Formulation And Evaluation Of Dutasteride Coated Microneedles For The Treatment Of Hair Loss

Abstract

Coated microneedles have been shown to deliver proteins and DNA into the skin in a minimum invasive manner. Still, detailed studies of preparing coated microneedles and their breadth of applicability are lacking. Male androgenetic alopecia is the most commonly known form of scalp hair loss in men and as a part of hormone therapy in transgender women.  Till now, in India dutasteride is marketed as a topical solution in an aqueous vehicle in the treatment of alopecia. A high percentage of alcohol present in marketed formulations as a permeation enhancer was known to damaged hair, hair follicle, and scalp epidermal cells due to dehydration. The goal of the study was to enhance the permeation of drugs with the aid of microneedles, thus reducing the concentration of alcohol and damage of scalp cells. A microsyringe was used to coat each needle present on the roller. Coated microneedles were studied for coating uniformity, in-vitro drug release. The drug release profile of coated microneedles was found to be comparable with the marketed solution of minoxidil of the same strength.