Enhanced transport in a therapeutic transdermal system

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) offer advantages over conventional routes.
• Controlled release of enhancers and drugs via TDDS requires careful material selection and formulation.
• Ethanol's role as a penetration enhancer and its controlled release in TDDS warrant investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechanically stable transdermal therapeutic device incorporating ethanol.
• To evaluate the controlled delivery of ethanol and drug through the skin.
• To assess the long-term stability and adhesion of the developed transdermal system.

Main Methods:

• Screening of various control membrane laminates for swelling and adhesion.
• Equilibration of membrane laminates with ethanolic solutions.
• In vitro skin permeation analysis to determine ethanol flux.
• Development and testing of a reservoir-type transdermal system.

Main Results:

• Identification of a mechanically stable control membrane laminate.
• Linear relationship observed between ethanol flux and ethanol volume fraction.
• Constant in vitro ethanol skin permeation rates maintained for 24 hours.
• Stable adhesion of the transdermal reservoir device over 16 weeks at 40°C.

Conclusions:

• A transdermal therapeutic device incorporating ethanol was successfully developed.
• The device ensures controlled release of drug and ethanol through the skin for 24 hours.
• The system exhibits excellent mechanical stability and long-term adhesion, suitable for therapeutic applications.