructed ion-selective electrodes sensitive for rosuvastatin were determined. The signals from the sensors array recorded during the experiments were processed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The results obtained, i.e., the chemical images of the pharmaceutical samples, indicated that the electronic tongue composed of the developed solid-state electrodes provided respective attributes as sensor signals, enabling both of various kinds of ROS pellets to be distinguished and their similarity to ROS bitterness standards to be tested.

Amorphous Solid Dispersions Layered onto Pellets—An Alternative to Spray Drying?

Spray drying is one of the most frequently used solvent-based processes for manufacturing amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). However, the resulting fine powders usually require further downstream processing when intended for solid oral dosage forms. In this study, we compare properties and performance of spray-dried ASDs with ASDs coated onto neutral starter pellets in mini-scale. We successfully prepared binary ASDs with a drug load of 20% Ketoconazole (KCZ) or Loratadine (LRD) as weakly basic model drugs and hydroxypropyl-methyl-cellulose acetate succinate or methacrylic acid ethacrylate copolymer as pH-dependent soluble polymers. All KCZ/ and LRD/polymer mixtures formed single-phased ASDs, as indicated by differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. All ASDs showed physical stability for 6 months at 25 °C/65% rH and 40 °C/0% rH. Normalized to their initial surface area available to the dissolution medium, all ASDs showed a linear relationship of surface area and solubility enhancement, both in terms of supersaturation of solubility and initial dissolution rate, regardless of the manufacturing process. With similar performance and stability, processing of ASD pellets showed the advantages of a superior yield (>98%), ready to use for subsequent processing into multiple unit pellet systems. Therefore, ASD-layered pellets are an attractive alternative in ASD-formulation, especially in early formulation development at limited availability of drug substance.

The Use of Calcium Phosphate-Based Starter Pellets for the Preparation of Sprinkle IR MUPS Formulation of Rosuvastatin Calcium.

Sprinkle formulations represent an interesting concept of medicinal products aimed at the steadily growing population of patients suffering from swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). In the present work, immediate-release sprinkle MUPS (multiple-unit pellet system) containing rosuvastatin calcium as a model drug substance was successfully developed. The formulation was prepared by drug layering technique using novel calcium phosphate-based starting pellets (PharSQ® Spheres CM) of three different particle sizes. The study showed that the developed multiparticulates were characterized by uniform distribution of coating layers thickness, as well as fast dissolution rate (more than 85% of rosuvastatin calcium dissolved within 30 min, as required by the relevant USP/NF monograph). Rosuvastatin calcium, like other statins, has a bitter, unpleasant taste. Investigations conducted with an electronic tongue suggested that the developed formulation achieved the desired taste-masking efficiency. The effect was found to be particle size-dependent, improving as the size of the multiparticulates increased.

Development and Evaluation of Novel Multi-unit Pellet System Formulation of Metoprolol Succinate for Extended Release

Metaprolol succinate is a highly water-soluble drug with extensive first-pass metabolism. It needs to be administered about 3-4 times a day for optimum therapeutic effect. Conventional extended-release formulations are available but have their own disadvantages. The study was to designed formulate and evaluate the prolonged-release compressed multiple-unit pellet system of Metoprolol succinate. MUPS are novel formulations with benefits of both single and multi unit dosage forms and can provide extended drug delivery release profile and increase the efficiency profile of the drug. Metaprolol succinate pellets were prepared, coated with a different polymer, and compressed into tablets with suitable excipients. The tablet MUPS disintegrates after ingestion into extended-release pellets. MUPS formulations prepared with polymers like ECN50, Surelease, Kollicoat. Pellets formulation with Kollicoat coating (7.5%) was found to be the best formulation. MUPS prepared using this formulation of pellets and lubritab were found to be most promising formulation with acceptable limits of all physicochemical properties, dissolution profile and stability. Thus from the results, it can concluded that multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS) can be ideal formulations for drugs like Metaprolol succinate.

Review on Starter Pellets: Inert and Functional Cores.

A significant proportion of pharmaceuticals are now considered multiparticulate systems. Modified-release drug delivery formulations can be designed with engineering precision, and patient-centric dosing can be accomplished relatively easily using multi-unit systems. In many cases, Multiple-Unit Pellet Systems (MUPS) are formulated on the basis of a neutral excipient core which may carry the layered drug surrounded also by functional coating. In the present summary, commonly used starter pellets are presented. The manuscript describes the main properties of the various nuclei related to their micro- and macrostructure. In the case of layered pellets formed based on different inert pellet cores, the drug release mechanism can be expected in detail. Finally, the authors would like to prove the industrial significance of inert cores by presenting some of the commercially available formulations.

Effect of functional excipients on the dissolution and membrane permeation of furosemide formulated into multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets

The effect of functional excipients (i.e. chitosan, sodium lauryl sulphate, NaHCO3, and CaCO3) formulated in multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets has been investigated on the dissolution and permeability of furosemide, a BCS class IV compound. Spherical beads were produced and compressed into MUPS tablets. MUPS tablet formulations were evaluated for hardness, disintegration, mass variation, friability, and dissolution (pH 1.2, pH 4.6, and pH 7.4). Ex vivo permeability studies were conducted across excised pig tissues (pyloric antrum and duodenal region) on selected experimental MUPS tablet formulations. Histological analysis was conducted on the tissues after exposure to selected experimental MUPS tablet formulations. Dissolution results in the 0.1 M HCl (pH 1.2) showed the highest effect of the excipients on furosemide release. Dissolution parameters showed increased dissolution of furosemide for the MUPS tablet formulations containing functional excipients: a 4.5–10-fold increase in the AUC values, the %max showed a 60–70% increase and up to a 19-fold increase in DRi was seen. Permeability results revealed a 2.5-fold higher cumulative percentage transport for selected formulations. The results proved that functional excipients incorporated into beads, compressed into MUPS tablet formulations increased furosemide release as well as permeation across excised intestinal tissues.

Formulation Development and Evaluation of Multiple Unit Pellet System of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride

The aim of current work was to grow extended release multiple unit pellets of Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, is an alpha-blocker, used for the healing of the symptoms of a prostate gland condition called BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) by extrusion- spheronization (E/S) and solution/suspension layering (S/S) method. In the Extrusion-Spheronization, A ratio of 75:25, 67:33, 64:36 Tamsulosin Hydrochloride and Microcrystalline cellulose were mixed for making drug pellets and extended release (ER) coating was performed in fluidized bed processor (FBP) by solution/suspension layering with Ethyl cellulose (aqueous. dispersion, 4 cps and 7 cps) and Hypromellose (5cps) with different ratios % weight buildups accordingly. In the Solution/suspension layering (S/S) method, Tamsulosin Hydrochloride drug pellets were prepared by layering onto MCC spheres in FBP. These drug pellets were further coated for extended release with HPMC, 5cps and EC, 7cps. In drug coating stage, drug and different binder (Hypromellose, 5 cps) concentrations 8, 10, 12, 14 mg/unit were coated onto the cores for optimization of binder concentration. The weight of MCC spheres were optimized for further formulations. For all the drug coated pellets, ER coating was given with EC, 7cps and HPMC, 5 cps at a coating level of 8% weight by weight. In the extrusion- spheronization (E/S) Optimization of Drug pellets: Among the trials TD3 (Tamsulosin HCl and MCC) showed good mechanical strength with better yield due to increased MCC concentration. Optimization of Extended Release Coating: Optimized TD3 drug pellets were coated with ER coating using water insoluble polymer (Aq.EC 25% dispersion/ EC, 4cps/ EC, 7cps) and water soluble polymer (HPMC, 5cps). Among these polymers, extended release coating was optimized (TD3E14) with the combination of EC, 7cps and HPMC, 5cps at 8% weight build up. In the Solution/Suspension layering: Optimization of binder concentration in drug coating stage: HPMC, 5cps with 12 mg/unit for TF7 was optimized based on %yield. Optimization of MCC spheres in drug coating stage in formulation of ER pellets with different weight drug pellets: The weight of MCC spheres (160, 170, 180, 190 mg/unit) used in the drug coating stage with binder HPMC, 5cps (12 mg/unit). These drug pellets were given with ER coating at 8% weight buildup by using EC, 7cps and HPMC, 5cps. Among these trials, TF7E7 was optimized. Based on the investigations of the present study, conclusions was. formulating low dose, high soluble, BCS class I drug- Tamsulosin Hydrochloride ER formulation by extrusion-spheronization showed flexibility for batch processing and cost effectiveness while solution/suspension layering was process feasible but time consuming due to high drug loading.

Development of a Biphasic-Release Multiple-Unit Pellet System with Diclofenac Sodium Using Novel Calcium Phosphate-Based Starter Pellets.

Novel calcium phosphate-based starter pellets were used to develop a biphasic-release multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) with diclofenac sodium as a model drug in the form of hard gelatin capsules. For comparative purposes, corresponding formulations based on the inert cores made of microcrystalline cellulose, sucrose and isomalt were prepared. The developed system consisted of two types of drug-layered pellets attaining different release patterns: delayed-release (enteric-coated) and extended-release. Dissolution characteristics were examined using both compendial and biorelevant methods, which reflected fed and fasting conditions. The results were collated with an equivalent commercial product but prepared with the direct pelletization technique.

Sounding out stability of enteric coated dosage forms using Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS)

Stability testing is essential in the pharmaceutical industry to determine product shelf- life and the conditions under which drug products should be stored. Stability testing involves a complex set of procedures, considerable cost, time, and scientific expertise to build quality, efficacy and safety in a drug formulation. This paper highlights a new complementary approach to stability testing called Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS). BARDS measurements are based on reproducible changes in the compressibility of a solvent during dissolution. It is monitored acoustically via associated changes in the frequency of induced acoustic resonances. This study presents a novel approach to track the change of various drug formulations to determine the formulation's stability. Pellets, tablet and multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) formulations were investigated to examine the effect of polymer coating and formulation core degradation over time. In combination with minimal usage of Ultra Violet - Visible Spectroscopy, BARDS can effectively track these changes. The technique offers a rapid approach to characterizing pharmaceutical formulations. BARDS can enable rapid development of solid drug formulation dissolution and disintegration testing as an In-Process Control test and drug stability analysis. The data show that a solid oral dose formulation has an intrinsic acoustic signature specific to the method of manufacture, excipient composition and elapsed time since the production of a product. BARDS data are also indicative of which aspect of a formulation may be unstable, whether a coating, sub-coating or core. It is potentially a time-efficient, cost-effective and greener approach to testing coating stability, disintegration and overall formulation stability.

Modeling the coating layer thickness in a pharmaceutical coating process

Although mechanistic numerical simulations can offer great insights into a process, they are limited with respect to resolved process time. While statistical models provide long-term predictability, determining the underlying probability distributions is often challenging. In this work, detailed CFD-DEM simulations of a pharmaceutical Wurster coating process for microspheres are used to evaluate the input parameters for a novel Monte-Carlo simulation approach. The combined strengths of both modeling approaches make it possible to predict the coating mass and thickness distributions over the entire process time. It was observed that smaller beads receive a thicker coating layer since they pass the spray zone closer to the nozzle. Moreover, it was established that, in contrast to the airflow rate, the spray rate has a great impact on the inter-particle coating variability. A stochastic model was developed to investigate the relative contribution of coating layer variability and fill weight variability to the product non-uniformity in a capsule filling process of Multiple Unit Pellet Systems (MUPS).

Recent Advanced of Multiple Unite Pellet System (MUPS) Technology in Formulation of Pharmaceutical Products: A Review

The oral route of drug administration is the most important and most user-friendly route of administration. In recent years, Multiple Unit Pellet Systems (MUPS) tablets are widely used in solid dosage form design. MUPS is considered to provide pharmacokinetic advantages compared to monolithic dosage forms. Combination of drug substances and release profiles can be provided by formulating the MUPS tablets with different pellet qualities or combining pellets with drugs in powder or granulated form. MUPS tablet contains several hundred of coated pellets of active pharmaceutical ingredients which delivered the drug at predetermined rate and absorption to provide constant blood profile. MUPS are easily administered as disintegratable tablet which disperse into their subunits across the stomach and the small intestine, leading to predictable oral transition and constant bioavailability.

Application of Dominance-Based Rough Set Approach for Optimization of Pellets Tableting Process.

Multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS) offer many advantages over conventional solid dosage forms both for the manufacturers and patients. Coated pellets can be efficiently compressed into MUPS in classic tableting process and enable controlled release of active pharmaceutical ingredient (APIs). For patients MUPS are divisible without affecting drug release and convenient to swallow. However, maintaining API release profile during the compression process can be a challenge. The aim of this work was to explore and discover relationships between data describing: composition, properties, process parameters (condition attributes) and quality (decision attribute, expressed as similarity factor f2) of MUPS containing pellets with verapamil hydrochloride as API, by applying a dominance-based rough ret approach (DRSA) mathematical data mining technique. DRSA generated decision rules representing cause–effect relationships between condition attributes and decision attribute. Similar API release profiles from pellets before and after tableting can be ensured by proper polymer coating (Eudragit® NE, absence of ethyl cellulose), compression force higher than 6 kN, microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® 102) as excipient and tablet hardness ≥42.4 N. DRSA can be useful for analysis of complex technological data. Decision rules with high values of confirmation measures can help technologist in optimal formulation development.

Cushioning pellets based on microcrystalline cellulose - Crospovidone blends for MUPS tableting.

Compaction of multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) tablets has been extensively reported to be potentially challenging. Thus, there is a need for non-segregating cushioning agents to mitigate the deleterious effect of the compaction forces. This study was designed to investigate the use of porous pellets as cushioning agents using different drying techniques to prepare pellets of various porosities and of different formulations. The pellets fabricated were characterized for their porosity and crushing strength. Subsequently, MUPS tablets were prepared using blends of polymer-coated pellets and custom-designed cushioning pellets by compacting at different pressures. The effects of pellet volume fraction and dwell time on the pellet coat damage, as well as the tensile strength of the resultant MUPS tablets were also investigated. Compacts with coated pellet volume fraction of 0.21 exhibited the best cushioning effect when tableted at different compression speeds with both gravity and force feeders. The findings from this study showed that cushioning pellet porosity was highest when drying was carried out by freeze drying, followed by fluid bed drying and oven drying. There was an inverse relationship between cushioning pellet porosity and strength. The tensile strength of tablets prepared from freeze dried pellets was highest. The protective effect of the cushioning pellets was principally dependent on their porosity. Also, pellet volume fraction in the compacts and compaction pressure used had remarkable effect on pellet coat damage. When unprocessed powders were compacted by automatic die filling, capping and lamination problems were observed. However, tablets of reasonable quality were made with the cushioning pellets. Freeze dried pellets containing crospovidone were found to be promising as cushioning agents and had enabled the production of MUPS tablets even at higher compaction pressures, beyond the intrinsic crushing strength of the coated pellets.

Influence of the porosity of cushioning excipients on the compaction of coated multi-particulates

The compaction of multiple unit-pellet system (MUPS) tablets poses considerable challenges due to potential compaction-induced damage to the functional polymer coat and segregation of pellets from other excipients during the tableting process. This study was designed to investigate the impact of porous pellets as cushioning agent without issues related to segregation while tableting. Different drying techniques were applied to produce microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) pellets with various porosities. Sodium chloride was also added to the pellet formulation as a pore forming agent to generate a porous skeleton after production and aqueous extraction. The pellets fabricated were characterized for their porosity, crushing strength and yield pressure. Tablets were prepared using unlubricated pellets and their tensile strengths determined. Blends containing polymer-coated pellets and cushioning pellets of various porosities were compacted at different compaction pressures. The porous pellets exhibiting the best cushioning effect were used for MUPS tableting at different compression speeds with both gravity and force feeders. The findings from this study showed that pellet porosity was highest when drying was carried out in a freeze dryer, followed by fluid bed and least porous from the oven. There was an inverse relationship between pellet porosity and strength. The protective effect of cushioning pellets was mainly dependent on their porosity. The porosity of pellets manufactured by leaching NaCl from MCC-NaCl (1:1) pellets were 2.14-, 2.57- and 4.88-fold higher than that of MCC PH101 only pellets for oven, fluid bed and freeze dried pellets, respectively. Although the porosity of MCC PH101-NaCl (1:3) pellets was highest, they exhibited less cushioning effect than MCC PH101-NaCl (1:1). It was inferred that a good balance between porosity and bulk density of cushioning pellets was essential to be effective at protecting the coated pellets from damage during compaction. Compared with MUPS tablets prepared using unprocessed MCC PH105, the tablets prepared with the porous freeze dried MCC PH101 (NaCl fraction leached) pellets had improved drug content uniformity and were mechanically stronger.

A mechanistic understanding of compression damage to the dissolubility of coated pellets in tablets

Damage to the drug diffusion coat barrier of controlled release pellets by the compaction force when preparing multiple-unit pellet system tablets is a major concern. Previous studies have shown that pellets located at the tablet axial and radial peripheral surfaces were more susceptible to damage when compacted due to the considerable shear encountered at these locations. Hence, this study was designed to assess with precision the impact of pellet spatial position in the compact on the extent of coat damage by the compaction force via a single pellet in minitablet (SPIM) system. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) pellet cores were consecutively coated with a drug layer followed by a sustained release layer. Chlorpheniramine maleate was the model drug used. Using a compaction simulator, the coated pellets were compacted singly into 3 mm diameter SPIMs with MCC as the filler. SPIMs with individual pellets placed in seven positions were prepared. The uncompacted and compacted coated pellets, as SPIMs, were subjected to drug release testing. The dissolution results showed that pellets placed at the top-radial position were the most susceptible to coat damage by the compaction force, while pellets positioned within the minitablet at the middle and upper quadrant positions showed the least damage. The SPIM system was found to be effective at defining the extent of coat damage to the pellet spatial position in the compact. This study confirmed that coated pellets located at the periphery were more susceptible to damage by compaction, with pellets located at the top-radial position showing the greatest extent of coat damage. However, if the pellet was completely encrusted by the cushioning filler, coat damage could be mitigated. Further investigations were directed at how the extent of coat damage impacted drug release. Interestingly, small punctures were found to be most detrimental to drug release whilst coats with large surface cuts did not completely fail. A damaged pellet coat has some self-sealing ability and failure is not total. Thus, this study provides a deeper understanding of the consequence of coat damage to drug release when sustained release coated pellets are breached.

Formulation and evaluation of new oxycodone extended release multiple unit pellet system

Abstract The goal of the present study is to prepare a stable, multiple-unit, extended-release dosage form containing oxycodone pellets coated with aqueous ethylcellulose (EC) dispersion, Surelease E-7-19050. The application of 18% w/w of EC leads to the similar drug release with the hydrophobic, non-swelling, matrix reference product containing 20 mg of oxycodone. Increasing the compression force to 9 kN and including more than 50% w/w of oxycodone pellets into the formulation resulted in faster drug release, indicating the damaging to the EC film coating. The physical appearance of the final formulation, assay of oxycodone, moisture content, and dissolution data over the stability period showed that the multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS) is efficient for the production of highly stable product.

FORMULATION AND INVESTIGATION OF POLYMERIC MULTIPLE UNIT PELLET SYSTEMS CONSISTING OF SUSTAINED RELEASE GLIMEPIRIDE AND IMMEDIATE RELEASE ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM

Objective: The objective of the present work was to develop novel fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for improvement of glucose tolerance in type II diabetes mellitus patients associated with dyslipidemia.
 Methods: Multiple unit pellet systems (MUPSs) consisting of sustained release (SR) glimepiride and immediate release atorvastatin calcium pellets were formulated. The SR glimepiride pellets were prepared using a combination of locust bean gum and gum ghatti/guar gum. Similarly, the immediate release of atorvastatin calcium pellets was prepared using locust bean gum suspension as a binder.
 Results: The formulated pellets were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Further, surface morphology of the formulated pellets was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FT-IR and DSC studies suggested that there were no chemical interactions between the drug and natural polymers. SEM studies revealed that formulated pellets were in spherical shape. Based on in vitro evaluation, the SR glimepiride formulation developed using a combination of 2% locust bean gum and 2.5% gum ghatti polymers sustained the release of the drug up to 12 h. Similarly, the immediate release atorvastatin calcium formulation containing 1% w/w locust bean gum suspension as a binder and 7% croscarmellose sodium showed fast disintegration of pellets. The in vivo studies in albino Wistar rat revealed that there was an improvement in bioavailability of the drugs. Stability studies showed that there were no significant changes in the drug content and physical appearance of the prepared SR glimepiride and immediate release atorvastatin pellet formulations.
 Conclusion: Thus, the formulated FDC as MUPS can be used as an alternative approach for treating diabetes mellitus-induced dyslipidemia.

An Artificial Neural Network Approach to Predict the Effects of Formulation and Process Variables on Prednisone Release from a Multipartite System.

The impact of formulation and process variables on the in-vitro release of prednisone from a multiple-unit pellet system was investigated. Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to generate multivariate experiments. The extrusion-spheronization method was used to produce pellets and dissolution studies were performed using United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Apparatus 2 as described in USP XXIV. Analysis of dissolution test samples was performed using a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method. Four formulation and process variables viz., microcrystalline cellulose concentration, sodium starch glycolate concentration, spheronization time and extrusion speed were investigated and drug release, aspect ratio and yield were monitored for the trained artificial neural networks (ANN). To achieve accurate prediction, data generated from experimentation were used to train a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) using back propagation (BP) and the Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) 57 training algorithm until a satisfactory value of root mean square error (RMSE) was observed. The study revealed that the in-vitro release profile of prednisone was significantly impacted by microcrystalline cellulose concentration and sodium starch glycolate concentration. Increasing microcrystalline cellulose concentration retarded dissolution rate whereas increasing sodium starch glycolate concentration improved dissolution rate. Spheronization time and extrusion speed had minimal impact on prednisone release but had a significant impact on extrudate and pellet quality. This work demonstrated that RSM can be successfully used concurrently with ANN for dosage form manufacture to permit the exploration of experimental regions that are omitted when using RSM alone.

FORMULATION OF IMMEDIATE RELEASE (IR) ATORVASTATIN CALCIUM PELLETS AND SUSTAINED RELEASE (SR) GLIBENCLAMIDE FOR FIXED-DOSE COMBINATION DOSAGE FORM

Objective: The objective of the present research was to develop fixed-dose combinations for the treatment of dyslipidemia, associated with type-II diabetes mellitus for improvement of glucose tolerance.Methods: Multiple unit pellet systems (MUPSs) consisting immediate release atorvastatin calcium pellets and sustained release glibenclamide were formulated by spheronization technique. The characterization of formulated pellets was done by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies, and formulated pellets were evaluated for solubility, viscosity, pH, and in vitro studies.Results: From FT-IR and DSC studies, it was confirmed that no chemical interaction existed between the drug and the natural polymers used. Solubility of glibenclamide was found to be 4.38 and 18.24 and atorvastatin calcium was found to be 6.84, 214.67, and 287.43 g/L. The viscosity of 1% w/v of locust bean gum, guar gum, and ghatti gum was found to be 169 cP, 124 cP, and 31 cP in distilled water. The pH of locust bean gum, guar gum, and gum ghatti solutions was found to be 5.6±0.49, 5.2±0.27, and 4.7±0.51. The in vitro studies suggested that glibenclamide pellets had shown a sustained release till 12 h, while atorvastatin calcium had shown immediate release of drug due to rapid disintegration of pellets.Conclusion: Thus, MUPS can be considered as an alternative approach to treat diabetes induced dyslipidemia.