Pharmaceuticals
Development and Evaluation of a Novel Inhalable Liposomal Powder Co-Encapsulating ASSNAC and Pirfenidone via Spray Freeze-Drying for Targeted Pulmonary Fibrosis Therapy
By Qinxiu Zhang, Shouwei Sun, Miaomiao Lu and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disease with limited therapies. Oral Pirfenidone (PFD), an approved anti-fibrotic, shows poor lung bioavailability and significant toxicity. S-Allylmercapto-N-acetylcysteine (ASSNAC) has been demonstrated to possess significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Methods
In this study, dry powder inhaler formulations (DPIs) co-encapsulating ASSNAC and PFD in liposomes are reported. The formulation was prepared via spray freeze-drying (SFD) using L-leucine as both a cryoprotectant and a surface morphology modifier. The interfacial enrichment of L-leucine during atomization and freezing created a hydrophobic, corrugated surface that lowered particle surface energy, prevented liquid/solid bridge formation, and reduced hygroscopicity.
