Development of Nasal Lipidic Nanocarrier Systems for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to formulate in situ gelling systems for nasal administration of donepezil and resveratrol. Nano-particulate systems of nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared for both the drugs and characterized for different parameters. Liposomes were also prepared for donepezil HCl using the solvent injection method. Nanostructured lipid carriers and liposomes were incorporated into gellan gum-based in situ gel and characterized for in situ gelling properties, rheological properties, and texture analysis. The developed formulations were evaluated in vivo through pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic study in rats. In vivo efficacy tested in scopolamine-induced amnesia, the model indicated a significant improvement in cognitive function in rat treated with in situ gel as compared to the marketed formulation for donepezil and suspension for resveratrol. A pharmacokinetic study showed the higher drug distribution in the brain and lower drug concentration in plasma from developed formulations, which indicated its efficacy. To summaries research work, liposomes were the best carrier formulation amongst all studied systems for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and can be explored further in different higher animal models.