Irinotecan Engineered Proniosomes: In vitro and In vivo Characterization

Objective: The focus of this research has been to improve efficacy, decrease tolerance and increase the irinotecan pharmacokinetic profile.

Methods: Proniosomesformulated with various surfactants, cholesterol and dicetyl phosphate using the slurry method. A slurry process was used to prepare proniosomes with maltodextrin as the carrier by using surfactants span 20, span 60, tween 20 and tween 80.

Results: The preparations were characterized in terms of shape and specific surface area, entrapment efficacy, in vitro release studies, in vivo tissue diffusion and stability testing. The proniosome surface was found to be smoother in nature showing thin and compact layer with skim milk powder. For formulation 2 (73.94±2.8%), the maximum entrapment efficacy was found.

Conclusion: The formulation 3 obtained the desired maximum release profile within 24 hours (98.06%). The in vivo tissue distribution studies for the proniosomes reveal that the drug was preferentially targeted to liver followed by the alveolus and lymphatic system.Stability studies have indicated that the most acceptable condition for storage of the formulation 2 was 4o C. Proniosomes provide an acceptable method to the carrier for targeted therapy. These can be held at specific sites and can release the drug for a prolonged period of time.