Development of aceclofenac nanovesicular system using biomaterial for transdermal delivery: physical characterization, ex vivo, in vivo, and anti-inflammatory studies

Context: Aceclofenac is an important NSAID; however, it causes GI disturbances whereas employing transdermal route would require permeation enhancer for systemic application, thereby causing skin damage. Ceramide 2 is a natural lipid having an important role in the maintenance of skin. Objective: Aceclofenac-loaded nanovesicles of ceramide-2, cholesterol, palmitic acid, and cholesteryl sulfate were formulated and analyzed for physical and biological properties. Materials and method: Film hydration method was used to prepare the vesicles and physical parameters, in vitro drug release and stability were evaluated. Then, they were formulated into gel and evaluated against a commercial formulation (CF) and gel-containing plain drug (CPG) for ex vivo, in vivo drug permeation, and anti-inflammatory activity. Results: The developed formulations showed best physical profile and ACV-1 gave 92.89% drug release in in vitro studies. Ex vivo studies showed drug permeation between 15.32-31.12g/cm(2), whereas CPG and CF released 0.47 and 2.81g/cm(2), respectively. ACVG-1 and CF showed C-max of 8.1 and 1.2g/ml at 8 and 4h, respectively. ACVG-1 showed 11.6 times AUC than CF. ACVG-1 inhibited edema by 44% in first hour itself. Discussion: Ceramide 2 and palmitic acid played an important role in the formulation and promotes the drug permeation through stratum corneum and dermis. Ceramide content of the formulation also contributes towards stability and skin protection. Conclusion: The composition of the vesicle formulation performs an important role in physical properties and drug permeation, thereby producing an optimum formulation.