Tretinoin-loaded liposomal formulations: from lab to comparative clinical study in acne patients.

Topical tretinoin is the most commonly used retinoid for acne. However, its irritative potential on the applied area and the barrier properties of the stratum corneum limit its use. The objective of the present study was to formulate tretinoin liposomal gel to obtain a formula with lower skin irritation potential and greater clinical effect. A statistical 2(4) factorial design was adopted. Sixteen formulae prepared and were properly evaluated. A candidate formula (F13G) prepared with 0.025% tretinoin, phospholipid- cholesterol-dicetylphosphate (9:1:0.01) and incorporated in 1% carbopol gel was selected for skin irritation test. Clinical study was conducted on acne patients and compared to marketed product. All liposomes formulations were spherical in shape. The addition of cholesterol in the film hydration method significantly decreased the vesicle size, and increased the percentage of incorporation efficiency at (p < 0.05). The presence of dicetylphosphate significantly increased drug release but did not affect the percentage of incorporation efficiency and vesicle size. The results of the clinical study in acne patients revealed that F13G showed significantly higher efficacy when compared to marketed product (p < 0.05).

Formulation of tretinoin-loaded topical proniosomes for treatment of acne: in-vitro characterization, skin irritation test and comparative clinical study.

Tretinoin (TRT) is a widely used retinoid for the topical treatment of acne, photo-aged skin, psoriasis and skin cancer which makes it a good candidate for topical formulation. Yet side effects, like redness, swelling, peeling, blistering and, erythema, in addition to its high lipophilicity make this challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was the development of TRT-loaded proniosomes to improve the drug efficacy and to increase user acceptability and compliance by reducing its side effects. Nine formulae were prepared according to 3(2) factorial design and were evaluated for their morphology, vesicle size, entrapment efficiency (EE %), and% of drug released after 5 h. Hydrogel of the candidate formula, N8G (proniosomes prepared with 0.025% TRT, and Span60: cholesterol molar ratio of 3:1 and incorporated in 1% carbopol gel) was developed and evaluated for skin irritation test and clinical study in acne patients compared to marketed product. Candidate formula showed higher efficacy and very low irritation potential when compared to marketed product in human volunteers.