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Development of nanoparticle-based orodispersible palatable pediatric formulations
Yanping Deng1, Lian Shen2, Yan Yang2
1Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA; School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, China.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|January 25, 2021
Summary
This study developed a novel nanoparticle orodispersible platform to improve oral bioavailability and taste for pediatric drugs. The new formulation enhanced drug delivery for poorly soluble and unpalatable therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Pediatric Drug Delivery
Background:
- Pediatric oral drug formulations face challenges in dose flexibility, swallowability, palatability, and excipient safety.
- Existing pediatric dosage forms are insufficient to meet these specific needs, hindering effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoparticle-based orodispersible drug delivery platform for pediatric use.
- To enhance oral bioavailability and mask the unpleasant taste of poorly water-soluble drugs.
Main Methods:
- Lopinavir (LPV) and ritonavir (RTV) nanoparticles (NP) were prepared using nanoprecipitation with Eudragit® E PO.
- Evaluated quality attributes, taste-masking (E-tongue), in vitro dissolution, and in vivo pharmacokinetics in a rat model.
Main Results:
- Achieved >98% encapsulation efficiency for LPV and RTV NPs, with drugs remaining amorphous.
- Developed NPs demonstrated comparable in vitro dissolution to Kaletra®, effective taste-masking, and rapid dispersibility.
- Pharmacokinetic studies showed improved oral bioavailability for the LPV/RTV NP combination versus Kaletra®.
Conclusions:
- A novel nanoparticle-based orodispersible platform effectively improves oral bioavailability and taste for pediatric therapeutics.
- This platform addresses key challenges in pediatric drug delivery for poorly soluble and unpalatable drugs.
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