According to a study, reported at the American Headache Society’s annual meet, a unique formulation of indomethacin shows a faster absorption rate than a normal formulation.
The new formulation reaches maximum concentrations even when indomethacin is being administered at low dosages in blood. The study presented data from a broader research project to reformulate a wide range of marketed analgesics using nanotechnology. The study proposed that nano-formulations can decrease the size of drug-particles and improve the rate of dissolution of drugs in the body.
Nano-Formulated NSAIDs
During the initial phase of the study, nano-formulated indomethacin administered to patients in doses of 20 mg or 40 mg took less time to achieve maximum concentration (Tmax) when compared to a 50 mg dose of normal formulation. The rate of maximum concentration (Cmax) was similar for 50-mg standard indomethacin and 40-mg nano-formulated indomethacin for patients who fasted prior to administration of drugs. The study revealed that the maximum concentration was lower for all other feeding states and doses.
According to the study, when patients were administered 40-mg nano-formulated indomethacin instead of the 50 mg dosage, the total drug exposure (AUC) dropped by about 25%. These results were observed for patients who had fasted as well as those who had taken their meals. Half-life (T1/2) remained the same for all formulations, doses and feeding states. Half-life (T1/2) was slightly high for patients who fasted and received 50-mg standard indomethacin.
The study was funded by Iroko Pharmaceuticals. The company conducts several trials of nano-formulated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produced by incorporating its proprietary SoluMatrix nano-technology. The company will develop all the nano-formulated NSAIDs to be administrated at lower doses taking necessary safety precautions.