Development and evaluation of multiparticulate biphasic system for the treatment of circadian diseases

Multiparticulate systems have biopharmaceutical advantages when compared to the monolithic systems, once they allow different patterns of drug release and can be used in different treatments. The aim of the present work was to develop a biphasic controlled release delivery system, using propranolol hydrochloride (PROP) that can be used for the treatment of circadian diseases. This system was obtained by the combination of cellulosic polymers hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and ethylcellulose (EC) in a 2² factorial experimental design, which allowed the optimization of the development stage. The pellets produced and used in biphasic formulations were evaluated for physical and chemical characteristics and presented acceptable results. The immediate fraction obtained showed the complete release in 30 min while the others kept the release of the drug for 24 h. This study showed that the combination of beads with different releasing characteristics allowed to obtain different release profiles, which can be modulated according to the pathological needs, especially with regard to circadian diseases that suffer alterations throughout the day.