COMPARISON OF DIFFUSION STUDIES OF HYDROCORTISONE BETWEEN THE FRANZ CELL AND THE ENHANCER CELL

The Franz diffusion cell remains a popular method to study diffusion o f transdermal drug delivery systems through membranes. Recently, VanKe l Industries, Inc., (Edison, NJ) developed the ''Enhancer Cell,'' a ne w device for in vitro transdermal drug diffusion testing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the enhancer cell for in vitro transderm al diffusion of hydrocortisone from an ointment using a synthetic memb rane and a biological membrane and compare it to the traditionally emp loyed Franz cell. The Enhancer cell utilizes existing USP dissolution equipment (USP Apparatus II). Results show a higher cumulative release from the Enhancer cell as compared to the Franz cell. The Enhancer ce ll demonstrated more durability and was easier to use during experimen tation and after completion of the experiment no apparent change was o bserved in the condition of the ointment or the skin when compared to the Franz cell.