USP Apparatuses Research Articles

Development and Validation of Discriminatory In-vitro Release Method for Intramammary Drug Product.

Intramammary (IMM) formulations are locally acting and delivered intracisternally into the udder. No pharmacopeial in-vitro release method is available to differentiate between the IMM formulations. Our research aim is to develop in-vitro release methods that discriminate different IMM formulations (SPECTRAMAST® LC and in-house formulations). Different in-house formulations were developed to simulate SPECTRAMAST® LC generics. SPECTRAMAST® LC and the in-house formulations were characterized for physicochemical attributes, such as particle size, rheology, drug content, sedimentation rate, and flocculation rate. The in-vitro release method was optimized by evaluating drug release using USP apparatuses 1, 2 (with and without enhancer/customized cells), and 4. Various test parameters, including medium effect (whole homogenized bovine milk versus aqueous buffer), medium volume (200-900mL), and rotational speed (50-200rpm) were investigated. Two potential in-vitro systems can be used as discriminatory methods for IMM formulations: USP apparatus 2 with the IMM formulation loaded into two containers a) customized formulation container (83.1cm in height and 56.4cm in width) or b) enhancer cells with their top adapted with mesh #40 (rotation speed:125rpm and 900mL of whole homogenized bovine milk). The release profile of SPECTRAMAST® LC at 1h (99.8%) was not significantly different from formulations with similar physicochemical characteristics F-01 (99.1%) and F-02 (100.5%). Formulation with different physicochemical characteristics F-03 (44.3%) and F-04 (57.2%) showed slower release (1h) than SPECTRAMAST® LC (98.8%). The developed in-vitro release methods can be used as a potential tool for in-vitro comparability evaluations for IMM formulations.

Impact of Apparatus and Adapter on In vitro Drug Release of Ophthalmic Semisolid Drug Products.

In vitro release testing (IVRT) is a widely used tool for evaluating the quality and performance of drug products. However, standardized sample adaptors or drug release apparatus setups for IVRT studies are still lacking for ophthalmic ointments. The aim of this study was to provide a better understanding of the impact of apparatus and sample adaptor setups on IVRT of ophthalmic ointments. Dexamethasone (DEX), a steroidal ingredient commonly used in ophthalmic drug products, was selected as a model drug. Ointments were prepared by mixing DEX in white petrolatum using a high shear mixer. A novel two-sided adapter was developed to increase the drug release surface area. DEX ointment was placed in one-sided or two-sided release adaptors coupled with 1.2μm polyethersulfone membrane, and the drug release was studied in different USP apparatuses (I, II, and IV). The sample adaptor setups had a minimal impact on cumulative drug release amount per area or release rate while USP IV apparatus with agitated flow enhanced drug release rates. The USP apparatus I with a two-sided semisolid adapter, which uses membranes on both sides, showed dramatically higher cumulative drug release and discriminative release profiles when evaluating ophthalmic formulations. USP apparatuses and sample adaptors are critical considerations for IVRT. Two-sided semisolid adapter provides higher cumulative release, facilitating the discrimination between low drug content ophthalmic ointment formulations with good sensitivity and repeatability without affecting the drug release rate.

PHARMACEUTICAL EQUIVALENCE OF METRONIDAZOLE TABLETS USING THE FLOW-THROUGH CELL (USP APPARATUS 4) AND MEDIA OF PHYSIOLOGICAL pH RANGE

Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the pharmaceutical equivalence of metronidazole tablets through the study of hydrodynamics of the flow-through cell (USP Apparatus 4) on the dissolution performance of four commercial formulations (500 mg). The results were compared with those found using the USP basket apparatus. Methods: Experiments were performed with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid (pH 1.2), acetate buffer pH 4.5 and phosphate buffer pH 6.8. A USP Apparatus 4 was used with laminar flow at 16 ml/min and 22.6-mm cells. USP basket apparatus was used with 900 ml of each dissolution medium. The dissolution profiles were compared in terms of the mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency. Results: Significant differences in MDT and DE values of generic formulations vs. reference with both USP apparatuses were found (*P<0.05) hence, dissolution profiles of metronidazole generic formulations cannot be considered similar to the dissolution profile of the reference. After using some equations to explain the release performance of metronidazole, dissolution data were well adjusted to Peppas-Sahlin and logistic models when the flow-through cell was used. Conclusion: The main problem found with the studied formulations was that generic drug products showed different dissolution performances than the reference, and they did not meet the biowaiver criteria for either class I or class III drugs; therefore, they cannot be considered therapeutic equivalents.

COMPARATIVE DISSOLUTION STUDIES OF WARFARIN SODIUM TABLETS: INFLUENCE OF AGITATION RATE, DISSOLUTION MEDIUM, AND USP APPARATUS

Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out comparative dissolution studies with warfarin sodium reference tablets under the hydrodynamic environments generated by the USP basket and paddle apparatus and flow-through cell using different agitation rates and dissolution media.
 Methods: Dissolution profiles were obtained with the USP basket and paddle apparatus at 50, 75, and 100 rpm and 900 ml of water as dissolution medium. After this, dissolution profiles of warfarin sodium were obtained with the USP paddle apparatus and flow-through cell method using 0.1 N hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer pH 4.5, phosphate buffer pH 6.8, and water. Spectrophotometric determination at 308 nm was carried out during 30 min. Dissolution profiles were compared with model-independent and model-dependent approaches.
 Results: Significant differences were found with mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency at 50 and 75 rpm (*P<0.05). Makoid-Banakar was the best-fit model used to describe the in vitro release performance of warfarin sodium with 50-100 rpm and the USP basket and paddle apparatuses. Significant differences in all calculated parameters were found (*P<0.05) excepting percent dissolved at 30 min with 0.1 N hydrochloric acid and phosphate buffer pH 6.8.
 Conclusion: More research is necessary to identify the in vitro release performance of poorly soluble drugs under available USP apparatuses considering factors as agitation rate and kind of dissolution media. The knowledge of the in vitro release performance of reference drug products is important for the design of better generic formulations

Investigating a Modified Apparatus to Discriminate the Dissolution Capacity InVitro and Establish an IVIVC of Mycophenolate Mofetil Tablets in the Fed State.

In this study, a modified dissolution apparatus was developed by equipping a USP apparatus Ⅰ with an open-loop system to discriminate the dissolution capacity invitro and establish an invitro and invivo correlation (IVIVC) for mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) tablets. MMF had strong pH-dependent solubility that could influence the dissolution rate invivo after the meal. Dissolution tests involving reference (Cellcept®) and test formulations (F1 and F2) were conducted using pH 4.5 acetate buffer to simulate gastric fluids in the fed state. The dissolution profiles of the reference and test formulations were distinguished by using the modified dissolution apparatus and compared with those determined using the USP apparatuses Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and the dissolution capacities of the formulations were discriminated at different sampling time-points. The results of human bioequivalence (BE) studies in the fed state were consistent with invitro evaluations that the maximum concentrations (Cmax,invivo) of both F1 and F2 fell below the acceptable range (80.00%). A level A IVIVC between the absorption fraction invivo and dissolution invitro, and a level C correlation between Cmax,invivo and Cmax,invitro, were established to guide the optimization of the tablet formulation containing MMF.

IN VITRO RELEASE PERFORMANCE OF METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE FORMULATIONS USING THE FLOW-THROUGH CELL METHOD

Objective: The objective of this work was to evaluate the in vitro release performance of metformin hydrochloride formulations (500-mg tablets) using the hydrodynamic environment of the flow-through cell method. Results were compared with those generated by the official dissolution test (USP basket apparatus).
 Methods: The reference drug product and three generic formulations were tested with phosphate buffer pH 6.8 as dissolution medium. Dissolution profiles were carried out with an automated flow-through cell apparatus using laminar flow at 16 ml/min. Drug was quantified at 233 nm during 45 min. Dissolution profiles were compared with the calculation of f2 similarity factor, mean dissolution time, dissolution efficiency, t50% and t63.2%. Dissolution data were adjusted to several mathematical models such as Makoid-Banakar, Peppas-Sahlin, Weibull and Logistic.
 Results: With the flow-through cell method and at 45 min less than 60% of metformin hydrochloride dissolved was found, while with the USP basket apparatus, less than 75% of the drug was found. Some generic formulations showed f2>50 with both USP apparatuses, but statistical comparisons of parameters indicated significant differences between their dissolution profiles and reference. Due to variability obtained no dissolution profiles were compared by model-dependent approach.
 Conclusion: To demonstrate safe interchangeability between metformin hydrochloride generic formulations and reference bioequivalence studies should be performed. It is important post-marketing monitoring of the commercial formulations because health regulatory agencies of each country must ensure drug products with quality, safety, and efficacy at the lowest possible cost.

In vitro release studies of furosemide reference tablets: influence of agitation rate, USP apparatus, and dissolution media.

Furosemide is a diuretic drug widely used in chronic renal failure. The drug has low solubility and permeability, which cause clinical problems. Studying the in vitro release performance elucidates the rate and extent of drug dissolved from dosage forms under different conditions. Furosemide reference tablets were tested using USP Apparatuses 1 and 2 as well as the flow-through cell method (USP Apparatus 4), a dissolution apparatus that simulates the human gastrointestinal tract better than the other methods. Dissolution profiles were created with USP Apparatuses 1 and 2 at 25, 50, and 75 rpm and 900 mL of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid, acetate buffer (pH 4.5), and phosphate buffer (pH 6.8). USP Apparatus 4 with a laminar flow of 16 mL/min and 22.6 mm cells was used. Drug dissolution was quantified at 274 nm for 60 min. Mean dissolution time, dissolution efficiency, time to 50% dissolution, and time to 80% dissolution data were used to compare dissolution profiles. Additionally, zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Hixson-Crowell, Makoid-Banakar, and Weibull models were used to adjust furosemide dissolution data. Between USP Apparatus 1 and 2, significant differences were observed in almost all parameters at 50 and 75 rpm (p < 0.05). A similar dissolution profile (f2 > 50) with a pharmacopoeial dissolution method (USP Apparatus 2 at 50 rpm and 900 mL of phosphate buffer pH 5.8) and USP Apparatus 4 (laminar flow of 16 mL/min, 22.6 mm cells, and pH 6.8) was observed. The Weibull function was the best mathematical model to describe the in vitro release performance of furosemide in the three USP dissolution apparatuses. These results could be used to manufacture better furosemide dosage forms and decrease the negative clinical impact of current furosemide formulations.

Robustness of Controlled Release Tablets Based on a Cross-linked Pregelatinized Potato Starch Matrix.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch (PREGEFLO® PI10) as matrix former for controlled release tablets. Different types of tablets loaded with diprophylline, diltiazem HCl or theophylline were prepared by direct compression of binary drug/polymer blends. The drug content was varied from 20 to 50%. Two hydroxypropyl methylcellulose grades (HPMC K100LV and K100M) were studied as alternative matrix formers. Drug release was measured in a variety of release media using different types of experimental set-ups. This includes 0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer pH6.8 and water, optionally containing different amounts of NaCl, sucrose, ethanol or pancreatin, fasted state simulated gastric fluid, fed state simulated gastric fluid, fasted state simulated intestinal fluid, fed state simulated intestinal fluid as well as media simulating the conditions in the colon of healthy subjects and patients suffering from Crohn's disease. The USP apparatuses I/II/III were used under a range of operating conditions and optionally coupled with the simulation of additional mechanical stress. Importantly, the drug release kinetics was not substantially affected by the investigated environmental conditions from tablets based on the cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch, similar to HPMC tablets. However, in contrast to the latter, the starch-based tablets roughly kept their shape upon exposure to the release media (they "only" increased in size) during the observation period, and the water penetration into the systems was much less pronounced. Thus, the investigated cross-linked pregelatinized potato starch offers an interesting potential as matrix former in controlled release tablets.

Investigation of a suitable in vitro dissolution test for itraconazole-based solid dispersions

The difficulty to find a relevant in vitro dissolution test to evaluate poorly soluble drugs is a well-known issue. One way to enhance their aqueous solubility is to formulate them as amorphous solid dispersions. In this study, three formulations containing itraconazole (ITZ), a model drug, were tested in seven different conditions (different USP apparatuses and different media). Two of the formulations were amorphous solid dispersions namely Sporanox®, the marketed product, and extrudates composed of Soluplus® and ITZ produced by hot melt extrusion; and the last one was pure crystalline ITZ capsules. After each test, a ranking of the formulations was established. Surprisingly, the two amorphous solid dispersions exhibited very different behavior depending primarily on the dissolution media. Indeed, the extrudates showed a better release profile than Sporanox® in non-sink and in biphasic conditions, whilst Sporanox® showed a higher release profile than the extrudates in sink and fasted simulated gastric conditions. The disintegration, dynamic light scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance results highlighted the presence of interaction between the surfactants and Soluplus®, which slowed down the erosion of the polymer matrix. Indeed, the negative charge of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and bile salts interacted with the surface of the extrudates that formed a barrier through which the water hardly diffused. Moreover, Soluplus® and SDS formed mixed micelles in solution in which ITZ interacts with SDS, but no longer with Soluplus®. Regarding the biphasic dissolution test, the interactions between the octanol dissolved in the aqueous media disrupted the polymer — ITZ system leading to a reduced release of ITZ from Sporanox®, whilst it had no influence on the extrudates. All together these results pointed out the difficulty of finding a suitable in vitro dissolution test due to interactions between the excipients that complicates the prediction of the behavior of these solid dispersions in vivo.

&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; Evaluation of Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole from Fixed-Dose Combination Generic Drugs using Spectrophotometry: Comparison of Flow-Through Cell and USP Paddle Methods

Purpose: To develop a first-order derivative spectrophotometric method for the determination of trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) from fixed-dose combination generic products using a flow-through cell technique. Methods: Absorbance measurement was achieved at 247.8 and 257.9 nm for trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole, respectively. USP Apparatus 4 with 22.6 mm cells, laminar flow at 16 ml/min, and 0.1 N HCl at 37 °C as dissolution medium, were used. Dissolution profiles were compared with modeldependent and independent methods. Results: All the products met the pharmacopeial dissolution criterion (Q ≥ 70 %, at 60 min), except SMX in two products (SC 400 mg and SB1 800 mg) using the flow-through cell (53.62 and 49.74 % dissolved, respectively). Using both USP apparatuses, significant differences in mean dissolution time and dissolution efficiency values were found (p < 0.05). All products were in line with Weibull’s kinetics and significant differences in derived parameters (Td) values were found (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Determination of TMP and SMX by derivative spectrophotometry can easily be employed for dissolution studies using the flow-through cell technique. However, it would be necessary to determine correlation with in-vivo test results in order to assure safe interchangeability. Keywords: Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole, Flow-through cell method, First-order derivative spectrophotometry, Fixed-dose combination generic drugs

The improvement of the dissolution rate of ziprasidone free base from solid oral formulations.

This work aims at increasing solubility and dissolution rate of ziprasidone free base-Biopharmaceutics Classifaction System (BCS) class II compound. The authors describe a practical approach to amorphization and highlight problems that may occur during the development of formulations containing amorphous ziprasidone, which was obtained by grinding in high-energy planetary ball mills or cryogenic mills. The release of ziprasidone free base from the developed formulations was compared to the reference drug product containing crystalline ziprasidone hydrochloride-Zeldox® hard gelatin capsules. All preparations were investigated using compendial tests (USP apparatuses II and IV) as well as novel, biorelevant dissolution tests. The novel test methods simulate additional elements of mechanical and hydrodynamic stresses, which have an impact on solid oral dosage forms, especially during gastric emptying. This step may prove to be particularly important for many formulations of BCS class II drugs that are often characterized by narrow absorption window, such as ziprasidone. The dissolution rate of the developed ziprasidone free base preparations was found to be comparable or even higher than in the case of the reference formulation containing ziprasidone hydrochloride, whose water solubility is about 400 times higher than its free base.

Comparative in vitro dissolution study of carbamazepine immediate-release products using the USP paddles method and the flow-through cell system

Dissolution profiles of four carbamazepine immediate-release generic products (200mg tablets) and the reference product Tegretol® were evaluated using the USP paddles method and an alternative method with the flow-through cell system, USP Apparatus 4. Under official conditions all products met the Q specification, dissolution profiles of generic products were similar to the dissolution profile of the reference product (f2>50) and model-independent parameters showed non significant differences to the reference product except mean dissolution time for product A (p<0.05). On the other hand, when the flow-through cell system was used, none of the products met the pharmacopeial specification at 15min and product A did not reach dissolution criteria at 60min, dissolution profiles of all generic products were not similar to the reference product profile (f2<50) and all model-independent parameters showed significant differences compared to the reference product (p<0.05). Weibull’s model was more useful for adjusting the dissolution data of all products in both USP apparatuses and Td values showed significant differences compared to the reference product (p<0.05) when USP Apparatus 4 was used. These results indicate that the proposed method, using the flow-through cell system, is more discriminative in evaluating both, rate and extent of carbamazepine dissolution process from immediate-release generic products.

Mathematical modeling of variables involved in dissolution testing

Dissolution testing is an important technique used for development and quality control of solid oral dosage forms of pharmaceutical products. However, the variability associated with this technique, especially with USP apparatuses 1 and 2, is a concern for both the US Food and Drug Administration and pharmaceutical companies. Dissolution testing involves a number of variables, which can be divided into four main categories: (1) analyst, (2) dissolution apparatus, (3) testing environment, and (4) sample. Both linear and nonlinear models have been used to study dissolution profiles, and various mathematical functions have been used to model the observed data. In this study, several variables, including dissolved gases in the dissolution medium, off-center placement of the test tablet, environmental vibration, and various agitation speeds, were modeled. Mathematical models including Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Weibull, and the Noyes-Whitney equation were employed to study the dissolution profile of 10 mg prednisone tablets (NCDA #2) using the USP paddle method. The results showed that the nonlinear models (Korsmeyer-Peppas and Weibull) accurately described the entire dissolution profile. The results also showed that dissolution variables affected dissolution rate constants differently, depending on whether the tablets disintegrated or dissolved.

Vibration effects on dissolution tests with USP apparatuses 1 and 2

Dissolution testing is of primary importance for drug formulation and quality control. Many sources of variability are accounted for in the apparatus' mechanical calibration process; the effect of vibration on dissolution tests is not well understood in that the test's tolerance for environmental vibration with respect to magnitude or frequency is largely unknown. In this study, USP Apparatuses 1 and 2 were used. Dissolution profiles were obtained for both disintegrating and nondisintegrating tablets. In separate experiments, a lab vacuum pump or a lab mixer, both commonly used in laboratories, was used to generate vibration during dissolution runs with vibration parameters being recorded at a location close to the dissolution vessels. Disintegrating tablets were found to be sensitive to induced vibrations with both the paddle and basket methods. Average dissolution results for nondisintegrating tablets were not sensitive to the studied vibrations; however, variability of the results increased in some cases. The dissolution profiles suggest that the vibration effects on paddle and basket method occur through different mechanisms. The importance of vibration to dissolution test results depends on the vibration source, product being tested and the apparatus type. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97: 3335–3343, 2008