Development and Evaluation of Lactose-Free Single-Unit and Multiple-Unit Preparations of a BCS Class II Drug, Rivaroxaban

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to develop lactose-free formulations of rivaroxaban, a novel oral anticoagulant used for the treatment and prevention of blood clotting. As a BCS Class II drug, rivaroxaban is characterized by poor solubility in aqueous media, posing a significant formulation challenge.

Methods: To address this, phosphate-based excipients were employed to prepare both traditional single-unit dosage forms (tablets) and modern multiple-unit pellet systems (MUPS). These formulations were successfully developed and thoroughly evaluated for their physical properties and performance.

Results: The resulting formulations demonstrated very good mechanical strength, including appropriate hardness and friability, alongside strong chemical stability. Their dissolution profiles met the requirements of the compendial monograph for Rivaroxaban Tablets and were comparable to those of the reference product, Xarelto^® film-coated tablets.

Conclusions: This study shows the potential for producing effective, stable, and patient-friendly medications that meet the needs of contemporary society, where an increasing number of individuals suffer from lactose intolerance or seek vegan-friendly alternatives.

Download the full article as PDF here: Development and Evaluation of Lactose-Free Single-Unit and Multiple-Unit Preparations of a BCS Class II Drug, Rivaroxaban

or read it here

Materials

Rivaroxaban (Moehs Iberica S.L., Barcelona, Spain). Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC): VIVAPUR® 102 (JRS Pharma, Rosenberg, Germany). Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphates (DCPA): PharSQ® Coarse A 150 and PharSQ® Fine A 12 (Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG, Budenheim, Germany). Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC): Tylopur® 605 and Tylopur® 606 (ShinEtsu SE Tylose GmbH & Co. KG, Wiesbaden, Germany). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (Sigma-Aldrich Chemie GmbH, Taufkirchen, Germany). Croscarmellose sodium (CCS): Ac-Di-Sol® SD-711 (FMC BioPolymer, Brussels, Belgium). Magnesium stearate: Ligamed® MF-2-V (Peter Greven Fett-Chemie, Venlo, The Netherlands). HPMC-based film-coagting system: Aquapolish P (Biogrund GmbH, Huenstetten, Germany). Calcium phosphate-based (DCPA) starter pellets, size M—PharSQ® Spheres CM (Chemische Fabrik Budenheim KG, Budenheim, Germany). Transparent hard gelatin capsule shells, size “1” (Lutor trading & distribution Ltd., Koeln, Germany). Reference product: Xarelto® 2.5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg flilm-coated tablets (Bayer Vital GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany).

Zakowiecki, D.; Edinger, P.; Papaioannou, M.; Wagner, M.; Hess, T.; Paszkowska, J.; Staniszewska, M.; Myslitska, D.; Smolenski, M.; Dobosz, J.; et al. Development and Evaluation of Lactose-Free Single-Unit and Multiple-Unit Preparations of a BCS Class II Drug, Rivaroxaban. Pharmaceutics 2024, 16, 1485. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111485

See our next webinar:

“Addressing topical drug formulation challenges through excipient selection“

Date: 28th of November, Time: 4:00 PM (Amsterdam, Berlin)

WEBINAR REGISTRATION HERE