AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES

PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER

VOLUME 16
ISSUE 2
PAGE 1 BRYAN CRIST, SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Use of Beads for Added
Mechanical Stress USE OF BEADS FOR ADDED
PAGE 4 MECHANICAL STRESS
Addressing Dissolution
Compliance through The development of the Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus arose from a need for
Agilent Learning Resources an alternative drug release apparatus capable of providing pharmacokinetic and
mechanical conditions that more closely represent the various regions throughout
PAGE 6 the gastrointestinal tract. While the traditional paddle and basket apparatus offered
Agilent 850-DS Sampling a convenient means to evaluate most oral drug formulations at single and multiple
Station – Firmware 2.0 pH and over long periods, it was difficult to change pH during the test, and changes
in agitation rates during the in vitro test were seldom noted as well.
PAGE 6 A presentation at the 1980 Federation Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP) drew
850-DS 8-Channel
Filter Plates – attention to acute problems associated with USP Apparatus 1 and 2 dissolution
0.2 μm Now Available results. The conference inspired the concept for the USP Apparatus 3. Also known
as the Bio-Dis, USP Apparatus 3 is excellent for developing controlled-release
products because it can quickly and easily expose products to mechanical and
PAGE 8 physiochemical conditions that may influence the release of the products in the
Questions you Asked
GI tract. The Bio-Dis Extended Release Tester was designed to test the dissolution
rates of extended-release products or any dosage form requiring release profiling at
multiple pH levels. The ability to transfer the product from one pH to another makes
it an excellent candidate for delayed- and modified-release products.

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AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2

Apparatus 3 allows the dosage form to be placed inside an The capabilities of the apparatus have stimulated discussion
inner tube that is then dipped in an outer vessel at varying regarding the addition of beads to further increase the shear
speeds in up to six different media simulating the pH changes force applied to the dosage form. Workshops held by FIP
that an orally ingested product would be exposed to in the and AAPS to outline guidelines for the dissolution and drug
GI tract (see figure). release testing of novel dosage forms indicated that the
reciprocating cylinder apparatus could be suitable for testing
By retaining the dosage form in the inner tube through the chewable tablets. The addition of glass beads would be
use of screens at the bottom (or top and bottom) of the inner required to provide more intensive agitation to the in vitro
tube, the vertical mixing action creates an environment where dissolution test.1
the dosage form constantly floats up and down inside the
inner tube. Chewable tablets often contain highly soluble API, but they
are very difficult to disintegrate and solubilize in traditional
dissolution apparatus. For this reason, chewable formulations
share a need for additional mechanical forces similar to
poorly soluble compounds. Chewable tablets may be tested
in the reciprocating cylinder apparatus with the addition
of plastic beads, or possibly glass beads, to provide an
intense contact with the dosage form through reciprocation
and to break down the chewable tablet relatively quickly
with mechanical shearing, which could simulate the
mastication process required for disbursing chewable tablet
formulations. The following figure shows chewable tablets
reciprocated with beads of various sizes at 30 DPM.

Figure 1. Theophylline Beads floating freely within the Reciprocating Cylinder

exposing all surfaces to the media.

Case Studies with the Utilization of Beads:

Chewable Tablets with Beads
Conventional Apparatus 1 (baskets) or 2 (paddles) do not
allow simulation of this type of increased mechanical action
except through increased rotational speed, and this is often
accompanied by lower Q values to reflect the inability of USP
1 and 2 to break down the dosage form quickly enough.
Figure 2. Chewable Aspirin tablets in the presence of 1.5 mm beads
(left) and 6 mm beads (right).

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER

Case Studies with the Utilization of Beads: Further information on this topic may be obtained through The
HPMC Matrix Tablets with Beads AAPS Journal: http://www.pharmagateway.net/ArticlePage.
Similar work has been performed with the reciprocating aspx?doi=10.1208/s12248-012-9422-x
cylinder apparatus and plastic beads to provide a more
discriminating dissolution method utilizing beads for testing In summary, the utility of the reciprocating cylinder apparatus
extended release HPMC matrix tablets to predict in vivo has been used for obtaining more shear forces for a number
performance, which enabled the development of Level of dosage forms, but the utilization of beads opens new
A IVIVC for several formulations. It was noted that high doors for the apparatus to provide intense mechanical shear
mechanical forces were necessary in vitro to provide a representative of the gastric region. For more information
satisfactory correlation with the in vivo data. on the reciprocating cylinder apparatus contact your Agilent
representative or visit our web site at www.agilent.com
For the bead-based method, synthetic polymeric bead
material from 1 to 8 mm with a density of about 1.1 g/cm
were used, which allowed good interaction with the tablet. References
It was noted that glass beads are generally unsuitable
1. Martin Siewert, Jennifer Dressman, Cynthia K. Brown, and
because they usually stay on the bottom of the cylinder
Vinod P. Shah; FIP/AAPS Guidelines to Dissolution / In Vitro
and do not exert any mechanical forces on the tablets even
Release Testing of Novel / Special Dosage Forms; AAPS
when agitating with a high dip rate. This testing summarized
:PharmSciTech 2003; 4 (1) Article 7, January 2003
that the use of Apparatus 3 methods with beads of proper
size and density supply additional mechanical stress that is 2. Uros Klancar, Bostjan Markun, Sasa Baumgartner, and Igor
advantageous for evaluating matrix tablets where erosion is Legen; A Novel Beads-Based Dissolution Method for the In Vitro
involved in the release mechanism. Additionally, beads may Evaluation of Extended Release HPMC Matrix Tablets and the
be useful in future studies since robust matrix formulations Correlation with the In Vivo Data, The AAPS Journal, Vol. 15,
that are bioequivalent to the reference product could be No. 1, January 2013
planned during early stages of the development.2

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AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2

BRYAN CRIST, SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

ADDRESSING DISSOLUTION COMPLIANCE

THROUGH AGILENT LEARNING RESOURCES
Agilent remains committed to providing the highest • D
 issolution 1-on-1:
quality analytical instrumentation to the pharmaceutical http://dissolution.chem.agilent.com/learn/dissolution-1-on-1/
industry. Along with that commitment, we provide a range Agilent’s free dissolution course is a self-paced training
of information that is readily available to you through resource that provides theoretical knowledge of how and why
educational materials, seminars, and contact tools that keep dissolution testing is performed.
scientists updated on Agilent products and applications as
well as current compendial and regulatory requirements. • D
 issolution Hotline:
Agilent’s Dissolution Exchange (http://dissolution.chem. [email protected] Our team of dissolution
agilent.com/) provides numerous opportunities for learning, experts is ready to assist with questions ranging from Agilent
solving, and discussing dissolution-related issues. Here is a dissolution products and components to application issues
sampling of Agilent dissolution resources: and parts.

Agilent also offers numerous dissolution seminars

including one-hour sessions on various topics,
Dissolution Compliance Workshops, and
full-day seminars on Fundamentals of Dissolution
• D
 issolution Discussion Group (DDG): and Method Development.
http://www.dissolution.com/ The DDG is an independent
forum that gives you the opportunity to anonymously discuss Several titles and abstracts from our ongoing Dissolution
issues that challenge the industry and affect the day-to-day Compliance Workshops are provided to give a flavor of our
task of developing, performing, and validating dissolution offerings being presented worldwide.
tests and related chemical analysis.
Compendial Updates Pertaining to Dissolution
• D
 DG Online WebEx: Novel dosage forms and issues with crosslinking have
http://www.dissolution.com/ See recordings on DDG required a change in standard procedures to accommodate
homepage. Conducted quarterly, our online meetings concern a more accurate and precise determination of drug product
hot topics in dissolution and drug release testing. These performance. Of the several chapters we will discuss, we
one-hour meetings feature experts in the dissolution industry will initially review the proposal to introduce new enzymes in
discussing challenges in dissolution testing. <711> to address crosslinking in gelatin capsules between

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER

the pH range of about 4.0–6.5. This has presented issues in Implementation of Enhanced Mechanical
the past where the activity of the present enzymes, pepsin Qualification (eMQ) of Dissolution
and pancreatin, have not possessed sufficient activity in this Apparatus 1 and 2
pH range to deal with crosslinking issues. We will also discuss Whether apparatus calibration is performed in-house by
changes in the USP <1092> chapter on dissolution method analysts and metrologists or it is outsourced, the spirit of
development and validation to cover the reorganization of the alternative approach to dissolution apparatus periodic
the chapter, as well as the additions and clarifications that qualification is to maintain the apparatus in top condition
address automated dissolution sampling. Lastly, we will and alignment, which is seen by industry and regulatory
evaluate <1724> for the performance testing of ointments, as an improvement over the USP Performance Verification
creams, and gels with the immersion cell method, which Test. We will discuss the five steps of implementation in
utilizes traditional dissolution apparatus modified for small detail: certification of components, periodic maintenance,
volume with the addition of the Enhancer Cell. measurements, evaluation of components at time of use,
and the laboratory procedures required to control significant
FDA Draft Guidance for Industry: Dissolution sources of variability due to vessel quality, de-aeration, and
Testing and Specification Setting for BCS Class 1 vibration. Although the eMQ is becoming widely accepted,
and 3 Drugs shortcomings in implementation have caused warning letters
Although presented in draft form, this guidance provided for omitting portions of the implementation, not thoroughly
clear insight into the agency’s thinking on standardizing the documenting the frequency of parameter measurement, or
testing of drug products that are not rate limited in terms of failing to properly evaluate the apparatus and components on
solubility. We will review the proposed standard test methods an ongoing basis.
for BCS Class 1 and Class 3, high solubility dosage forms for
the paddle and basket methods, along with the rationale for
the individual parameters. We will also address the possibility
of utilizing the disintegration test for some products where
greater than 85% release is achieved in 85 minutes or less.

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AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2

DAN SPISAK, DISSOLUTION PRODUCT MANAGER, KAREN KRAUEL-GÖLLNER, DISSOLUTION PRODUCT

AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. SUPPORT, AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC.

AGILENT 850-DS 850-DS 8-CHANNEL

SAMPLING STATION – FILTER PLATES –
FIRMWARE 2.0 0.2 μm NOW AVAILABLE

Figure 3. Agilent 850-DS Sampling Station Figure 4. New 0.2 µm Filter Plates Loaded in the 850-DS Filter Module

You talked. We listened. GE Whatman has increased their offering of 8-channel filter
plates for use in the Agilent 850-DS Sampling Station and
And we have new firmware to prove it. now offers additional membrane options including those with
a pore size of 0.2 µm.
The feedback received since the release of the 850-DS
Sampling Station has been overwhelmingly positive. Analysis of dissolution samples is increasingly carried out by
But we’re always trying to improve and, as part of this HPLC and UHPLC. To protect highly sensitive UHPLC columns
process, have incorporated many of the suggested from potential blockage with undissolved particles – and in
improvements collected from our users worldwide. reponse to customer requests – Agilent and GE Whatman have
Key features contained in this release include: collaborated to develop filter plates with this finer pore size.
The following table shows the pore size and membrane options
• D oubling method storage capacity from 20 to 40 available for use with the 850-DS filter module.
• Enabling ejection of the tray during a test to remove
samples for analysis
• Prefill of test tubes or vials prior to the beginning of the test

Along with pump optimization and hardware improvements

along the way, the 850-DS is now better than ever and
continues to lead the way to dependable dissolution
automation. Find out what makes the Agilent solution
your best option for an improved workflow and why your
automated system validation is more likely to pass with
the 850-DS!

Contact your Agilent representative for more information

or request your own demonstration – email us at
[email protected]
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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER

GE Part Pore Size Membrane Material The filter plates are designed to group the filters in a single
Number (μm) manageable plate for ease of use and automated exchange.
7707-3000 0.45 Polytetrafluoroethylene Only the outer physical appearance was modified to a plate
(PTFE) design – the internal product and contact components of
7707-3100 0.45 Nylon the 25 mm disc filters remain unchanged. Whatman filters
and filter plates are supplied by authorized GE Healthcare
7707-3200 0.45 Polyethersulfone (PES)
representatives as well as the Fisher Scientific and VWR
7707-3300 0.7 Glass Microfiber (GMF) network worldwide. Each filter plate consists of eight
7707-3400 0.2 Polytetraflouroethylene individual 25 mm filters configured for use with the Agilent
(PTFE) 850-DS filter changer option. Agilent recommends using
7707-3500 0.2 Nylon each filter plate for a single timepoint to avoid clogging and
7707-3600 0.2 Polyethersulfone (PES) potential carryover issues.

Visit www.gelifesciences.com for more information, especially regarding the A useful guide for validating your choice of filters is available
chemical resistance and recommended applications of the specific filter material. from Agilent at the following link:
Dissolution filter selection is dependent on the specific www.agilent.com/lifesciences/filter_validation
method and the drug formulation under test. The volumetric
accuracy of the 850-DS is dependent on the membrane For questions related to the use of these filter plates, please
type, the pore size, and the cannula filter (Full Flow Filter) feel free to contact Agilent Technologies Dissolution Hotline
being used. The accuracy is also dependent on the drug at [email protected]. Agilent is happy to assist
product and its concentration, the excipient load, and the in resolving problems you may encounter with the 850-DS,
dissolution media; other factors that can impact the volume the filter module, the filter plates, or any dissolution questions
accuracy are the prime volume, pumping speed, and dwell in general.
time (all flexible parameters of the 850-DS). Due to high
pressures encountered with the use of sub-micron filters,
the accuracy specifications for the 850-DS may not
be guaranteed for all filter types and drug products under
certain conditions.

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AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS NEWSLETTER VOLUME 16 ISSUE 2

QUESTIONS YOU ASKED ?

We are routinely asked for input on applications or our instruments. The following are excerpts
we thought you’d find interesting.

Question: My customer is getting low dissolution results on drastically change dissolution results. Also, please evaluate
a sugar coating dosage form using Apparatus 2. Do you have the physical parameters of the apparatus generating the
any dissolution experience with sugar coating tablet? If not, results to ensure vessel temperature and rotational speed are
where can I find the proper method? accurate, since these are often implicated in low test results.
Answer: There are a large number of sugar coated tablets Lastly, filter validation and not wasting enough sample to
on the market, many of which use Apparatus 2. To evaluate properly condition a filter may also contribute to low results.
whether the proper method is being used, if the product
is generic, they may wish to compare the method to the Question: How can I deal with foaming in Apparatus 3 when
established method for a particular generic product. using surfactants?
I would suggest that the customer consult the FDA dissolution Answer: Surfactants can be very challenging to deal with
data base: for Apparatus 3 since the dipping will create foaming very
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/dissolution/ quickly and can even result in the media foaming over
Secondly, there is a new Dissolution Method Database that the vessels. The best way to handle foaming is to add an
has just been offered by USP: anti-foaming agent such as simethicone to the dissolution
http://www.usp.org/usp-nf/overview/compendial-tools/ media. Antifoaming agents can usually be used in very low
usp-dissolution-methods-database concentrations (0.1–0.5%) and generally do not impact
By the way, sugar coating is sometimes problematic for the the chromatography or the dissolution itself.
formulators, as the thickness of the applied coating can

Learn more about Agilent Dissolution Solutions

www.agilent.com/chem/dissolution

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Printed in the USA, April 14, 2016
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