INVESTIGATION OF PRONIOSOMES GEL AS A PROMISING CARRIER FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY OF GLIMEPIRIDE

Objectives: The aim of the study was to develop a proniosomal carrier system that is capable of efficiently delivering entrapped glimepiride over an extended period of time for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Methods: Proniosomal gels were developed based on span 60 with and without cholesterol. The entrapment efficiency of drug inside niosomes developed from hydration of the proniosomes gel was also characterized. The in vitro release and skin permeation of glimepiride from various proniosomes gel formulations were investigated. The stability studies were performed at 4°C and at room temperature. Results: The maximum entrapment efficiency was obtained when the cholesterol concentration was 10% of total lipid (90.02%). In vitro release through mixed cellulose ester membrane showed sustained release of drug from proniosomes gels. In vitro drug permeation across rabbit skin revealed improved drug permeation and higher transdermal flux with proniosomes gels compared to hydro-alcoholic gel of drug. Also, good physical stability was also achieved with proniosomes gels. Kinetics of in vitro skin permeation showed diffusion model of drug release from formulations. Conclusion: The study proved that the concentration of cholesterol had great influence on the properties of proniosomes gels. Hence, proniosomes preparation containing 10% cholesterol can significantly increase trans-epidermal flux and prolong the release of glimepiride.