A novel, supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (S-SMEDDS) was successfully formulated to enhance the dissolution and oral absorption of valsartan (VST), a poorly water-soluble drug, while reducing the total quantity for administration. Poloxamer 407 is a selectable, supersaturating agent for VST-containing SMEDDS composed of 10% Capmul ® MCM, 45% Tween ® 20, and 45% Transcutol ® P. The amounts of SMEDDS and Poloxamer 407 were chosen as formulation variables for a 3-level factorial design. Further optimization was established by weighting different levels of importance on response variables for dissolution and total quantity, resulting in an optimal S-SMEDDS in large quantity (S-SMEDDS_LQ; 352 mg in total) and S-SMEDDS in reduced quantity (S-SMEDDS_RQ; 144.6 mg in total). Good agreement was observed between predicted and experimental values for response variables. Consequently, compared with VST powder or suspension and SMEDDS, both S-SMEDDS_LQ and S-SMEDDS_RQ showed excellent in vitro dissolution and in vivo oral bioavailability in rats. The magnitude of dissolution and absorption-enhancing capacities using quantity-based comparisons was in the order S-SMEDDS_RQ > S-SMEDDS_LQ > SMEDDS > VST powder or suspension. Thus, we concluded that, in terms of developing an effective SMEDDS preparation with minimal total quantity, S-SMEDDS_RQ is a promising candidate.

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In order to develop topical preparations of voriconazole (VRC) for the treatment of mycotic infections of the skin, a nanostructured lipid carrier-based hydrogel (NLC-gel) formulation was developed and its physical characteristics, in vitro skin permeation, and retention profiles were examined. A VRC-loaded NLC dispersion, consisting of Precirol ATO 5, Labrafil 1944 CS, and Tween 80, was prepared by high-pressure homogenization and embedded into Carbopol 940 hydrogel. The lipid nanoparticles in the hydrogel were approximately 210 nm in size, with a spherical shape and zeta potential of 30 mV. In a skin permeation study using a Franz diffusion cell mounted with depilated mouse skin, the NLC-gel was superior to conventional cream and microemulsion-based gel formulations, showing 2.8-and 1.7-fold greater flux values, respectively. In addition, the NLC-gel led to markedly greater accumulation of VRC in deeper skin layers as compared with the reference formulations. In conclusion, the novel topical formulation reported here represents an alternative treatment for skin infections such as candidiasis, with less potential for systemic adverse effects than oral therapy.Key words voriconazole; nanostructured lipid carrier; hydrogel; topical delivery Voriconazole (VRC), a second-generation triazole derived from fluconazole, is a broad-spectrum anti-fungal agent that inhibits cytochrome P450-dependent 14α-lanosterol demethylation, which is a vital step in cell membrane ergosterol synthesis.1) VRC is active against all Candida species that have acquired resistance to fluconazole and is currently used for the treatment of aspergillosis and candidiasis infections in the abdomen, kidney, bladder wall, wounds, and skin.1,2) Despite its advantageous pharmacological activity, systemic exposure to VRC as a result of oral and/or intravenous administration can cause several side effects, not fatal but considerable, including photopsia, abdominal pain, and visual hallucinations.3,4) In addition, VRC triggers elevations in hepatic enzyme levels in patients at a high risk of pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions. 4)A need exists for a topical delivery system for VRC to overcome limitations in oral and intravenous treatment, and which will be particularly useful against candidiasis in wounds and skin tissue. Topical drug application provides higher local tissue levels, more rapid drug delivery, and lower systemic exposure than oral administration. 5) However, because of the poor aqueous solubility of VRC, 6) solubilization of the drug is necessary for delivery in a topical formulation. Furthermore, a penetration-enhancing system is required to achieve therapeutic concentrations in stratum corneum and deeper skin layers, including epidermis and/or dermis.In recent years, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have emerged as a promising topical delivery system for pharmaceutical and cosmetic molecules, especially for the delivery of lipophilic compounds. 7-9) NLC dispersions composed of a solid lipid matrix with a liquid-lipid are colloidal...

Purpose To develop an intravesical instillation system for the treatment of bladder cancer, rapamycin (Rap) was encapsulated into liposomes and then homogeneously dispersed throughout a poloxamer 407 (P407)-based hydrogel. Methods Rap-loaded conventional liposomes (R-CL) and folate-modified liposomes (R-FL) were prepared using a film hydration method and pre-loading technique, and characterized by particle size, drug entrapment efficiency, and drug loading. The cellular uptake behavior in folate receptor-expressing bladder cancer cells was observed by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy using a fluorescent probe. In vitro cytotoxic effects were evaluated using MTT assay, colony forming assay, and Western blot. For in vivo intravesical instillation, Rap-loaded liposomes were dispersed in P407-gel, generating R-CL/P407 and R-FL/P407. Gel-forming capacities and drug release were evaluated. Using the MBT2/Luc orthotopic bladder cancer mouse model, in vivo antitumor efficacy was evaluated according to regions of interest (ROI) measurement. Results R-CL and R-FL were successfully prepared, at approximately <160 nm, 42% entrapment efficiency, and 57 μg/mg drug loading. FL cellular uptake was enhanced over 2-fold than that of CL; folate receptor-mediated endocytosis was confirmed using a competitive assay with folic acid pretreatment. In vitro cytotoxic effects increased dose-dependently. Rap-loaded liposomes inhibited mTOR signaling and induced autophagy in urothelial carcinoma cells. With gelation time of <30 seconds and gel duration of >12 hrs, both R-CL/P407 and R-FL/P407 preparations transformed into gel immediately after instillation into the mouse bladder. Drug release from the liposomal gel was erosion controlled. In orthotopic bladder cancer mouse model, statistically significant differences in ROI values were found between R-CL/P407 and R-FL/P407 groups at day 11 ( P =0.0273) and day 14 ( P =0.0088), indicating the highest tumor growth inhibition by R-FL/P407. Conclusion Intravesical instillation of R-FL/P407 might represent a good candidate for bladder cancer treatment, owing to its enhanced retention and FR-targeting.

In order to improve the dissolution and oral bioavailability of valsartan (VST), and reduce the required volume for treatment, we previously formulated a supersaturable self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SuSMEDDS) composed of VST (80 mg), Capmul® MCM (13.2 mg), Tween® 80 (59.2 mg), Transcutol® P (59.2 mg), and Poloxamer 407 (13.2 mg). In the present study, by using Florite® PS-10 (119.1 mg) and Vivapur® 105 (105.6 mg) as solid carriers, VST-loaded solidified SuSMEDDS (S-SuSMEDDS) granules were successfully developed, which possessed good flow properties and rapid drug dissolution. By introducing croscarmellose sodium (31 mg) as a superdisintegrant, S-SuSMEDDS tablets were also successfully formulated, which showed fast disintegration and high dissolution efficiency. Preparation of granules and tablets was successfully optimized using D-optimal mixture design and 3-level factorial design, respectively, resulting in percentage prediction errors of <10%. In pharmacokinetic studies in rats, the relative bioavailability of the optimized granules was 107% and 222% of values obtained for SuSMEDDS and Diovan® powder, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that novel S-SuSMEDDS formulations offer great potential for developing solid dosage forms of a liquefied formulation such as SuSMEDDS, while improving oral absorption of drugs with poor water solubility.