Microparticle-based lung delivery of INH decreases INH metabolism and targets alveolar macrophages

Huiyu Zhou1, Yanling Zhang, Danielle L Biggs

  • 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Campus Box C238, Denver, CO 80262, USA.

Insights

Poly(l-lactide) microparticles effectively deliver isoniazid methanesulfonate to alveolar macrophages, enhancing drug targeting and reducing toxic metabolite levels.

Area of Science:

  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Nanotechnology in Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Isoniazid (INH) is a primary drug for tuberculosis treatment.
  • Targeted delivery of INH to alveolar macrophages (AMs) can improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
  • Developing effective delivery systems for ionizable drugs like INH is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate poly(l-lactide) (PLA) microparticles for sustained and targeted delivery of isoniazid methanesulfonate (INHMS) to AMs.
  • To assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of these microparticles in delivering INH to AMs.
  • To investigate the impact of this delivery method on the formation of toxic INH metabolites.

Main Methods:

  • Microparticles were prepared using the precipitation with a compressed antisolvent (PCA) process.
  • INHMS was ion-paired with hydrophobic cations and loaded into PLA microparticles.
  • Drug loading, release kinetics, and INH levels in AMs were analyzed using LC-MS/MS.
  • In vivo studies involved intra-tracheal instillation and gavage in rats, with subsequent analysis of INH in bronchoalveolar macrophages.

Main Results:

  • PLA microparticles were spherical, 1-3 µm in diameter, and efficiently loaded with INHMS.
  • Hydrophobic cation choice did not impact drug incorporation or release kinetics.
  • High INH levels were detected in rat AM cell line (NR8383) exposed to microparticles.
  • In vivo studies confirmed sustained and targeted delivery of INH to AMs via microparticles.
  • Microparticle delivery significantly reduced blood levels of the toxic metabolite acetylisoniazid (AcINH).

Conclusions:

  • PCA-prepared PLA microparticles provide a viable system for sustained and targeted delivery of INH to AMs.
  • This targeted delivery approach enhances therapeutic potential by concentrating the drug at the site of infection.
  • Reducing toxic metabolite formation through targeted delivery offers a safer therapeutic strategy for tuberculosis treatment.