Solid lipid nanoparticles as drug carriers for topical glucocorticoids

Recent investigations both in vitro and in human subjects proved the benefi t/risk ratio of prednicarbate (PC) to exceed those of halogenated topical g lucocorticoids about 2-fold. To obtain a further highly desired increase by drug targeting to viable epidermis. PC was incorporated into solid lipid n anoparticles (SLN). Keratinocyte and fibroblast monolayer cultures, reconst ructed epidermis and excised human skin served to evaluate SLN toxicity and PC absorption. Well-tolerated preparations (e.g. cellular viability 94.5%, following 18 h incubation of reconstructed epidermis) were obtained. PC pe netration into human skin increased by 30% as compared to PC cream, permeat ion of reconstructed epidermis increased even 3-fold. The present study sho ws the great potential of SLN to improve drug absorption by the skin. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.