Paclitaxel Solubility in Aqueous Dispersions and Mixed Micellar Solutions of Lecithin

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find a biocompatible, lecithin-based carrier for paclitaxel (PTX) suitable for intravenous infusion and ensuring a soluble PTX concentration of 100 mg/100 ml or higher for at least 24 h. Aqueous dispersions of egg or soya lecithin (water–lecithin dispersions, WLD), mixed micellar (MM) solutions of egg lecithin and sodium deoxycholate, and formulations containing lecithin plus the co-surfactants and co-solvents poloxamer, polysorbate, Span, benzalkonium chloride, and macrogol were investigated. Amorphous PTX was prepared by lyophilization. PTX co-lyophilized with surfactants was also studied. Unlike crystalline PTX, the drug in an amorphous form is easily soluble in 1—5% (w/w) WLD or in MM. The highest solubility (up to 570 mg/100 ml) was achieved in 5% WLD. Dissolved PTX precipitated from all tested formulations over 24 h. Despite this, concentrations of dissolved PTX of 100 mg/100 ml or higher were observed after 24 h in 5% egg WLD, 1—5% soya WLD, and in 5% MM (lecithin : deoxycholate ratio 1 : 1 w/w). When four different batches of 5% egg WLD were prepared, containing PTX in clinically relevant concentration of 100 mg/100 ml, no precipitation of PTX was observed within 24 h and this formulation is the most promising candidate for further in vivo studies. Neither additional surfactants nor co-lyophilization increased PTX solubility in the lecithin-based carriers. The use of parenteral emulsions as solvents for the co-lyophilized PTX also failed to increase the solubility of the drug up to the target concentration.