Development of hybrid lipid-polymeric nanoparticles for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen: a proposal for treatment of rheumatic inflammations

• Grant number: 20/07960-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2020
• End date: September 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Grantee: Thais Guimarães Procopio
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating chronic disease, characterized by inflammation of synovial joint tissue, exhibiting symptoms such as pain, swelling and muscle fatigue, which can lead to the destruction of the joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ketoprofen (KET), are widely used for symptomatic treatment of rheumatic diseases, including RA. However, systemic administration of KET is limited, due to its undesired effects on the gastrointestinal tract, such as dyspepsia and ulcerations. Thus, transdermal administration of KET is a promising strategy to avoid such adverse effects, but this use still represents a limited strategy, due to the low permeation of this drug through the skin. Drug delivery systems can be used to overcome this limitation, such as nanoparticles. In this sense, the aim of the present project is the development of hybrid lipid-polymeric nanoparticles (HLPNs) encapsulating KET, as a transdermal proposal for treatment of RA. The study's work plan includes the determination of solubility, partition coefficient, ionization character, KET release and permeation profile, as well as the process of development of HLPNs, characterization and in vitro studies of cutaneous release and distribution of HLPNs.