Design of a Long-Acting Rivastigmine Transdermal Delivery System: Based on Computational Simulation

The purpose of our study was using a computational simulation to develop a long-acting patch of rivastigmine (RVS). A range of patch formulations were screened including pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), pharmaceutical excipients, and controlled release membranes using transfer simulation based on a mathematical model. Diffusion dynamics parameters for simulated operations were acquired through in vitro release tests (IVRT) and in vitro skin permeation tests (IVPT). The mechanism of controlled release was studied by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared), DSC (differential scanning calorimeter) and molecular docking. Results of a rat in vitro permeation profile showed excellent correlation with the in vivo deconvolution profile (R²=0.998). Experiments testified to transfer of RVS at a relatively uniform speed with high skin permeation (2531.2±142.46 μg/cm²) in 72 h. Pharmacokinetic data obtained in vivo also confirmed stable plasma concentrations over 72 h for the optimized patch, and significant prolongation of both T_max (11.20±1.79 h) and MRT_0-t (33.91±5.33 h). C_max was controlled with AUC_0-t (267.34±24.46 h ng/ml), which was closely comparable to parameters of a commercial Exelon® Patch. The successful development of a long-acting patch of RVS thus underscores the potential of computer aided design in a context of promnesic transdermal delivery. Graphical abstract.