Formulation and evaluation of novel micellar nanocarrier for nasal delivery of sumatriptan

Aim: The investigation was aimed at designing a micellar nanocarrier of sumatriptan for nose-to-brain delivery and to identify the probable pathway of drug transport to the brain. Materials & methods: Micellar nanocarriers were formulated using various safe and acceptable excipients. Optimized formulation was characterized for particle size by multiangle dynamic light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Tc-99m was used as a radiolabeling agent to radiolabel sumatriptan for in vivo studies. Results: Various characterization studies demonstrated the nanometric, homogenous and spherical nature of the developed micellar nanocarrier. Biodistribution and autoradiography studies in rats showed a significantly higher brain uptake of sumatriptan micellar nanocarrier as compared with sumatriptan solution. Conclusion: Preliminary investigations in rats indicated the potential of the developed micellar nanocarrier for nose-to-brain delivery of sumatriptan. These investigations in lower animals provided an excellent lead to further evaluate the formulation in higher animals and finally in clinical settings.