There is a need to understand the nature of aggregation of cyclodextrins (CDs) with guest molecules in increasingly complex formulation systems. To this end an innovative application of Taylor dispersion analysis (TDA) and comparison with dynamic light scattering (DLS) have been carried out to probe the nature of ICT01-2588 (ICT-2588), a novel tumor-targeted vascular disrupting agent, in solvents including a potential buffered formulation containing 10% hydroxypropyl-betacyclodextrin. The two hydrodynamic sizing techniques give measurement responses are that fundamentally different for aggregated solutions containing the target molecule, and the benefits of using TDA in conjunction with DLS are that systems are characterised through measurement of both mass-and z-average hydrodynamic radii. Whereas DLS measurements primarily resolve the large aggregates of ICT01-2588 in its formulation medium, methodology for TDA is described to determine the size and notably to quantify the proportion of monomers in the presence of large aggregates, and at the same time measure the formulation viscosity. Interestingly TDA and DLS have also distinguished between aggregate profiles formed using HP-beta-CD samples from different suppliers. The approach is expected to be widely applicable to this important class of drug formulations where drug solubility is enhanced by cyclodextrin and other excipients.
To: The Editor, International Journal of Pharmaceutics
From: Rob Forbes and David GoodallWe have revised the manuscript to reflect the amendments of the reviewers. The original cover letter is below.We are submitting this article, which describes novel work showing benefits of use of Taylor dispersion analysis in conjunction with dynamic light scattering to characterize ICT01-2588, a tumour-targeted vascular disrupting agent, in a potential formulation medium containing 10% hydroxypropyl--cyclodextrin as a solubility enhancing agent. Our approach is expected to be widely applicable to this important class of drug formulations where drug solubility is enhanced by cyclodextrin and other excipients, and is a contribution to advancing an understanding of the nature of self-assembly in such complex systems.The lead reviwer suggested is Thorsteinn Loftsson, who is a member of your Editorial Advisory Board. We cite a number of his papers. Of the other suggested referees. We cite work on Taylor dispersion analysis by the other two proposed referees, Ana Ribeiro and Jesper Ostergaard, and Robert HoylstPlease note that if possible we would like to name two corresponding authors, Robert T. Forbes (lead corresponding author) and David M. Goodall (second corresponding author). If this is not possible, it should be just Robert T. Forbes. The bulk of this work was conducted whilst Professor Forbes was at the University of Bradford, which is listed as his affiliation #1. He is currently at the University of Central Lancashire, which is listed as affiliation #2.Regarding declaration of conflict of interest guidelines, please note the foll...