Dissolution and absorption of the antineoplastic agent ellipticine.

Ellipticine, a poorly water-soluble alkaloid, is active in several experimental tumor systems. Marked solubility increases were produced by polyvinylpyrrolidone of varying molecular weights (10,000--160,000) and were optimal (approximately 13 mg/ml at 25 degrees) with polyvinylpyrrolidone mol. wt 10,000. Dissolution of ellipticine--polyvinylpyrrlidone (1:22 w/w) tablets in simulated gastric juice was superior to that of ellipticine hydrochloride polymers without affecting maximum dissolution at 37 degrees. Physiological disposition of ellipticine--polyvinylpyrrolidone was compared with that of the hydrochloride salt and ellipticine in suspension following oral administration at 250 mg/kg in fasted mice. In comparison to the suspension, ellipticine tissue levels were about threefold higher with polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydrochloride preparations. Antitumor activity of the three preparations was evaluated intraperitonneally and orally versus L-1210 leukemia. The optimal dose of ellipticine--polyvinylpyrrolidone and ellipticine hydrochloride was lower than that of the suspension and suggested improved absorption.