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Recent Progression in Nanocarrier based Techniques to Address Fungal Infections and Patent Status in Drug Development
Ravi Pratap Singh1, Raj Kumar Narang1, Amrinder Singh1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142 001, India.
Abstract:
Fungal infections are becoming one of the most common diseases in recent years, especially when it comes about dealing skin infections. Different drugs are available commercially with antifungal activity for topical application and are effective for treatment of mild to moderate fungal infections. However they lack dermal bioavailability due to their poor penetrability, and less retention at the site thereby resulting in poor efficacy. The remaining systemic treatment options available so far may cause adverse drug effects and many other complications. In recent years nano carrier based formulations promised to overcome the limitations of the conventional topical dosage forms. Lipid based nano carriers and their importance for potential use in delivery of antifungal agents for the treatment of superficial fungal infections have been well discussed in this review article. It comprises of different nano lipid systems involved in treatment of topical fungal infections, effect of different polymers on their size, stability, and their mechanistic action behind skin penetration and dermal retention of drug into deeper epidermal layers is also highlighted to depict recent efforts of researchers in this context. Further, addressing of the disease by novel drug delivery systems for the efficacious treatment, status of clinical trials, novel commercial formulations available for use in dermal drug delivery and patents claimed/granted in the respective fields have been discussed in detail.
Insights
Novel nano carrier formulations enhance antifungal drug delivery for skin infections. These advanced lipid-based systems improve drug penetration and retention, offering better efficacy than conventional topical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
Background:
- Fungal skin infections are prevalent, with conventional topical antifungals showing limited efficacy due to poor dermal bioavailability and retention.
- Systemic antifungal treatments carry risks of adverse effects and complications.
- Nanocarrier-based formulations present a promising alternative to overcome limitations of traditional topical drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lipid-based nanocarrier systems for topical antifungal drug delivery.
- To discuss the impact of polymers on nanocarrier characteristics like size and stability.
- To highlight mechanisms of enhanced skin penetration and dermal retention of antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on lipid-based nanocarriers for antifungal applications.
- Analysis of research on polymer effects on nanocarrier properties.
- Discussion of mechanisms for improved drug permeation and retention in the epidermis.
Main Results:
- Lipid-based nanocarriers demonstrate potential for improved delivery of antifungal agents.
- Polymer modification influences nanocarrier size, stability, and skin interaction.
- Nanocarriers facilitate enhanced drug penetration and retention in deeper skin layers.
Conclusions:
- Nanocarrier-based formulations offer a superior approach for treating superficial fungal infections.
- Further research and development in novel drug delivery systems are crucial for efficacious antifungal therapy.
- The review covers clinical trial status, commercial formulations, and relevant patents in dermal drug delivery.
