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Hierarchial model approach and experimental validation for typical drug discovery system dissolution profile predictions (ModelDrug)

Project/agreement No.
lzp-2023/1-0078
Project funding
300 000.00 EUR, co-financing by the project's cooperation partner, the University of Latvia: 137 055.00 EUR
Project manager
doc. Agnese Brangule
Project realization
01.01.2024. - 31.12.2026.

Aim

The project’s overall aim is to create a drug dissolution model based on the application of surrogate modelling by applying Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and drug release/disintegration kinetics approaches to reduce resources (human, chemical, etc.) and environmental impacts.

Description

The project scientific objectives of the proposed 3-year project are:

  1. to define experiment and model variables based on Drug Release Model (DRM) Tablet parameters, DRM calibration, CFD model, and drug release kinetics variables;
  2. to develop a surrogate model based on the CFD simulations for USP1 and USP2 dissolution apparatus and develop a kinetic model for predicting drug release profiles;
  3. to develop a fast simulation toolkit for rapid reliable targeted drug delivery system design.

The research project will focus on a modelling of a meaningful and predictive dissolution process for drug delivery systems to reduce experimental effort and increase the quality of planning experiments and model building. To implement the ModelDrug Project and to reach a meaningful dissolution process we will use two main factors that influence the processes in the drug delivery: diffusion and dissolution flow around the drug product, and kinetics of dissolution/disintegration. The ModelDrug project will study and model these processes separately and then combine them into one common model. The developed toolkit ModelDrugSmart will be applicable to simplify pharmaceutical manufacturing and future 3D drug release systems.

Outcomes to be achieved

  • Four original scientific articles submitted to journals included in WoS/SCOPUS databases;
  • participation in at least six international scientific conferences;
  • the development of one data set;
  • one project proposal application submitted to an international or national research and development project call;
  • successful defence of two master's theses.

Read more on the RSU Research Portal

 

Project-related activities

Conferences

  • 12–14 Sept 2024. International Conference 10th BBBB Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
    Project partner Normunds Jekabsons (Institute of Physics, University of Latvia) presented: Uncertainties in drug dissolution tests - identification and CFD evaluation of factors limiting the accuracy of the USP2 test
    Authors: Normunds Jekabsons¹, Sabine Upnere¹, Arturs Lacis¹, Iluta Žīgure², Ance Bārzdiņa², Jhaleh Amirian², Agnese Brangule²
    ¹ Institute of Physics, University of Latvia, Latvia
    ² Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Rīga Stradiņš University
    Conference Abstract Book
  • 21–22 Mar 2024. RSU International Student Conference 2024, Riga, Latvia
    Iluta Žīgure. Oral presentation Optimization Of Drug Delivery Systems by Modeling Dissolution Processes
    Awarded 2nd place in the Health Sciences section: Biochemistry / Physiology / Pharmacy / Pharmacology
  • 9 Febr 2024. Zoom conference organized by the Latvian Pharmacists Association. Pharmacy Students' Research Achievements and Current Information from National Institutions Relevant to Pharmacy Professionals 2024
    Iluta Žīgure. Oral presentation Optimization of Drug Delivery Systems by Modeling Dissolution Processes
  • 22 Mar 2024.82nd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia
    Oral presentation by project partner Normunds Jekabsons.
    Authors: Normunds Jekabsons (UL), Agnese Brangule (RSU), Sabīne Upnere (UL), Artūrs Lācis (UL), Iluta Žīgure (RSU), Ance Bārzdiņa (RSU), Jhaleh Amirian (RSU) Dissolution in Oral Drug Delivery Systems, Project ModelDrug
    Conference Abstract
  • 21 Febr 2025
    Researcher Normunds Jekabsons from the Institute of Physics, University of Latvia participated in the 83rd International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia with the presentation Insights into diffusion-controlled dissolution processes in solid dosage drug tablets through LES and surrogate models: a case study analysis
    Authors: Dr Sabine Upnere1, Dr Normunds Jekabsons1, Mr Arturs Lacis1, Ms Ance Bārzdiņa2, Ms Daniela Paula Prudņikova2, Ms Una Lote Vitolina2, Dr Baiba Mauriņa3, Dr Agnese Brangule2
    1 Institute of Physics of University of Latvia
    2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University; Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Rīga Technical University
    3 Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University
    Conference Programme
  • 27 Mar 2025
    Researcher Agnese Brangule from the Institute of Physics, University of Latvia participated in the RSU-organised International Conference on Medical and Health Research "Knowledge for Use in Practice" with the presentation Surrogate Models in Pharmaceutical Dissolution Testing: Case Study
    Authors: Dr Sabine Upnere1, Dr Normunds Jekabsons1, Mr Arturs Lacis1, Ms Ance Bārzdiņa2, Ms Daniela Paula Prudņikova2, Ms Una Lote Vitolina2, Dr Baiba Mauriņa3, Dr Agnese Brangule2
    1 Institute of Physics of University of Latvia
    2 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University; Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence, Headquarters at Rīga Technical University
    3 Department of Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Rīga Stradiņš University
    Conference Abstract Book

Master's Thesis 

Iluta Žīgure Optimization of Drug Delivery Systems by Modeling Dissolution Processes
Supervisor: Dr. sc. ing. Agnese Brangule 

Other Activities

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