A novel composition of ticagrelor by solid dispersion technique for increasing solubility and intestinal permeability

The aim of this study is to improve the bioavailability of ticagrelor, BCS class 4 drug, using solid dispersion technique, and to evaluate the potential of ticagrelor loaded-solid dispersion, as a new formulation. The solid dispersion formulation was prepared via solvent evaporation method using ethanol. TPGS and Neusilin® US2 selected via screening studies were used for preparing formulation. The results of scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction showed that the crystallinity of the ticagrelor was completely transformed to an amorphous form and maintained in the solid dispersion formulation. The released amount of the optimized solid dispersion significantly increased by 2.2- and 34-fold in comparison with physical mixture (Ticagrelor:TPGS:Neusilin® US2 = 1:2:2, w/w/w) and commercial product (Brilinta®) in distilled water at 90 min, respectively. The absorptive permeability was improved (1.4-fold) and the efflux ratio was decreased (0.45-fold) by formulation containing TPGS acting as a P-gp inhibitor compared to pure drug. The solid dispersion formulation improved the peak plasma concentration (C_max) and relative bioavailability compared to that of pure drug as 238.09 ± 25.96% and 219.78 ± 36.33%, respectively, after oral administration in rats. Thus, we successfully prepared the solid dispersion formulation for enhancing oral bioavailability of ticagrelor, and then this formulation would be recommended as a practical oral pharmaceutical product.