New In Situ Gel Eye Formulation Based on Aristoflex and Xanthan Gum in the Management of Glaucoma Disease: Nonclinical Studies.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma, a class of visual neuropathies, is caused by the progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells, resulting in vision loss. Acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, is typically used to treat glaucoma. To minimize its harmful effects, the current study aimed to develop an acetazolamide-loaded in situ gel by combining natural polymers, such as sodium alginate and xanthan gum (XG), and cold-processable synthetic polymer Aristoflex (AF).

METHODS

Design Expert software was used to identify the optimized formulation by analyzing in vitro drug release study and viscosity data. The selected in situ gel was evaluated based on its physicochemical properties and other nonclinical evaluations.

RESULTS

Optimized formulation yielded satisfactory results in physicochemical characterizations. The drug-excipient compatibility analysis revealed no drug-polymer interactions. In vitro and ex vivo release studies showed release of up to 70% and 65%, respectively, in 6 h. The intraocular pressure of the rabbit decreased over a long period after applying the optimized gel compared with the marketed formulation.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, the research provided a brief explanation that the combination of AF and XG can be utilized in in situ gels owing to its high retention time and reduced harmful effects for ocular illnesses.