Extrusion-based systems for topical and transdermal drug delivery

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Although the administration of drugs on the skin is a safe and noninvasive therapeutic alternative, producing formulations capable of disrupting the cutaneous barriers is still a challenge. In this scenario, extrusion-based techniques have emerged as disruptive technologies to ensure unique drug-excipient interactions that facilitate drug skin diffusion for systemic or local effect and even mean the key to obtain viable industrial products.

Areas covered

This article presents a comprehensive overview of extrusion-based techniques in developing pharmaceutical dosage forms for topical or transdermal drug delivery. First, the theoretical basis of how extrusion-based techniques can optimize the permeation of drugs through the skin is examined. Then, the current state-of-the-art of drug products developed by extrusion-based techniques, specifically by hot-melt extrusion (HME) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, are discussed and contrasted with the current pharmaceutical processes.

Expert opinion

A wide variety of pharmaceutical products can be obtained using HME and FDM 3D printing, including new dosage forms designed for a perfect anatomical fit. Despite the limitations of pharmaceutical products produced with HME and FDM 3D printing regarding thermal stability and available excipients, the advantages in industrial adaptability and improved bioavailability allied with patient-match devices certainly deserve full attention and investment.

KEYWORDS:

• 3D printing
• fused deposition modeling
• hot-melt extrusion
• skin drug-delivery
• cutaneous permeation

Article highlights

• Extrusion-based processing has shown great potential for producing skin drug delivery systems.

• Drug amorphization and unique excipient interactions can favor drug skin permeation.

• 3D printing microneedle is a viable option to improve transdermal drug delivery.

• Extrusion-based techniques allow obtaining systems with anatomic fit.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.