Enhanced dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by microenvironmental pH‐regulated ternary solid dispersion: in‐vitro and in‐vivo evaluation

Objectives Nateglinide, an Antidiabetic drug (BCS II), shows pH‐dependent solubility and variable bioavailability. The purpose of study was to increase dissolution and bioavailability of Nateglinide by development of its microenvironmental pH‐regulated ternary solid dispersion (MeSD). Methods MeSD formulation of Nateglinide, poloxamer‐188 and Na2CO3 was prepared by melt dispersion in 1 : 2 : 0.2 w/w ratio and further characterised for solubility, In‐vitro dissolution, microenvironmental pH, crystallinity/amorphism, physicochemical interactions, bioavailability in Wistar rats. Key findings Solubility of Nateglinide was increased notably in MeSD, and its in‐vitro dissolution study showed fourfold increase in the dissolution, particularly in 1.2 pH buffer. Prominent reduction in the peak intensity of X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and absence of endotherm in DSC thermogram confirmed the amorphism of Nateglinide in MeSD. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between Nateglinide and poloxamer‐188. In‐vivo study indicated that MeSD exhibited fourfold increase in area under curve over Nateglinide. Tmax of MeSD was observed at 0.25 h, which is beneficial for efficient management of postprandial sugar. Instead of mere transformation of the Nateglinide to its amorphous form as evidenced by DSC and XRPD, formation of a soluble carboxylate compound of Nateglinide in MeSD was predominantly responsible for dissolution and bioavailability enhancement. Conclusions The study demonstrates the utility of MeSD in achieving pH‐independent dissolution, reduced Tmax and enhanced bioavailability of Nateglinide.