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Development of amphotericin B inclusion complex formulation in dissolvable microarray patches for intravaginal
Habiburrahim Burhanuddin1, Cindy Kristina Enggi1, Frederika Tangdilintin1
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, 90245, Indonesia.
Background:
Amphotericin B (AMB) is a drug used to treat vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), which is a fungal infection affecting the vagina and vulva. Nevertheless, the substance's limited capacity to dissolve in water leads to poor absorption when taken orally, hence diminishing its therapeutic efficacy. In order to address this limitation, β-cyclodextrin (βCD) was used to create AMB in the form of an inclusion complex.
Objective:
This study aims to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of AMB by formulating it into an inclusion complex with βCD. Subsequently, we developed dissolvable microarray patches (DMP) as a novel drug delivery system, optimizing the formulation for improved retention, penetration, and controlled release of AMB.
Methods:
The stability of the AMB-βCD inclusion complx (IC) structure has been confirmed by employing molecular docking studies. The formulation of DMP involved the incorporation of IC with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The mechanical strength, ability to be inserted, and propensity to irritate Amphotericin B-Inclusion Complex-Dissolvable Microarray Patches (IC-DMP) were evaluated by laboratory experiments utilizing the porcine vaginal mucosal layer. Further investigations, such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), were performed to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the IC.
Results:
The solubility of the pure medication was greatly enhanced up to fourfold by the inclusion complex. The assessment of IC-DMP exhibited exceptional mechanical robustness and insertion abilities, with no indications of discomfort. Among the formulas tested in ex vivo vaginal kinetic experiments, Formula F3 had the most effective retention in the porcine vaginal mucosal layer. It had an AUC value of 208.02 ± 0.33 h.µg/cm3 and the highest Cmax value of 20.05 ± 0.06 µg/cm3. Therefore, Formula F3 was the most efficient formula in terms of vaginal drug delivery.
Conclusion:
The integration of IC into the DMP system significantly enhances the solubility and bioavailability of AMB, facilitating its absorption in the circulatory system when applied intravaginally for vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment. These promising initial findings support further clinical evaluation of this novel drug delivery system.
Insights
Amphotericin B (AMB) solubility and vaginal delivery were improved using a novel dissolvable microarray patch (DMP) with a β-cyclodextrin (βCD) inclusion complex. This enhanced drug absorption for vulvovaginal candidiasis treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Mycology
Background:
- Amphotericin B (AMB) is crucial for treating vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC).
- Poor oral absorption of AMB limits its therapeutic effectiveness.
- β-cyclodextrin (βCD) inclusion complexes enhance AMB solubility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve AMB solubility and bioavailability via a βCD inclusion complex.
- To develop a novel dissolvable microarray patch (DMP) for enhanced AMB vaginal delivery.
- To optimize DMP formulation for drug retention, penetration, and controlled release.
Main Methods:
- Molecular docking confirmed AMB-βCD inclusion complex (IC) stability.
- DMP formulated with IC, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
- Porcine vaginal mucosa used to evaluate DMP mechanical strength, insertion, and irritation; Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) assessed physicochemical properties.
Main Results:
- AMB solubility increased up to fourfold with the inclusion complex.
- IC-DMP demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and insertion without irritation.
- Formula F3 showed superior retention in porcine vaginal mucosa (AUC: 208.02 ± 0.33 h·µg/cm³, Cmax: 20.05 ± 0.06 µg/cm³), indicating optimal vaginal drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Integrating IC into DMP significantly boosts AMB solubility and bioavailability for intravaginal application.
- This novel DMP system enhances AMB absorption for VVC treatment.
- Further clinical studies are warranted for this promising drug delivery system.
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