Solid nanocrystalline dispersions of ziprasidone with enhanced bioavailability in the fasted state

Reducing the absorption difference between fed and fasted states is an important goal in the development of pharmaceutical dosage forms. The goal of this work was to develop and characterize a solid nanocrystalline dispersion (SNCD) to improve the oral absorption of ziprasidone in the fasted state, thereby reducing the food effect observed for the commercial formulation. A solution of ziprasidone hydrochloride and the polymer hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) was spray-dried to form a solid amorphous spray-dried dispersion (SDD), which was then exposed to a controlled temperature and relative humidity (RH) to yield the ziprasidone SNCD. The SNCD was characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, microscopy, and in vitro dissolution testing. These tools indicate the SNCD consists of a high-energy crystalline form of ziprasidone in domains approximately 100 nm in diameter but with crystal grain sizes on the order of 20 nm. The SNCD was dosed orally in capsules to beagle dogs. Pharmacokinetic studies showed complete fasted-state absorption of ziprasidone, achieving the desired improvement in the fed/fasted ratio.