Pouch drug delivery systems for dermal and transdermal administration.

In this work, we have designed and investigated a new carrier for dermal and transdermal drug delivery. The delivery system is composed of high (>60 %) ethanol concentration, phospholipid, polymer, and water. The system forms a structured matrix following non-occluded application on the skin. We call these structured carriers as pouch drug delivery systems (PDDS). The pouch-structured matrix was characterized by electron microscopy, (31)P-NMR and FTIR. The new delivery system exhibits a number of properties adequate for the design of improved dermal and transdermal drug administration for various treatments. Lidocaine PDDS dry faster and has an enhanced dermal drug delivery when compared to a clinical-used product. These proprieties are important for the prevention of premature ejaculation. Results obtained in pharmacodynamics test carried out with brotizolam PDDS in a mice-sleeping model and with ibuprofen PDDS in fevered rats indicated a prolonged hypnotic and antipyretic effect, respectively. The carrier was found nonirritant in tests carried out on EpiDerm(TM) skin model.