lxt-101 and 1-2-dipalmitoylphosphatidylglycerol

In this study, sustained-release of GnRH antagonist peptide LXT-101 was realized through oil formulation, and their releasing characteristics in vitro and in vivo were investigated. In this formulation, the static interaction between cationic charged peptide LXT-101 and the negative charged phospholipid led to the formation of the phospholipid-peptide complex, by which LXT-101 was completely dissolved in oils. This formulation was prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of LXT-101 and empty SUV (small unilamellar liposomes) containing EPC (phosphatidylcholine) and DPPG (1, 2-dipalmitog-sn-glycero-3- phosphoglycerol) at an appropriate ratio, the mixture was subsequently lyophilized, and the resultant was dissolved in the oil to form a clear oily solution containing solubilized peptide LXT-101. With atomic force microscopy combined with Langmuir-Blodgett technology, the morphology of the particles in the oily solution were examined to be oval-shaped and the mean particle size was 150 nm in diameter. In pure water at 37°C, about 70~90 % of LXT-101 was released slowly from the oily formulation over 7 days. An effective sustained suppression of testosterone in beagle dogs could be achieved over a period of seven days with this LXT-101 oily formulation, by i.m. at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg (2 mg/ml). This formulation dramatically improved the bioactivity of LXT-101 compared to its aqueous solution. It was also found that when the concentration of peptide LXT-101 was up to or over 10 mg/ml in aqueous solution, there was no significant difference between the oily formulation and aqueous solution. This fact meant that LXT-101 itself could conduct sustained release in vivo by self-assembly of nanofibers.

Topics: Animals; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dogs; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hormone Antagonists; Injections; Liposomes; Male; Oleic Acid; Oligopeptides; Phosphatidylcholines; Phosphatidylglycerols; Soybean Oil; Testosterone; Triglycerides; Water

LXT-101, a cationic peptide is a novel antagonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) for prostate cancer treatment. However, effective delivery of peptide drugs into the body by the oral route remains a major challenge due to their origin properties with high molecular weights, strong polarity and low stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this study, we have developed a novel oral delivery of oil-based formulation in which therapeutic peptide LXT-101 are solubilized in oils and with this solution as oil phase, an optimum formulation of self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) was developed. The peptide stability with the SMEDDS formulation in artificial gastric and intestinal fluid was tested in vitro. On the other hand, the testosterone level and plasma concentration of LXT-101 in rats after oral administration of the SMEDDS formulation were investigated in vivo. The data in vitro indicated that LXT-101 in the SMEDDS formulation was stable over 8 h in artificial gastric and intestinal fluid. LXT-101 can be absorbed in vivo and suppression of testosterone maintained in castration level within 12 h can be achieved effectively after SMEDDS formulation administered orally at a dose of 3.5 mg/kg. The approach can provide a potential way for delivery peptides by oral.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Animals; Castor Oil; Castration; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hormone Antagonists; Male; Oligopeptides; Pancreatin; Pepsin A; Phosphatidylcholines; Phosphatidylglycerols; Propylene Glycol; Prostatic Neoplasms; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Testosterone