A simplified approach for estimating skin permeation parameters from in vitro finite dose absorption studies

Historically, percutaneous absorption permeation parameters have been derived from in vitro infinite dose studies, yet there is uncertainty in their accuracy if the applied vehicle saturates or damages the stratum corneum, or when the permeation parameters are inappropriately derived from cumulative absorption data. An approach is provided for determining penetration parameters from in vitro finite dose data. Key variables, and equations for their derivation, are identified from the literature and provide permeation parameters that use only Tmax , AUC, and AUMC from finite dose data. The equations are tested with computer-generated model data and to actual study data. Derived permeation parameters obtained from the computer model data match those used in generating the simulated finite dose data. Parameters obtained from actual study data reasonably and acceptably model the penetration profile kinetics of the study data. From in vitro finite dose absorption data, three parameters can be obtained: the diffusion transit time (td ), which characterizes the diffusion coefficient, the partition volume (Vm P), which characterizes the partition coefficient, and the permeation coefficient (Kp ). These parameters can be obtained from finite dose data without having to know the length of the diffusion pathway through the membrane.