N-Acyl-Ethanolamine Solubility via Cyclodextrin Inclusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

N-acyl-ethanolamines, such as palmitoylethanolamine, are not water-soluble due to their hydrophobic nature, making it difficult to formulate ophthalmic, intra-articular, or intravesical solutions, as previous attempts with lipophilic means and cyclodextrin inclusion complexes resulted in insoluble or poorly soluble derivatives.

Innovation Solution

A water-soluble pharmaceutical composition is achieved by forming an inclusion complex of N-acyl-ethanolamines with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin and incorporating a polymeric emulsifier like polyvinyl alcohol, which stabilizes the solution at various temperatures, even with reduced cyclodextrin excess.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If N-acyl-ethanolamines are used in pharmaceutical compositions, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but water solubility is poor due to hydrophobic nature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidwater solubility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses cyclodextrins as intermediary molecules to solubilize N-acyl-ethanolamines. The cyclodextrin forms an inclusion complex where the hydrophobic N-acyl-ethanolamine is encapsulated within the cyclodextrin cavity, while the external surface of cyclodextrin remains hydrophilic, enabling water solubility without compromising the therapeutic agent's efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite pharmaceutical composition combining cyclodextrin and N-acyl-ethanolamine in a specific ratio. This composite inclusion complex combines the hydrophobic therapeutic molecule with the hydrophilic cyclodextrin carrier, achieving both solubility and therapeutic effectiveness simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If lipophilic means are used to solubilize N-acyl-ethanolamines, then solubility is improved, but the formulation becomes unsuitable for ophthalmic and intra-articular use

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesolubilityVSAvoidformulation compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter from lipophilic to hydrophilic by using cyclodextrin inclusion complexes. This parameter change enables the formulation to be compatible with ophthalmic and intra-articular applications while maintaining adequate solubility through the cyclodextrin-water interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If alpha-, beta-, or gamma-cyclodextrins are used for solubilization, then inclusion complex formation occurs, but the derivatives remain insoluble or poorly soluble

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinclusion complex formationVSAvoidsolubility of derivatives
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality modification by using hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, which has modified hydrophilic groups on the cyclodextrin ring. This local modification of the cyclodextrin structure enhances the overall water solubility of the inclusion complex while maintaining the inclusion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2921171B1Ophthalmic, intra-articular or intravesical preparations containing N-acyl-ethanolamines
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 EPITECH GRP SRL

AI summary

It is the object of the present invention a composition containing an N-acyl-ethanolamine in a solubilized form, particularly a solution for ophthalmic, intra-articular or intravesical use. Particularly, the present invention relates to a water-soluble composition comprising one or more N-acylethanolamines (NAE) in the form of an inclusion complex in methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MβCD).