RESUMEN
AIM & METHODS: The aim of the present work was to encapsulate paclitaxel (Ptx) in various lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) formulations and then to compare their pharmacokinetics and efficacy on a subcutaneous isograft model in rats. RESULTS: Three different Ptx formulations were obtained. Drug payloads ranged from 1.32 to 3.62 mg Ptx/g of formulation. After oral administration the area under concentration-time curve was higher (p < 0.05) if Ptx was encapsulated, (1,2 Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(PEG)] (DSPE-PEG-NH2)) LNCs displaying the highest area under concentration-time curve (p < 0.05). Efficacy was better than control for standard LNCs after oral administration (p < 0.05) and for (DSPE-PEG-NH2) LNCs after intravenous administration. Despite good absorption, (DSPE-PEG-NH2) LNCs failed to remain efficient after oral route. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of efficacy studies paired to pharmacokinetic studies for nanomedicines.