Three-Component Matrix for Budesonide Controlled Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sustained, controlled, delayed, or extended release pharmaceutical formulations for budesonide face challenges such as non-linear release profiles, uneven release rates, and toxicity concerns with bioerodible matrices, while inert and hydrophilic matrices have limitations in controlling the dissolution rate and providing gastric protection.

Innovation Solution

A three-component matrix structure comprising a lipophilic matrix with a melting point below 90°C, an amphiphilic matrix, and an outer hydrophilic matrix, which modulates the dissolution rate of budesonide by incorporating it in a lipophilic matrix dispersed within an amphiphilic matrix, and then coating it with a hydrophilic matrix to control release kinetics and mask unpleasant taste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If inert matrices are used to control release, then release rate is reduced, but release profile becomes non-linear and exponential

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease rateVSAvoidrelease profile linearity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix structure is segmented into three distinct components: lipophilic matrix (inner core), amphiphilic matrix (middle layer), and hydrophilic matrix (outer layer). Each layer performs a specific function in controlling release, with the lipophilic layer providing initial resistance, the amphiphilic layer providing controlled diffusion, and the hydrophilic layer providing sustained release and gastric protection. This segmentation allows linear release profile while maintaining reduced release rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite matrix structure combining three different material types with complementary properties. The lipophilic matrix (e.g., fatty acids, waxes) provides hydrophobic barrier, the amphiphilic matrix (e.g., lecithin, phospholipids) provides controlled permeability, and the hydrophilic matrix (e.g., hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose) provides sustained release and gastric resistance. This composite structure achieves both controlled release rate and linear release profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of moving object

If bioerodible matrices are used for sustained release, then release duration is extended, but toxicity concerns arise from in situ metabolites

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease durationVSAvoidtoxicity of metabolites
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the matrix structure have different degradation characteristics. The inner lipophilic matrix is designed to be relatively stable and non-degradable under physiological conditions, avoiding toxic metabolite formation. The middle amphiphilic and outer hydrophilic layers provide controlled erosion and dissolution to maintain sustained release. This local differentiation of material properties extends release duration while eliminating toxicity concerns associated with bioerodible matrices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces bioerodible matrices with a non-bioerodible lipophilic matrix core that provides sustained release through controlled diffusion and dissolution of the outer hydrophilic layer. This approach uses a stable, non-toxic base material that does not require enzymatic degradation, thereby eliminating the problem of toxic in situ metabolites while maintaining extended release duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Speed

If hydrophilic matrices are used for controlled release, then dissolution rate is controlled, but gastric protection is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution rateVSAvoidgastric irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix is segmented with the outermost layer being the hydrophilic matrix that provides gastric protection through formation of a protective gel barrier. This outer layer prevents direct contact between the active ingredient and gastric mucosa, while the inner lipophilic and amphiphilic layers control dissolution rate. This segmentation simultaneously achieves both controlled dissolution and gastric protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer hydrophilic matrix forms a flexible gel shell or thin film around the core structure. This gel barrier is formed through solvent swelling and polymer chain expansion, creating a protective layer that resists gastric irritation while allowing controlled diffusion of the active ingredient. The gel shell provides both gastric protection and controlled release functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If simple matrix structures are used, then manufacturing is easier, but release control precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrelease control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The matrix structure is divided into three distinct functional layers that can be manufactured sequentially or in conjunction. The lipophilic matrix is formed first as the inner core, followed by the amphiphilic matrix layer, and finally the hydrophilic matrix outer layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturability through established pharmaceutical formulation techniques such as co-extrusion, coating, or granulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material systems with well-defined component ratios and properties. Each matrix layer uses specific material combinations (e.g., fatty acids with waxes for lipophilic layer, lecithin with phospholipids for amphiphilic layer, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose with carboxymethylcellulose for hydrophilic layer) that provide predictable release characteristics. This standardization of composite materials enables precise release control while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional processing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulation achieves a controlled release of budesonide with a release profile of below 15% in the first hour and greater than 80% within eight hours, providing effective treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases and irritable bowel syndrome with improved bioavailability and stability.

Implementation Method 1

The use of inert matrices, in which the main component of the matrix structure opposes some resistance to the penetration of the solvent due to the poor affinity towards aqueous fluids; such property being known as lipophilia

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLipophilia: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

a three-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successive amphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally incorporated or dispersed in hydrophilic matrices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAmphiphilic properties: Amphiphiles

Implementation Method 3

The use of hydrophilic matrices, in which the main component of the matrix structure opposes high resistance to the progress of the solvent, in that the presence of strongly hydrophilic groups in its chains, mainly branched, remarkably increases viscosity inside the hydrated layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilicity: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 4

it also allows the oral administration of active principles having unfavorable taste characteristics or irritating action on the mucosae of the administration site

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTaste masking: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10660858B2Controlled release and taste masking oral pharmaceutical composition
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 COSMO TECHNOLOGIES LTD

AI summary

Controlled release and taste masking compositions containing one or more active principles inglobated in a three-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successive amphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally inglobated or dispersed in hydrophilic matrices. The use of a plurality of systems for the control of the dissolution of the active ingredient modulates the dissolution rate of the active ingredient in aqueous and/or biological fluids, thereby controlling the release kinetics in the gastrointestinal tract.