Self-implanted tiny needles as alternative to traditional parenteral administrations for controlled transdermal drug delivery

Publication date: Available online 13 December 2018Source: International Journal of PharmaceuticsAuthor(s): Bo Zhi Chen, Yuan Yang, Bei Bei Wang, Mohammad Ashfaq, Xin Dong GuoAbstractControlled drug-delivery systems have potential as substitutes for traditional medication systems due to the advantages in safety, efficacy, and patient compliance that these long-acting dosage forms provide. In this context, the present study focus on the development of self-implanted hyaluronic acid (HA) tiny needles that encapsulate ivermectin (IVM)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for controlled transdermal IVM release to treat parasitic diseases. The fabricated tiny needles involved matching portable applicator have potentially able for self-administration by patients without intense pain or complexity of current controlled-release devices. The biodegradable IVM-loaded PLGA microparticles were prepared and encapsulated within the tip of dissolving HA tiny needles to achieve high delivery efficiency. The drug loading of tiny needles might be controlled by varying the repeat time of filling or pressing processes. In-vitro tests showed that the tiny needles have sufficient mechanical strength to be inserted into skin within seconds and, next rapidly dissolved to release the loaded drug carriers into subcutaneous tissues for intradermal sustained IVM release. With the in-vivo test in rats, the insertion site recovered barrier property within 3 h. In comparison to traditi...
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research