Synthesis, in vitro skin permeation studies, and PLS-analysis of new naproxen derivatives

To synthesize new naproxen (01) derivatives with amide or ester structures or with a combination of the two (02-15). To compare their physicochemical properties with naproxen esters (16-22) and their respective skin permeation behavior. To study structure-permeation relationships via partial least squares (PLS)-analysis.

Stability, aqueous, and octanol solubility were determined. Lipophilicity and further 53 chemical descriptors were computed. A suitable in-vitro skin permeation model was developed to compare maximal flux (Jmax) of derivatives. Based on these flux data, PLS-analysis was performed to derive structure-permeation relationships.

None of the new derivatives showed an improved flux in comparison to naproxen. This result can be explained by PLS-analysis: skin permeation increases with the solubility both in water and in octanol. For a good permeation, an optimized molecule should exhibit a small volume with a spherical shape. The surface area should be large in relation to volume, as indicated by the rugosity parameter. A clear separation between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic domain (= high amphiphilic moment) is favorable. Lipophilicity is inversely correlated with skin permeation.

PLS-analysis is a valuable tool to derive significant, internally predictive quantitative models for structure-permeation relationships of naproxen derivatives in the above described skin permeation assay.