Enhancing the Bioavailability of Cyclosporine A Using Solid Dispersion Containing Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate

ABSTRACT

Solid dispersion containing polyoxyethylene (40) stearate and cyclosporine A was prepared by solvent-melt method and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR). Dissolution of the drug from solid dispersion was dramatically enhanced compared to that from the drug powder alone and physical mixture. In vivo oral bioavailability of cyclosporine A from the solid dispersion in Wistar rats was comparable to that from a commercial product, Sandimmun Neoral® (P > 0.05). The formulation is stable up to six months under 30°C/RH60% and one year at 25°C/RH 60% when packed in aluminum-polyethylene laminated bags.