Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103926
Bradley D. Anderson , Daniel J.A. Crommelin , James N. Herron
{"title":"In memory of Professor William I. Higuchi (1931–2024)","authors":"Bradley D. Anderson , Daniel J.A. Crommelin , James N. Herron","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103926","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103926","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 103926"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144731905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104060
Amit K. Barui , Tori Leyba , Rachel Edwards , Lia A. Stanciu
Polymer-based composites, like polystyrene-gold nanoparticles (PS-AuNPs) are widely used in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery, imaging, biosensing, and photothermal due to their combined plasmonic and structural properties. However, processing conditions significantly influence their structural and functional properties. This study investigates the effects of synthesis temperature on the stability and resuspension behavior of PS-AuNPs, focusing on a range of 78–90 °C. At temperatures below 84 °C, PS-AuNPs maintain stability, forming well-defined pellets after centrifugation and resuspending efficiently. At 86 °C, a coating over the gold nanoparticles was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which was attributed to the partial softening of polystyrene because of approaching its glass transition temperature regime of around 90 °C. This structural degradation reduced the resuspension efficiency and increased aggregation in high ionic strength environments. Salt aggregation tests showed significant nanoparticle instability at higher synthesis temperatures, as shown by the visible aggregation and sedimentation of the particles in the presence of NaCl.
{"title":"Temperature-dependent colloidal behavior of polymer-stabilized gold nanoparticles","authors":"Amit K. Barui , Tori Leyba , Rachel Edwards , Lia A. Stanciu","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104060","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104060","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polymer-based composites, like polystyrene-gold nanoparticles (PS-AuNPs) are widely used in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications including targeted drug delivery, imaging, biosensing, and photothermal due to their combined plasmonic and structural properties. However, processing conditions significantly influence their structural and functional properties. This study investigates the effects of synthesis temperature on the stability and resuspension behavior of PS-AuNPs, focusing on a range of 78–90 °C. At temperatures below 84 °C, PS-AuNPs maintain stability, forming well-defined pellets after centrifugation and resuspending efficiently. At 86 °C, a coating over the gold nanoparticles was observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which was attributed to the partial softening of polystyrene because of approaching its glass transition temperature regime of around 90 °C. This structural degradation reduced the resuspension efficiency and increased aggregation in high ionic strength environments. Salt aggregation tests showed significant nanoparticle instability at higher synthesis temperatures, as shown by the visible aggregation and sedimentation of the particles in the presence of NaCl.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 104060"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103707
Xiang Chen , Guo Yu , Guangji Wang , Guo-Fu Li
Nadolol has demonstrated its superior efficacy over other β-blockers in the treatment of specific cardiovascular diseases in children. The clinical development of nadolol for pediatric use was prioritized by Chinese healthcare authorities in May 2023 while there was a lack of clear medication instructions for children. To expedite the pediatric development of nadolol and provide insights into its off-label applications, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model incorporating mechanistic disposition knowledge. This model integrates key processes of nadolol including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter mediated the absorption of efflux, multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE) 1 transporter and organic cation (OCT) 2 transporter mediated active renal excretion, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1A2 mediated transport, along with biliary excretion. The model accurately captured the pharmacokinetic profiles of nadolol in both Western and East Asian populations following a wide dose range (2–160 mg), including the plasma concentration, urine excretion, and drug-drug interactions with the P-gp inhibitor. After our good validation on interracial adult populations, simulations of nadolol pharmacokinetic profiles in the Chinese population were performed by adjusting the liver volume of the Chinese to 0.9 of the Japanese population. Then, with the consideration of physiological changes and plasma protein ontogeny in pediatrics, the nadolol model for pediatrics was also well-verified on several children aged 3 months to 121 months. Accordingly, specific optimal dosages for children across various ages and racial backgrounds with or without obesity were offered by exposure matching with adults. Multiple remedial regimen simulations were also compared to obtain the best nonadherence management in the case of missed dosages, in which resuming a regular dose as soon as possible was the most recommended.
{"title":"Pediatric off-label use and nonadherence management for nadolol: A mechanistic PBPK model incorporating ontogeny scaling from interracial adults to children","authors":"Xiang Chen , Guo Yu , Guangji Wang , Guo-Fu Li","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nadolol has demonstrated its superior efficacy over other β-blockers in the treatment of specific cardiovascular diseases in children. The clinical development of nadolol for pediatric use was prioritized by Chinese healthcare authorities in May 2023 while there was a lack of clear medication instructions for children. To expedite the pediatric development of nadolol and provide insights into its off-label applications, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model incorporating mechanistic disposition knowledge. This model integrates key processes of nadolol including P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transporter mediated the absorption of efflux, multidrug and toxin extrusion protein (MATE) 1 transporter and organic cation (OCT) 2 transporter mediated active renal excretion, organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1A2 mediated transport, along with biliary excretion. The model accurately captured the pharmacokinetic profiles of nadolol in both Western and East Asian populations following a wide dose range (2–160 mg), including the plasma concentration, urine excretion, and drug-drug interactions with the P-gp inhibitor. After our good validation on interracial adult populations, simulations of nadolol pharmacokinetic profiles in the Chinese population were performed by adjusting the liver volume of the Chinese to 0.9 of the Japanese population. Then, with the consideration of physiological changes and plasma protein ontogeny in pediatrics, the nadolol model for pediatrics was also well-verified on several children aged 3 months to 121 months. Accordingly, specific optimal dosages for children across various ages and racial backgrounds with or without obesity were offered by exposure matching with adults. Multiple remedial regimen simulations were also compared to obtain the best nonadherence management in the case of missed dosages, in which resuming a regular dose as soon as possible was the most recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 103707"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143515869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104018
Deepak Bhopatkar , Bruce R. Hamaker , Nawel Khalef , Aziz Bakri , Osvaldo H. Campanella
A self-assembling, nanoscale complex formed from common biological molecules, starch, proteins, and fatty acids, was previously reported by our group. While the formation of this nanocomplex has been confirmed using various analytical techniques, its thermodynamic distinctiveness compared to conventional nano-emulsion systems has not yet been explored. This study aims to provide a physicochemical understanding of the self-assembly process by evaluating changes in thermodynamic properties, enthalpy, entropy, and the Gibbs free energy during complex formation. Interactions among these biological molecules, mixed in specific ratios, were monitored using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Changes in the reversing heat capacity during the initial cooling cycle were used to calculate the entropic and the Gibbs free energy changes associated with self-assembly. Applying classical equilibrium thermodynamics, it was demonstrated that the presence of protein thermodynamically favored the formation of a higher-order nanostructure, distinguishing it from typical emulsion systems. Moreover, this structure is more stable than binary complexes such as amylose–fatty acid and protein–fatty acid assemblies. Our findings provide compelling evidence that these self-assembling nanoscale complexes are not only chemically viable but also thermodynamically favored and stable.
{"title":"A self-assembled nanocomplex from starch-protein- fatty acid: Thermodynamics of self-assembly","authors":"Deepak Bhopatkar , Bruce R. Hamaker , Nawel Khalef , Aziz Bakri , Osvaldo H. Campanella","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A self-assembling, nanoscale complex formed from common biological molecules, starch, proteins, and fatty acids, was previously reported by our group. While the formation of this nanocomplex has been confirmed using various analytical techniques, its thermodynamic distinctiveness compared to conventional nano-emulsion systems has not yet been explored. This study aims to provide a physicochemical understanding of the self-assembly process by evaluating changes in thermodynamic properties, enthalpy, entropy, and the Gibbs free energy during complex formation. Interactions among these biological molecules, mixed in specific ratios, were monitored using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). Changes in the reversing heat capacity during the initial cooling cycle were used to calculate the entropic and the Gibbs free energy changes associated with self-assembly. Applying classical equilibrium thermodynamics, it was demonstrated that the presence of protein thermodynamically favored the formation of a higher-order nanostructure, distinguishing it from typical emulsion systems. Moreover, this structure is more stable than binary complexes such as amylose–fatty acid and protein–fatty acid assemblies. Our findings provide compelling evidence that these self-assembling nanoscale complexes are not only chemically viable but also thermodynamically favored and stable.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 104018"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145275073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104044
Valeria Briceida Tellez-Gallego, Kate Sorg, Rodolfo Pinal
To address the knowledge gap regarding the polarity of excipient solutions and the impact on biologically relevant systems, a comprehensive exploration of the polarity of solutions is essential. This study explores the solvatochromic response of Reichardt’s dye to solvent polarity in aqueous solutions, focusing on structurally similar electrolytes and non-electrolytes at concentrations typically used in pharmaceutical formulations. UV absorbance measurements demonstrated sensitivity to subtle structural differences, such as counterion variations or glycosidic bonds. Here, chloride salts and disaccharides were analyzed and notable polarity differences between similar systems were found. Additionally, unexpected similarities between sodium chloride and trehalose were observed. This investigation underscores the potential of readily accessible solvent polarity and solvatochromic studies to deepen the understanding of aqueous solutions and extend their application to pharmaceutical excipients and their roles in protein formulation.
{"title":"Investigating the effect of solvent polarity environment differences in electrolyte and non-electrolyte systems","authors":"Valeria Briceida Tellez-Gallego, Kate Sorg, Rodolfo Pinal","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To address the knowledge gap regarding the polarity of excipient solutions and the impact on biologically relevant systems, a comprehensive exploration of the polarity of solutions is essential. This study explores the solvatochromic response of Reichardt’s dye to solvent polarity in aqueous solutions, focusing on structurally similar electrolytes and non-electrolytes at concentrations typically used in pharmaceutical formulations. UV absorbance measurements demonstrated sensitivity to subtle structural differences, such as counterion variations or glycosidic bonds. Here, chloride salts and disaccharides were analyzed and notable polarity differences between similar systems were found. Additionally, unexpected similarities between sodium chloride and trehalose were observed. This investigation underscores the potential of readily accessible solvent polarity and solvatochromic studies to deepen the understanding of aqueous solutions and extend their application to pharmaceutical excipients and their roles in protein formulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 104044"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145648872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
An ideal filler for direct compression (DC) formulation requires both good flowability and compactibility. To ensure consistent tablet quality across various APIs and API loadings, as well as successful manufacturability, it is essential to understand the “dilution potential” of any DC tablet filler. In this study, an integrated material-sparing laboratory-scale method was developed to evaluate the dilution potential of a co-processed glutinous rice starch (CP-GRS) using two grades of acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen (IBN) as model drugs. This method considers three criteria pertaining to tablet performance and manufacturability: (1) <1 % weight loss for the friability, (2) a disintegration time (DT) of <15 min, and (3) superior flowability compared to microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH102). The maximum drug loading at the appropriate critical pressure (Pc) was determined, indicating the dilution potential. The results showed that granular APAP (gAPAP) could be loaded up to 34 % in CP-GRS at a compaction pressure of ∼240 MPa, fine APAP achieved a loading of 20 % in the range of 143–288 MPa, and IBN reached a maximum API loading of 40 % within the 115–150 MPa range. This integrated method, by minimizing material consumption, can also be applied to enable efficient DC formulation development of an API of interest during an early drug development phase.
{"title":"An integrated material-sparing method for determining dilution potential of direct compression tablet fillers","authors":"Weeraya Tharanon , Yiwang Guo , Jomjai Peerapattana , Changquan Calvin Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.104061","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An ideal filler for direct compression (DC) formulation requires both good flowability and compactibility. To ensure consistent tablet quality across various APIs and API loadings, as well as successful manufacturability, it is essential to understand the “dilution potential” of any DC tablet filler. In this study, an integrated material-sparing laboratory-scale method was developed to evaluate the dilution potential of a co-processed glutinous rice starch (CP-GRS) using two grades of acetaminophen (APAP) and ibuprofen (IBN) as model drugs. This method considers three criteria pertaining to tablet performance and manufacturability: (1) <1 % weight loss for the friability, (2) a disintegration time (DT) of <15 min, and (3) superior flowability compared to microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel® PH102). The maximum drug loading at the appropriate critical pressure (<em>P</em><sub>c</sub>) was determined, indicating the dilution potential. The results showed that granular APAP (gAPAP) could be loaded up to 34 % in CP-GRS at a compaction pressure of ∼240 MPa, fine APAP achieved a loading of 20 % in the range of 143–288 MPa, and IBN reached a maximum API loading of 40 % within the 115–150 MPa range. This integrated method, by minimizing material consumption, can also be applied to enable efficient DC formulation development of an API of interest during an early drug development phase.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 104061"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145834108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Response with statistical assessment to “Thermodynamic analysis of synergistic effect of cyclodextrins and electrolytes on the solubility of aromatic amino acids”","authors":"Masakazu Fukuda, Kanako Takahashi, Toru Takarada, Shunsuke Saito, Masafumi Tanaka","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103763","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103763","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 103763"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143670183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103950
Valeria B. Tellez-Gallego, Rodolfo Pinal
This investigation explored the use of solvatochromism to develop a novel polarity screening classification tool for assessing the polarity environment of key excipients (buffers, amino acids, sugars, and salts) commonly used in protein formulation development. The polarity screening classification tool was developed using multivariate analysis, principal component analysis, and K-means clustering algorithms based on the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance (235 – 335 nm) of a solvatochromic probe in aqueous excipient solutions. Thereafter, protein functionality was assessed, and the results were correlated with the polarity profiles generated by the classification tool. The underlying hypothesis was that similar polarity environments would yield comparable protein functionalities; while differing environments would result in greater protein functional variation. This approach effectively captured how differences in the polarity of commonly used protein formulation excipients correlated with functionality results for model proteins such as alcohol dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, and β-galactosidase. Results underscore the sensitivity of the solvatochromic approach in detecting polarity variations that extend beyond conventional excipient chemical group classifications (e.g., salts, sugars, amino acids, and buffers) while revealing unique molecular properties in aqueous solutions that could alter protein functionality. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of excipients and their polarity in protein formulations and positions solvatochromism as an effective method to rationalize early preclinical excipient selection towards streamlining protein formulation development.
{"title":"Development of an excipient polarity screening tool for protein formulations via solvatochromism","authors":"Valeria B. Tellez-Gallego, Rodolfo Pinal","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103950","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103950","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This investigation explored the use of solvatochromism to develop a novel polarity screening classification tool for assessing the polarity environment of key excipients (buffers, amino acids, sugars, and salts) commonly used in protein formulation development. The polarity screening classification tool was developed using multivariate analysis, principal component analysis, and K-means clustering algorithms based on the ultraviolet (UV) absorbance (235 – 335 nm) of a solvatochromic probe in aqueous excipient solutions. Thereafter, protein functionality was assessed, and the results were correlated with the polarity profiles generated by the classification tool. The underlying hypothesis was that similar polarity environments would yield comparable protein functionalities; while differing environments would result in greater protein functional variation. This approach effectively captured how differences in the polarity of commonly used protein formulation excipients correlated with functionality results for model proteins such as alcohol dehydrogenase, polyphenol oxidase, and β-galactosidase. Results underscore the sensitivity of the solvatochromic approach in detecting polarity variations that extend beyond conventional excipient chemical group classifications (<em>e.g.,</em> salts, sugars, amino acids, and buffers) while revealing unique molecular properties in aqueous solutions that could alter protein functionality. Thus, this study contributes to the understanding of the role of excipients and their polarity in protein formulations and positions solvatochromism as an effective method to rationalize early preclinical excipient selection towards streamlining protein formulation development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 103950"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144855609","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103809
Hala M. Fadda , Andrea Shin , Mohammed Rayyan Waseem , Michael Camilleri
Orally administered, poorly soluble, weak-base drugs are subject to gastric pH-dependent drug-drug interactions which can be clinically significant. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been shown to reduce the bioavailability of kinase inhibitors, antivirals and triazole antifungals, through elevation of gastric pH. The objective of this study was to determine if chewable ascorbic acid (AA) tablets can induce a transient reduction in gastric pH. Healthy volunteers were pretreated with 20 mg omeprazole to induce hypochlorhydria. On the study day, gastric pH was continuously monitored using a catheter-based pH monitoring system. A pH electrode was transnasally placed in the stomach fundus and pH data was collected in real time. 1000 mg AA chewable tablets were ingested by the study participants with 240 mL of water. In five out of six subjects, a significant drop in gastric pH was observed. A mean (± SD) drop in pH of 3.7 (± 1.8) upon AA intake was observed and time taken to reach lowest gastric pH was 91.2 (± 64) min. Area under the pH versus time curve (AUCpH), below median pH over 15 min duration before AA intake, was determined to be 186.8 ± 136.7 (ΔpH.min). This pilot study demonstrates that 1000 mg of AA tablets can significantly reduce gastric pH in individuals receiving treatment with PPIs, providing a potential approach for mitigating pH-dependent drug-drug interactions of weak-base drugs.
{"title":"Vitamin C reduces gastric pH in pharmacologically induced hypochlorhydria: A potential approach for mitigating pH-dependent drug-drug interactions of weak-base drugs","authors":"Hala M. Fadda , Andrea Shin , Mohammed Rayyan Waseem , Michael Camilleri","doi":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103809","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.xphs.2025.103809","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Orally administered, poorly soluble, weak-base drugs are subject to gastric pH-dependent drug-drug interactions which can be clinically significant. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been shown to reduce the bioavailability of kinase inhibitors, antivirals and triazole antifungals, through elevation of gastric pH. The objective of this study was to determine if chewable ascorbic acid (AA) tablets can induce a transient reduction in gastric pH. Healthy volunteers were pretreated with 20 mg omeprazole to induce hypochlorhydria. On the study day, gastric pH was continuously monitored using a catheter-based pH monitoring system. A pH electrode was transnasally placed in the stomach fundus and pH data was collected in real time. 1000 mg AA chewable tablets were ingested by the study participants with 240 mL of water. In five out of six subjects, a significant drop in gastric pH was observed. A mean (± SD) drop in pH of 3.7 (± 1.8) upon AA intake was observed and time taken to reach lowest gastric pH was 91.2 (± 64) min. Area under the pH versus time curve (AUC<sub>pH</sub>), below median pH over 15 min duration before AA intake, was determined to be 186.8 ± 136.7 (ΔpH.min). This pilot study demonstrates that 1000 mg of AA tablets can significantly reduce gastric pH in individuals receiving treatment with PPIs, providing a potential approach for mitigating pH-dependent drug-drug interactions of weak-base drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":16741,"journal":{"name":"Journal of pharmaceutical sciences","volume":"114 12","pages":"Article 103809"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144016530","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}