Improved delivery of cromolyn from oral proliposomal beads

Proliposomal bead formulations for improved oral delivery of cromolyn (BCS Class III compound) were formulated. Phospholipid (distearylphosphatidylcholine)–cholesterol-surfactant (Tween 80/sodium cholate) systems were spray-coated on beads containing cromolyn sodium and the dosage forms were characterized for vesicle formation and encapsulation efficiency. Delivery of cromolyn sodium from this novel dosage form was evaluated across the Caco-2 and everted rat intestinal sac model. Spontaneous formation of vesicles upon dilution of beads was observed. Enhancement in cromolyn transport was higher with phospholipids-surfactant proliposomal formulations compared to surfactant-free lipid formulations or pure surfactant solutions, most significant enhancement being with formulations with low surfactant concentration. No evidence of cellular damage to Caco-2 monolayers (e.g. significant decrease in the TEER) or change in transport and tissue accumulation of a marker molecule in the intestinal tissue model was observed. This indicated enhancement of transport via transcellular routes and not due to the modulation of the tight junctions or cell disruption. Results suggest that phospholipids-surfactant proliposomal beads offer a good potential for improved oral delivery of cromolyn.