Dutasteride Solid Dispersion via Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current formulations of dutasteride, such as soft capsules, face issues with bulkiness, temperature sensitivity, production costs, and low bioavailability due to poor solubility, and conventional solidification methods like self-emulsifying systems may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and have unsatisfactory absorption rates.

Innovation Solution

A solid dispersion containing a dutasteride inclusion complex with gamma-cyclodextrin and a thickener/surfactant, specifically polyvinyl pyrrolidone and stearoyl macrogol glyceride, is developed to enhance solubility and bioavailability, formulated into tablets or capsules for oral administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dutasteride is formulated as a soft capsule (liquid phase), then the drug can be administered, but the formulation becomes bulky, temperature-sensitive, and has low bioavailability due to poor solubility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of administrationVSAvoidbioavailability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter of dutasteride from liquid phase (soft capsule) to solid phase (solid dispersion). This is achieved by incorporating dutasteride into a solid matrix containing cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and hydrophilic polymers, transforming the formulation from temperature-sensitive liquid to stable solid form while maintaining drug delivery functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite solid dispersion system combining dutasteride with cyclodextrin inclusion complexes and hydrophilic polymers. This composite material approach enhances the poor water solubility of dutasteride through the synergistic effects of cyclodextrin encapsulation and polymer matrix, thereby improving bioavailability while providing a stable solid formulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If dutasteride is formulated as a soft capsule, then administration is possible, but the capsule softens at high temperature and hardens at low temperature, causing stability issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation flexibilityVSAvoidtemperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid/semi-solid (soft capsule) to solid (solid dispersion). This phase change eliminates temperature sensitivity by providing a stable solid matrix that maintains its physical properties across a wider temperature range, preventing both softening at high temperature and hardening at low temperature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If self-emulsifying system is used to solidify dutasteride formulation, then solid formulation is achieved, but gastrointestinal irritation occurs and absorption rate remains unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolid formulation stabilityVSAvoidgastrointestinal irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces cyclodextrin inclusion complexes as an intermediary substance between dutasteride and the gastrointestinal environment. The cyclodextrin encapsulates dutasteride, providing a biocompatible interface that prevents direct contact between the drug and gastrointestinal mucosa, thereby reducing irritation while maintaining solubility enhancement and absorption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If dutasteride is placed in gelatin soft capsule, then the drug is encapsulated, but the drug may transition into the film over time and leak, causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulation capabilityVSAvoiddrug containment safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the formulation state from liquid/semi-solid to solid, eliminating the plasticity and film-forming properties of gelatin. The solid dispersion matrix provides a stable, non-migrating environment for dutasteride, preventing drug transition into the capsule film and subsequent leakage, thereby ensuring long-term containment safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the gelatin capsule system with a solid dispersion that can be directly compressed into tablets or filled into hard capsules. This eliminates the need for flexible gelatin films that are prone to drug migration and leakage, providing a more reliable containment solution

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

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 improves dutasteride's solubility and bioavailability, reduces the weight and volume of the dosage form, and provides better convenience and safety, with enhanced absorption and stability compared to existing methods.

Implementation Method 1

a solid dispersion containing an inclusion complex which includes dutasteride or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and cyclodextrin

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclusion complex formation: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

at least one selected from the group consisting of a thickener and a surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThickening: Viscometer

Implementation Method 3

the surfactant is stearoyl macrogol glyceride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentEP3254699B1Solid dispersion containing dutasteride, and composition containing same
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 WHANIN PHARMA CO LTD
  • EP3254699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3254699B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3254699B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing dutasteride and a method for preparing same. More specifically, the solubility of a drug has been increased by preparing an inclusion complex from gamma-cyclodextrin which is good for solidification so as to prepare a solid formulation containing dutasteride and by preparing a solid dispersion from the inclusion complex and a thickener and/or a surfactant. The solid formulation for oral administration comprising the solid dispersion granules prepared according to the present invention is shown to be bioequivalent with an Avodart soft capsule.