Formulation, In Vitro And In Vivo Evaluation Of Temperature Sensitive Ophthalmic Gel Of An Anti Glaucoma Drug

Abstract

In recent years, the In Situ gelling system has emerged as a promising drug delivery system in the ophthalmic domain. The current study focuses on the development and evaluation of an in-situ gelling system for treating glaucoma by increasing ocular residence time and bioavailability. Temperature sensitive polymers such as Pluronic F-127 and viscosifying agents such as HPMC K4M in various concentrations were used to create in situ gelling formulations. The evaluation parameters such as appearance, pH, clarity, gelation studies, drug content, gelling capacity, gelation temperature, rheological studies, and in vitro drug release studies of the prepared In Situ Gels were all evaluated. Ex vivo permeation studies, microbial tests, in vivo ocular irritancy, and stability studies were performed on the optimised formulation. Following characterization, BT-4 demonstrated the most promising profile of drug release. This formulation appeared clear, and the sol to gel transition occurred quickly as the formulation approached body temperature. The formulation was determined not to cause irritation on the ocular surface and found to be stable after three months of stability testing. Bimatoprost in the form of gel could prove to be having a good potential as a drug delivery system in the treatment of glaucoma by controlling intraocular pressure and increasing bioavailability.