Mifepristone polymorph with enhanced solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability

Steroids. 2020 Jul:159:108649. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2020.108649. Epub 2020 May 7.

Abstract

Mifepristone is one of potent anti-progesterone agents, which binds to progesterone receptors and glucocorticoid receptors. Until now, there are a lot of research focusing on enhancing the solubility and oral bioavailability of Mifepristone. However, poor solubility and oral bioavailability has some undesirable consequences. In this work, Mifepristone in form D was discovered for the first time and characterized by PXRD, TGA, DSC, FT-IR, SEM and SS NMR. Form D was a metastable crystal type which manifested favorable stability under ambient conditions. Form D had better dissolution characteristic compared with commercial Mifepristone in 0.5% SDS solution. In addition, Mifepristone in form D exhibited a 1.43-fold higher peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and 1.46-fold higher area under the curve (AUC) in rats. The work in this paper is a complement to the present understanding of drug polymorphism on the in vitro and in vivo behavior, and establishes the ground work for future development of Mifepristone in form D as a promising drug for the market.

Keywords: Dissolution; Mifepristone; Oral bioavailability; Polymorphism; Solubility; Solvent-free polymorph.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Animals
  • Biological Availability
  • Female
  • Hormone Antagonists / administration & dosage
  • Hormone Antagonists / chemistry*
  • Hormone Antagonists / pharmacokinetics*
  • Mifepristone / administration & dosage
  • Mifepristone / chemistry*
  • Mifepristone / pharmacokinetics*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Hormone Antagonists
  • Mifepristone