Supersaturated drug delivery system of albendazole salt-polymer complex for improving oral bioavailability and efficacy anti-secondary E. multilocularis

Based on the supersaturation theory, this study devised two albendazole (ABZ) salt-polymer complexes that enhance the oral bioavailability and efficacy of secondary hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) in rats. Solid characteristics, microstructure, and stability of ABZ benzenesulfonate (ABZ-BSA) and ABZ methanesulfonate (ABZ-MSA) were evaluated. The equilibrium solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate of salt were measured across different pH environments to determine its potential for generating supersaturation. Polymer crystallization inhibitors were subsequently introduced to assess their impact on sustaining supersaturation. The pharmacokinetics and anti-echinococcosis effects of ABZ were evaluated in healthy SD and HAE rats. The characteristic peaks corresponding to amino acid esters and benzimidazole in the ABZ salt structure either shifted or disappeared, corroborated by PXRD, signifying successful ABZ salt preparation. Furthermore, reductions in the melting point and enthalpy of the salts were observed, along with discernible differences in microstructure compared to ABZ. The drug salts exhibited a significant increase in apparent solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate of ABZ, thus laying the groundwork for supersaturation. Stability assessments indicated that salts were susceptible to moisture absorption, necessitating stringent humidity control measures. Notably, HPMC-AS demonstrated promising capabilities in sustaining supersaturation. Finally, pharmacokinetic analyses revealed a substantial increase in the AUC of ABZ-BSA-H and ABZ-MSA-H by 7.6 and 20.3 times, respectively, compared to ABZ in vivo. After a 30-day once-daily oral administration of the Salts and ABZ to SD rats with hepatic alveolar echinococcosis, the ABZ-BSA-H and ABZ-MSA-H formulation demonstrated a cysts inhibition effect 9.2-fold and 15.3-fold greater than that of ABZ. The salt-HPMC-AS complex could potentially be developed into an improved anti-AE drug therapy. Therefore, the salt-HPMC-AS complex could be developed into an enhanced anti-AE drug therapy.