Sodium Naproxen Softgel Capsule Solvent System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solvent systems for softgel capsules often result in the formation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) esters, which reduces the availability of pharmaceutical agents, especially when encapsulating acidic or basic compounds, due to the reaction between PEG and the ionized forms of these agents.
Innovation Solution
A solvent system comprising sodium naproxen, 0.2-1.0 mole equivalents of a de-ionizing agent, polyethylene glycol, and solubilizers like propylene glycol or polyvinyl pyrrolidone, with a pH adjusted between 2.5-7.5, to minimize PEG ester formation and enhance bioavailability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If polyethylene glycol is used as a solvent system to enhance solubility of pharmaceutical agents, then the solubility and concentration of the pharmaceutical agent is improved, but polyethylene glycol esters are formed which reduces the availability of the pharmaceutical agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a de-ionizing agent as an intermediary substance that reacts with the ionized pharmaceutical agent to form a non-ionized complex. This intermediary complex prevents the pharmaceutical agent from reacting with polyethylene glycol, thereby eliminating PEG ester formation while maintaining the solubility benefits of the PEG solvent system.
Solution Approach 2:
The de-ionizing agent is added to the solvent system before the pharmaceutical agent can react with polyethylene glycol. By preliminarily neutralizing the ionized form of the pharmaceutical agent, the system prevents the harmful PEG ester formation reaction from occurring in the first place, while still allowing the PEG to provide its solubility enhancement function.
2Quantity of substance
If the pharmaceutical agent is ionized to enhance solubility in the solvent system, then the solubility is improved, but the ionized form reacts with polyethylene glycol to form esters that reduce drug availability
Solution Approach 1:
The de-ionizing agent serves as a mediator that intercepts the ionized pharmaceutical agent and converts it into a non-ionized complex. This intermediary complex maintains the solubility benefits of ionization while preventing the harmful reaction with polyethylene glycol, thus preserving bioavailability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical state parameter of the pharmaceutical agent from ionized to non-ionized by introducing the de-ionizing agent. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high solubility (through the original ionized state) while preventing PEG ester formation (by converting to non-ionized state), thereby resolving the contradiction between solubility and bioavailability.
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 described system provides a stable and effective encapsulation of pharmaceutical agents in softgel capsules, reducing PEG ester formation and ensuring enhanced bioavailability of weakly acidic, basic, or amphoteric active agents.
Implementation Method 1
The de-ionizing agent causes partial de-ionization (neutralization) of the salt of the active agent
Implementation Method 2
The solvent system comprises polyethylene glycol, an ionizing agent, and water
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are oral pharmaceutical compositions comprising liquid dosage forms of sodium naproxen in soft gel capsules. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises sodium naproxen, 0.2-1.0 mole equivalents of a de-ionizing agent per mole of naproxen, polyethylene glycol, and one or more solubilizers such as propylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or a combination thereof.