To develop a matrix-type, controlled-release tablet formulation of pelubiprofen (PLB), a recently developed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, polymeric excipients including hypromellose, hydroxypropylcellulose, Eudragit(®) RS PO, and Kollidon(®) SR were screened. A formulation containing 12.4% w/w Kollidon(®) SR (K2 tablet) was found to be the most promising and stable for 6 months in an accelerated stability test. PLB release from K2 tablet was limited at pH 1.2, but gradually increased at pH 6.8 with a surface-erosion, resulting in the best fit to Hixson-Crowell equation. Comparative human PK studies were performed using a randomized, 2-way crossover design. LC-MS/MS assay revealed that the plasma level of PLB-transOH, an active metabolite, was significantly higher than that of PLB. After multiple dosing of immediate-release tablet (R) and K2 tablet (T), the T/R ratios of AUC were 1.02 and 1.04 for PLB and PLB-transOH, respectively. Level A in vitro-in vivo correlation was established for the K2 tablet-administered group. PK profile of PLB-transOH was not influenced by food intake, while that of PLB was altered. We suggest that K2 tablet could be administered twice a day without being affected by food intake, thereby enhancing patient compliance.
Keywords: Controlled release; Food effect; Kollidon(®) SR; Matrix tablet; Pelubiprofen; Pharmacokinetic.
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