Design and Evaluation of Sorafenib Tosylate Nanoparticles Including Assessment of IC50 Values using PC Cell Lines

Introduction: Sorafenib tosylate is an anticancer drug used for treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the present research work, Sorafenib tosylate is converted to nanoparticles with an aim to assess its anticancer activity with reduced concentration expecting less side effects of the parent drug.

Objective: The aim of the present research work is preparation of nanoparticles of Sorafenib tosylate, evaluation at in-vitro level and to carry out promising nanoparticles for anti cancer activity for treatment of pancreatic cancer by MTT Assay method using PC cell lines including comparison of IC50 values of sorafenib tosylate nanoparticles and pure drug

Methodology: The nanoparticles of sorafenib were prepared by salting out method using Eudragit S-100, sodium CMC and Zinc sulphate. Eight formulations were tried using varied drug to polymer ratios.

Results: The promising formulation produced with drug to polymer ratio of 1:2 has particle size of 231.6nm and highest dissolution rate 76.2± 0.35% in 60 min and 82.5% in 90 min. These nanoparticles assessed by MTT assay method revealed reasonably reduced IC50 value of 0.848±0.217 compared to 1.92±0.14 in case of pure sorafenib tosylate.

Conclusion: Sorafenib tosylate nanoparticles can be produced successfully by salting out method using drug to polymer (Sorafenib tosylate: Eudragit L-100) ratio of 1:3 by salting out method to possess ideal drug release characteristics. IC50 values of nanoparticles of sorafenib tosylate are reasonably reduced compared to pure drugs indicating very chances of reduced side effects with nanoparticles to treat pancreatic cancer effectively with reduced side effects.