Febuxostat loaded β-cyclodextrin based nanosponge tablet: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Purpose Febuxostat is non-purine, selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase for treatment of gout. It exhibits poor bioavailability. The goal of the present study was to enhance the oral bioavailability of Febuxostat through β-Cyclodextrin nanosponges, subsequently reduce the dose and side effects. Methods Nanosponges were formed by cross-linking β-Cyclodextrin with carbonate bonds using different molar ratio (1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10 β-Cyclodextrin: crosslinker). Drug was incorporated by solvent evaporation method. Nanosponge formulations were evaluated and formulations that released (≥ 30%) at first hour followed by controlling the release (≥ 75%) at 6 h were further evaluated and tableted by direct compression. The optimum tablet formulations based upon drug release were investigated for accelerated stability testing and for comparative bioavailability with a marketed product. Results SEM illustrates porous and sponge like structure. DSC and FTIR studies confirmed the formation of nanosponges and encapsulation of Febuxostat within it. The zeta-potentials were high (− 21.5 to − 32.3 mV). The particle sizes were between 224.7 and 305.6 nm. The in vitro release study showed a biphasic release pattern. Oral bioavailability of selected formulation and marketed product showed enhanced C max (1655.0 ± 18.5 vs. 1592.7 ± 95.9 ng/mL) and AUC 0−∞ (14,576.7 ± 1681.7 vs. 6449.7 ± 677.1 ng h/mL). The relative bioavailability was found to be 217.9%. Conclusion Nanosponges is a feasible approach to improve the oral bioavailability of Febuxostat.