Phenylephrine Resinate Particles for Sustained Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current phenylephrine formulations require frequent administration, leading to fluctuations in therapeutic plasma levels and increased severity and frequency of side effects due to high peak plasma levels, necessitating the development of extended release formulations that can maintain effective levels for longer durations.

Innovation Solution

The development of extended release phenylephrine particles, specifically a drug-resin complex with cation polystyrene sulfonate coated with cellulose acetate and hydroxypropylcellulose, which provides sustained release of phenylephrine for 6 to 24 hours, allowing for less frequent dosing and combination with additional therapeutic agents like acetaminophen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If immediate-release phenylephrine formulations are used, then rapid onset of action is achieved, but frequent administration is required leading to fluctuations in plasma levels and increased side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveonset of actionVSAvoidduration of therapeutic effect
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The phenylephrine dosage is segmented into multiple particle sizes (fine particles 0.5-2.0 mm and coarse particles 2.0-4.0 mm), where fine particles provide rapid onset and coarse particles provide sustained release, resolving the contradiction between fast onset and long duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Phenylephrine is pre-coated onto starch particles with controlled pore structure before formulation, creating a reservoir that releases the drug gradually. This preliminary structuring enables sustained release without requiring frequent redosing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If immediate-release phenylephrine formulations are used, then effective plasma concentrations are achieved quickly, but high peak plasma levels cause increased severity and frequency of side effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The formulation dynamically controls phenylephrine release through a two-phase system: an initial rapid release phase from fine particles to achieve therapeutic levels, followed by a sustained release phase from coarse particles to maintain levels without excessive peaks, thereby reducing side effects while maintaining efficacy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The release kinetics are modified by changing particle size distribution and coating properties, transforming the plasma concentration profile from sharp peaks to a more sustained, flattened curve that maintains therapeutic levels while reducing peak-related side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequent administration of phenylephrine is required, then therapeutic plasma levels are maintained, but patient compliance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic plasma levelsVSAvoidpatient compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The formulation provides continuous phenylephrine release over an extended period (maintaining plasma levels for at least 8 hours), eliminating the need for frequent dosing and thereby improving patient compliance while maintaining reliable therapeutic levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 extended release formulation maintains phenylephrine plasma levels above 20-200 pg/mL for at least 6 to 24 hours, reducing side effects and improving patient compliance by allowing less frequent administration while matching the duration of action with other active ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

an extended release particle comprising a drug-resin complex comprising phenylephrine and a cation polystyrene sulfonate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

wherein said drug resin complex is coated with a coating, wherein said coating comprises cellulose acetate and hydroxypropylcellulose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP2968224B1Phenylephrine resinate particles and use thereof in pharmaceutical formulations
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 JOHNSON & JOHNSON CONSUMER INC
  • EP2968224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2968224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2968224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Phenylephrine particles suitable for solid, semi solid or liquid dosage forms are disclosed.