Enhanced skin penetration of Finasteride loaded DMSO-liposomes for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: comparison with conventional liposomes

Ramkar, S; Kaurav, M; Sudheesh, MS; Pandey, RS

Abstract

Long-term treatment with finasteride (FIN) for androgenic alopecia is restricted due to its systemic side effects. To address this problem, DMSO-modified liposomes were prepared in the present study to improve the topical delivery of FIN. DMSO-liposomes were prepared by a modification of the ethanol injection method. It was hypothesized that the permeation-enhancing property of DMSO could promote drug delivery to deeper skin layer where hair follicles are present. Liposomes were optimized by quality by design (QbD) approach and biologically evaluated in a rat model of testosterone-induced alopecia. Optimized DMSO-liposomes were spherical and had mean vesicle size, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of 330.1 +/- 1.5, -14.52 +/- 1.32, and 59.02 +/- 1.12%, respectively. Biological evaluation on testosterone-induced alopecia and skin histology shows that follicular density and anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio were increased in rats treated with DMSO-liposomes as compared to FIN-liposomes without DMSO and an alcoholic solution of FIN applied topically. DMSO-liposomes could be promising skin delivery vehicles for FIN or similar drugs.

Keywords: Androgenic alopecia; Finasteride; penetration enhancers; stratum corneum; liposomes

Related products/services

Liposome System

DMSO liposomes have emerged as a promising treatment in the field of hair loss due to their unique ability to enhance drug delivery to hair follicles. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is known for its excellent solvent properties and ability to penetrate biological membranes. When encapsulated in liposomes, DMSO can facilitate the transport of therapeutic agents directly to the hair follicles, improving the efficacy of hair loss treatments. Liposomes, which are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers, protect the encapsulated drugs from degradation and provide a controlled release mechanism. This targeted delivery system ensures that active ingredients, such as minoxidil or finasteride, are efficiently delivered to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and reducing hair loss. Additionally, the biocompatibility and low toxicity of liposomes make them suitable for topical application. Clinical studies have demonstrated that DMSO liposomes enhance the absorption and effectiveness of hair loss treatments, offering a promising solution for individuals suffering from alopecia.