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Development and Optimization of an Eplerenone-Loaded Liposomal In Situ Gel for Enhanced Intranasal Delivery
Juste Baranauskaite1, Ipek Ceken1, Asta Kubiliene2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yeditepe University, 34755 Istanbul, Turkey.
Pharmaceutics
|June 26, 2026
Summary
This study developed an optimized intranasal Eplerenone (EPL) delivery system using liposomes in situ gel (Elip-GG). This novel formulation enhances sustained drug release in the nasal cavity, offering a promising alternative for hypertension treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Eplerenone (EPL) is a hydrophilic antihypertensive drug.
- Oral and parenteral delivery methods have limitations.
- Intranasal delivery offers potential for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize an intranasal delivery system for Eplerenone (EPL).
- To incorporate EPL-loaded liposomes (Elip) into an in situ gellan gum gel (Elip-GG).
- To achieve prolonged nasal residence time and sustained drug release.
Main Methods:
- Liposomes (Elip) were prepared via thin-film hydration and optimized for encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size (MPS), polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP).
- Elip was incorporated into a gellan gum (GG) in situ gel to form Elip-GG.
- Elip-GG was evaluated for pH, viscosity, rheology, mechanical properties, and in vitro release.
Main Results:
- Optimal Elip formulation achieved 86.3% EE, 86.56 nm MPS, 0.29 PDI, and -29.86 mV ZP.
- Elip-GG demonstrated sustained release, with over 93% cumulative drug release within 2.5 hours.
- The Elip-GG formulation significantly enhanced sustained intranasal release of Eplerenone.
Conclusions:
- The developed Elip-GG system is a promising intranasal delivery strategy for Eplerenone.
- This system offers an effective alternative to conventional oral and parenteral routes for hydrophilic antihypertensives.
- Further research may explore its clinical efficacy and safety profile.
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