Doaa Ahmed ElSetouhy

Leflunomide, the disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug was formulated as microspheres for prolonged drug release in the form of intraarticular injection. Eight formulations were developed using three biodegradable PDLG polymers (lactide/glycolide copolymer) and polycaprolactone (PLC) at two drug:polymer ratios (1:2 and 1:4). Solvent evaporation method was employed using polyvinyl alcohol or hydropxypropyl methylcellulose as stabilizers. Formulations were assessed for encapsulation efficiency, yield, particle size, release pattern and SEM. F6 (PDLG 5010), with appropriate particle size and prolonged drug release, was chosen for in-vivo studies using arthritis induced rats, which were intrarticularly injected with F6 or took oral Avara(®). Nuclear factor-kappa B measurements and histopathologic studies were conducted. There was significant reduction of inflammation caused by both F6 and oral Avara(®). Histopathologic studies showed minimal infiltration by chronic inflammatory cells and no angiogenesis in F6 compared to Avara(®). Results also revealed biocompatibility of the polymer used.

Granisetron hydrochloride is a potent antiemetic yet experiencing first pass metabolism. Ketorolac tromethamine is a potent analgesic NSAID that is known to cause gastrointestinal complications. The purpose of this study is to prepare combined in situ nasal copolymer thermal gel combining both drugs for the management of postoperative and cancer associated nausea, vomiting and pain while avoiding the problems associated with their therapy. In situ gelling nasal formulations with/without different mucoadhesive polymers were prepared and evaluated. Viscosity of different formulations was measured and correlated to in-vitro drug release. Selected formulae were evaluated for in-vivo mucociliary transit time. Based on in-vitro release pattern and mucociliary transit time, the selected formula F4 was evaluated for chemical and thermal anti-nociception activity in rats following intranasal or intraperitoneal administration. Only the intra-nasal administration of the selected formulation F4 showed significant analgesia against chemical nociception during both the early and late phases. Also, intranasal administration of the selected formulation F4 showed significant analgesia against thermal nociception. F4 intranasal formulation may offer higher therapeutic value than oral administration as it may not only avoid granisetron first pass metabolism but may also minimize ketorolac gastrointestinal adverse effects as well.