Bioequivalence controlled-release formulations

If pharmacokinetics are dependent on dose or time, or a slow-release formulation is being studied, it is necessary to examine bioequivalence at steady state. For controlled-release formulations which are intended to produce relatively flat concentration-time profiles, an index of fluctuation is required, for example - Cn,jj])/C. A study at steady state may also be needed if the assay is not sensitive enough to quantify plasma concentrations of drug up to four half-lives after a single dose. Sometimes it is not technically feasible to assay a drug in plasma and it may then the justifiable to compare bioavailability by the total amount of drug excreted in urine, or pharmacodynamic data may be used, but these cases are exceptions. 

An NDA can be submitted for a previously unapproved new molecular entity, or for a new salt, new ester, prodrug, or other noncovalent derivative of a previously approved new molecular entity, formulated as a modihed-release drug product. The first modified-release drug product for a previously approved immediate-release drug product should be submitted as an NDA. Subsequent modified-release products that are pharmaceutically equivalent and bioequivalent to the listed drug product should be submitted as ANDAs. BA requirements for the NDA of an extended-release product are listed in 320.25(f). The purpose of an in vivo BA study for which a controlled-release claim is made is to determine if all of the following conditions are met. 

Figure 2.5 Stages in drug absorption from an extravascular administration site (stomach, small intestine, intramuscular injection). Only drug in solution is absorbed. If the rate of dissolution (K2) is less than the rate of absorption (K3) then the rate at which drug is released from the dosage form controls absorption. This permits modified or sustained-release formulations, but can also lead to bioequivalence problems.

Narrow therapeutic range drugs Single-dose bioequivalence study. This study may be waived if in vitro/in vivo correlation is established. Changes in release controlling excipients in formulation should be within the range of release controlling excipients in the established correlation. 

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