Controlled release of cyclosporine A self-nanoemulsifying systems from osmotic pump tablets: Near zero-order release and pharmacokinetics in dogs

It is very important to enhance the absorption simultaneously while designing controlled release delivery systems for poorly water-soluble and poorly permeable drugs (BCS IV). In this study, controlled release of cyclosporine (CyA) was achieved by the osmotic release strategy taking advantage of the absorption-enhancing capacity of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDSs). The liquid SNEDDS consisting of Labrafil M 1944CS, Transcutol P and Cremophor EL was absorbed by the osmotic tablet core excipients (sucrose, lactose monohydrate, polyethylene oxide, and partly pregelatinized starch) and then transformed into osmotic tablets. Near zero-order release could be achieved for CyA-loaded nanoemulsions reconstituted from the SNEDDS. In general, the influencing factor study indicated that the release rate increased with increase of inner osmotic pressure, ratio of osmotic agent to suspending agent, content of pore-forming agent, and size of release orifice, whereas the thickness of the membrane impeded the release of CyA nanoemulsion. Pharmacokinetic study showed steady blood CyA profiles with prolonged Tmax and MRT, and significantly reduced Cmax for self-nanoemulsifying osmotic pump tablet (SNEOPT) in comparison with highly fluctuating profiles of the core tablet and Sandimmune Neoral®. However, similar oral bioavailability was observed for either controlled release or non-controlled release formulations. It was concluded that simultaneous controlling on CyA release and absorption-enhancing had been achieved by a combination of osmotic tablet and SNEDDS.

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