Propiverine Biphasic Release Matrix Using pH-Dependent Polymers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current controlled release formulations of propiverine do not achieve a biphasic release profile with less than 50% release rate until 9 hours and not less than 85% release in 24 hours, and there is a need for a simple and industrially viable process to manufacture a dosage form with acceptable dissolution profiles.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical composition comprising propiverine with a biphasic in vitro release profile is achieved using a combination of pH-dependent and hydrophilic polymers, along with pore-forming agents, specifically hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, and pH-dependent polymers like EUDRAGIT®, which control the release of propiverine over 24 hours, ensuring less than 50% release in the first 9 hours and more than 85% release by 24 hours in specific pH conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional controlled release formulations are used, then propiverine release is extended, but the desired biphasic release profile (less than 50% until 9 hours and not less than 85% in 24 hours) is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropiverine release durationVSAvoidrelease profile control
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite matrix formulation combining hydrophilic polymers (hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose) with pH-dependent polymers (EUDRAGIT L 100, EUDRAGIT L 100-55) to create a multi-functional release system. This composite material structure enables the biphasic release profile by leveraging the different release mechanisms of each polymer component - the hydrophilic polymers provide initial controlled release while the pH-dependent polymers respond to intestinal pH to enhance release in the second phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation incorporates pore-forming agents (lactose monohydrate, lactose spray-dried) that create a porous matrix structure. This porosity controls the diffusion pathways for propiverine release, allowing modulation of the release rate. The porous structure enables water penetration and drug dissolution while maintaining controlled release kinetics, contributing to achieving the target biphasic profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Manufacturing precision

If complex manufacturing processes are used to achieve controlled release, then release profile is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedissolution profile controlVSAvoidprocess simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple release-controlling functions into a single matrix formulation layer, eliminating the need for multiple coating layers or complex multi-component systems. By integrating hydrophilic polymers, pH-dependent polymers, and pore-forming agents into one composite matrix, the formulation achieves biphasic release through a simplified manufacturing process suitable for standard tablet compression equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation exploits pH parameter changes in the gastrointestinal tract to trigger the second phase of release. The pH-dependent polymers remain relatively stable in gastric pH but dissolve or swell at intestinal pH levels, automatically triggering enhanced drug release without requiring external control mechanisms. This passive response to physiological parameter changes simplifies the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition provides a controlled release of propiverine with a biphasic profile, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained for 24 hours, with less than 50% release in the first 9 hours and more than 85% release by 24 hours, as measured by USP Type I apparatus, effectively addressing the need for prolonged drug release.

Implementation Method 1

a combination of pH-dependent and hydrophilic polymers, along with pore-forming agents, specifically hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose, and pH-dependent polymers like EUDRAGIT®, which control the release of propiverine over 24 hours

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH-dependent dissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

a combination of pH-dependent and hydrophilic polymers, along with pore-forming agents, specifically hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic polymer hydration: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

a combination of pH-dependent and hydrophilic polymers, along with pore-forming agents, specifically hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, lactose

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPore formation: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP3331502B1Controlled release propiverine formulations
Publication Date: 2021.05.26 SANTA FARMA ILAC SANAYII ANONIM SIRKETI
  • EP3331502B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3331502B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to controlled release pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration comprising propiverine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition for oral administration exhibiting a biphasic in vitro release of the active ingredient, characterized as less than 50.0% release after nine hours and more than 85.0% release after 24 hours.