Stabilizing Effect of β-Cyclodextrin on Limaprost, a PGE1 Derivative, in Limaprost Alfadex Tablets (Opalmon®) in Highly Humid Conditions

Stabilization against humidity of Limaprost (a prostaglandin E-1 derivative), which is currently marketed as Opalmon (R), was undertaken using beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD). Aqueous solutions of Limaprost alfadex/dextran 40 were lyophilized with and without beta-CD. Limaprost alfadex lyophilized with beta-CD was more chemically stable in humid conditions than that without beta-CD. Moreover, the addition of beta-CD as an excipient to tablets of these lyophilized composites remarkably improved the stability of Limaprost, and Limaprost in this moisture-resistant formulation was chemically stable for 19 weeks at 30 degrees C, 75% relative humidity (R.H.). Chemical analysis of Limaprost and its degradation products indicated that degradation proceeded in the inclusion form (i.e., within the CD cavity). Solid H-2-NMR spectroscopic studies showed that beta-CD constrained the molecular mobility of water in the solid state. These results suggested that the stabilization of Limaprost by beta-CD was at least partly due to the restricted molecular mobility of water, which acted as a catalytic species for the degradation, and also to the protection of the five-membered ring of Limaprost from water catalytic dehydration through inclusion complex formation with beta-CD.