Nanoemulsion-based transdermal delivery of rilpivirine and dolutegravir for pediatric HIV treatment.

The management of human immunodeficiency virus infection in pediatric populations remains a significant challenge, primarily due to poor adherence, complex dosing regimens, and unpalatable taste. This study aimed to address these barriers by developing a transdermal drug delivery system for pediatric HIV therapy. By bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and first-pass metabolism, transdermal administration offers a non-invasive alternative that could improve patient compliance. To enhance skin penetration, a nanoemulsion formulation, was developed for the co-delivery of two potent antiretroviral agents, dolutegravir and rilpivirine. The study first established a high-performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous quantification of drugs, followed by in vitro permeation testing to identify the optimal oil phase and chemical enhancers. Using Design of Experiments software, the formulation was systematically optimized, and various preparation techniques were evaluated. The resulting optimized nanoemulsion displayed a particle size of 166 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.329. This formulation was further characterized to assess its stability, transmittance, and drug content. Finally, permeation studies demonstrated that this formulation enables a sustained delivery of both drugs through the skin for 24 h. In conclusion, the developed nanoemulsion formulation represents a promising alternative for pediatric HIV therapy, with the potential to improve treatment outcomes.