Sustained-release hydrogels of ivermectin as alternative systems to improve the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis

ANALÍA I ROMERO; ALICIA G CID; NICOLÁS E. MINETTI; CINTIA A. BRIONES; MARÍA FERNANDA GARCÍA BUSTOS; ELIO E GONZO; MERCEDES VILLEGAS; JOSÉ M. BERMUDEZ

Therapeutic Delivery

Future Science

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2020 vol. 11 p. 779 - 790

Background: Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease and its cutaneous form manifests as ulcers ornodules, generally in exposed parts of the body. This work aimed to develop ivermectin (IVM) thermosensitive hydrogels as topical formulations to improve cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. Materials & methods: Hydrogels based on poloxamers 407 and 188 with different concentrations of IVM were preparedand rheologically characterized. The IVM release profiles were obtained and mathematically analyzed using the Lumped model. Results: The formulation containing 1.5% w/w of IVM presented an adequategelling temperature, an optimal complex viscosity and elastic modulus. Hydrogels allowed to modulatethe release of IVM. Conclusion: IVM thermosensitive hydrogels can be considered a valuable alternativeto improve the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.