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Deformable liposomes for dermal administration of methotrexate
Michele Trotta1, Elena Peira, Maria Eugenia Carlotti
1Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Via P. Giuria, Turin 10125, Italy. michele.trotta@unito.it
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|January 17, 2004
Summary
Deformable liposomes enhanced topical delivery of methotrexate (MTX) for psoriasis treatment. Liposomes with dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG) significantly increased MTX skin permeation, showing potential for effective dermal administration.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dermatology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Methotrexate (MTX) is a treatment for psoriasis, but effective dermal delivery remains a challenge.
- Liposomes are promising drug delivery systems, but their efficacy for topical MTX needs optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate deformable liposomes for enhanced dermal administration of methotrexate (MTX).
- To investigate the role of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG) in MTX-loaded liposomes for improved skin permeation.
Main Methods:
- Deformable liposomes were prepared using soybean lecithin (PC) or hydrogenated lecithin (HPC) and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG) at different lipid/KG ratios.
- Liposome characteristics (size, entrapment efficiency) and MTX release kinetics were assessed.
- In vitro skin permeation studies using pig skin and differential scanning calorimetry were performed.
Main Results:
- Liposomes containing KG showed a three- to four-fold increase in MTX permeation compared to water solutions or standard liposomes.
- No significant difference in MTX permeation was observed between PC-KG and HPC-KG liposomes.
- Up to 50% of the administered MTX dose was retained within the skin when using deformable liposomes, indicating effective delivery.
Conclusions:
- Deformable liposomes incorporating dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG) significantly enhance the dermal delivery of methotrexate (MTX).
- These liposomes demonstrate potential as a valuable formulation for the topical treatment of psoriasis, improving drug efficacy and retention in the skin.
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