Thermosensitive hydrogels a versatile concept adapted to vaginal drug delivery. (9th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taurin, Sebastien; Almomen, Aliyah A.; Pollak, Tatianna; Kim, Sun Jin; Maxwell, John; Peterson, C. Matthew; Owen, Shawn C.; Janát-Amsbury, Margit M.
• Is Part Of: Journal of drug targeting. Volume 26:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 533
• Page End: 550
• Publication Date: 2018-08-09
• Subjects: Female reproductive system -- gynaecology -- drug delivery -- uterine first pass effect -- lower critical solution temperature -- gelation -- biocompatibility -- mucoadhesion -- viscosity -- pluronics; Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; Drug Delivery Systems; Vehicles; Drug Administration Routes; Drug Evaluation; 615.7
• DOI: 10.1080/1061186X.2017.1400551
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-186X

Abstract

Abstract: Vaginal drug delivery represents an attractive strategy for local and systemic delivery of drugs otherwise poorly absorbed after oral administration. The rather dense vascular network, mucus permeability and the physiological phenomenon of the uterine first-pass effect can all be exploited for therapeutic benefit. However, several physiological factors such as an acidic pH, constant secretion, and turnover of mucus as well as varying thickness of the vaginal epithelium can impact sustained drug delivery. In recent years, polymers have been designed to tackle challenges mentioned above. In particular, thermosensitive hydrogels hold great promise due to their stability, biocompatibility, adhesion properties and adjustable drug release kinetics. Here, we discuss the physiological and anatomical uniqueness of the vaginal environment and how it impacts the safe and efficient vaginal delivery and also reviewed several thermosensitive hydrogels deemed suitable for vaginal drug delivery by addressing specific characteristics, which are essential to engage the vaginal environment successfully.