Practical method for preparing nanosuspension formulations for toxicology studies in the discovery stage: formulation optimization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of nanosized poorly water-soluble compounds

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2014;62(11):1073-82. doi: 10.1248/cpb.c14-00232.

Abstract

The present study aimed to develop a practical method for preparing nanosuspension formulations of poorly water-soluble compounds for enhancing oral absorption in toxicology studies in the discovery stage. To obtain a suitable nanosuspension formulation for the intended purpose, formulations were optimized with a focus on the following characteristics: i) containing a high drug concentration, ii) consisting of commonly used excipient types in proper quantities for toxicology studies, iii) having long-term stability, and iv) having versatility for use with diverse compounds. Test compounds were milled with various excipients by wet media milling methods using a mixer mill (10 mg/batch) and a rotation/revolution mixer (0.5 g/batch). As a result, 100 mg/mL nanosuspensions of all 11 test compounds could be prepared with an optimized dispersing agent, 0.5% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) (3 cP)-0.5% Tween 80. Notably, it was found that the molecular weight of HPMC influenced not only particle size but also the stability of nanosuspensions and they were stable for 4 weeks at 5°C. The nanosuspensions increased in vitro dissolution rates and provided 3.9 and 3.0 times higher Cmax and 4.4 and 1.6 times higher area under the concentration-time curve from 0-24 h (AUC0-24 h) in rats (oral dose of 300 mg/kg) for cilostazol and danazol, respectively. In conclusion, applying a wet media milling method with the combination of HPMC of a small molecular weight and Tween 80 as a dispersing agent, nanosuspensions can be practically prepared and conveniently utilized for enhancing the oral absorption of poorly water-soluble compounds in toxicology studies in the discovery stage.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Drug Compounding / methods*
  • Male
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemistry
  • Pharmacokinetics*
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Solubility
  • Suspensions
  • Toxicity Tests

Substances

  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Suspensions