Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (MSP), University of Toledo, 2017, Pharmaceutical Sciences (Industrial Pharmacy)
Purpose: Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) is characterized by multiple periodic or chronic ischemic or hypoxic attacks (vasospastic attacks) to distal arteries provoked by a drop in environmental temperature or emotional distress. An effective FDA approved first-line treatment of RP is still nonexistent. Preliminary studies indicate that the overexpression of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM-8) results in increased cold sensitivity in RP subject's skin, fibroblasts and endothelial cells and antagonizing this receptor protein might be a potential therapeutic approach for RP treatment. Econazole nitrate (EN), as a cold sensing TRPM-8 antagonist, could be used in treating RP. The purpose of this work was to design and characterize a novel topical formulation of EN for treating RP.
Methods: Four topical dosage forms (F1_topical solution, F2_HPMC dispersion, F3_ VersaBase® cream and F4_Lipoderm® Activemax™ Cream) containing 3% w/w EN were prepared and characterized for drug content, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug crystallinity and stability. In vitro permeation of EN from the formulations was carried out using Franz cells across pig ear skin and results were compared with the marketed EN cream.
Results: All four formulations had desired physical and visual characteristics with 3% w/w EN. The pH of all formulations was found to be in between 4 and 5, with a drug content around 95%-105%. Viscosity and spreadability values for formulations F1, F2, F3 and F4 were 89.4, 1116, 20938, 6875 cps and 37.75, 24.89, 4.00 and 5.22 g.cm/sec, respectively. Based on the Franz cell study, the order of amount of drug permeated from highest to lowest was F2 (10.27%) > F4 (2.47%) > F1 (2.28%) > F3 (1.47%) > marketed formulation (0.22%). The measures of permeability and flux from highest to lowest were F2 > F4 > F1 > F3 > marketed formulation with a lag time of 3.93 h, 5.85 h, 5.16 h, 6.04 h and 5.88 h, respectively. Formulation F2 showed better pen (open full item for complete abstract)
Committee: Sai HS. Boddu (Committee Chair); Jerry Nesamony (Committee Member); Caren Steinmiller (Committee Member)
Subjects: Medicine; Pharmaceuticals