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Development and Assessment of Acyclovir Gel Plaster Containing Sponge Spicules
Shuang Shan1, Jie Hu1, Zhiyun Zheng2
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, People's Republic of China.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|June 18, 2023
Summary
A new acyclovir gel plaster with sponge spicules enhances skin absorption for herpes simplex virus treatment. This formulation shows improved acyclovir delivery and bioavailability compared to conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Dermatology
Background:
- Acyclovir is effective against herpes simplex virus but has poor topical efficacy due to low skin permeability.
- Transdermal drug delivery aims to improve drug absorption and deposition in the skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an acyclovir gel plaster containing sponge spicules (AGP-SS) for enhanced skin absorption and deposition.
- To evaluate the physical properties, release kinetics, stability, and pharmacokinetic profile of the developed AGP-SS.
Main Methods:
- Orthogonal experiments and Plackett-Burman/Box-Behnken designs were used for formulation optimization.
- Physical characteristics, in vitro release, stability, ex vivo permeation, and skin irritation were assessed.
- Dermatopharmacokinetic studies were conducted to determine acyclovir concentration in the skin.
Main Results:
- The optimized AGP-SS exhibited favorable physical properties and stability.
- In vitro release and ex vivo permeation studies demonstrated significantly higher acyclovir skin permeation for AGP-SS.
- Dermatopharmacokinetic analysis showed increased acyclovir concentration and bioavailability in the skin with AGP-SS compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Acyclovir gel plaster containing sponge spicules (AGP-SS) offers a promising transdermal delivery system.
- AGP-SS significantly enhances acyclovir skin absorption and deposition, particularly in deeper skin layers.
- This formulation holds potential for improved topical treatment of herpes simplex virus infections.
