Development of novel fenofibric acid-loaded controlled release pellet

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a novel fenofibric acid-loaded controlled release pellet with enhanced bioavailability of fenofibrate and bioequivalence to the choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial mini-tablet. The powder properties, solubility, dissolution and pharmacokinetics in rats of fenofibrate, choline fenofibrate and fenofibric acid were compared. Furthermore, the effect of solubilizing agents on drug solubility and the impact of fillers on core properties were investigated. Among them, magnesium carbonate most improved fenofibric acid solubility, and κ-carrageenan provided the best spherical cores. The fenofibric acid-loaded pellet was prepared with magnesium carbonate and κ-carrageenan employing the extrusion/spheronizing technique followed by coating with ethylcellulose. Furthermore, dissolution and pharmacokinetic study in beagle dogs were performed compared to the fenofibrate-loaded commercial tablet and choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial mini-tablet. This fenofibric acid-loaded pellet showed controlled release of the drug in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and 0.025M sodium laurylsulfate within 4 h. Furthermore, this pellet and choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial mini-tablet exhibited similar dissolution profiles. Plasma concentrations greater than 1000 ng/ml were maintained from 30 min to 8 h, suggesting a sustained release pattern. Also, the fenofibric acid-loaded pellet gave significantly higher AUC and Cmax values than fenofibrate-loaded commercial tablet, indicating that it improved the bioavailability of fenofibrate due to enhanced solubility and sustained release. In addition, this pellet and choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial mini-tablet were not significantly different in terms of pharmacokinetic parameters including AUC, Cmax and Tmax. Thus, this pellet was bioequivalent to choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial mini-tablet in beagle dogs. In conclusion, this fenofibric acid-loaded controlled release pellet would be a potential alternative to the choline fenofibrate-loaded commercial product.