Codelivery of benzoyl peroxide & adapalene using modified liposomal gel for improved acne therapy.

Aim: Current study investigates therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of benzoyl peroxide (BPO)- and adapalene (AD)-loaded modified liposomal gel (BPO-AD-mLipo gel) for improved acne therapy. Materials & method: BPO-AD-mLipo were optimized and loaded in Carbopol gel. Both BPO-AD-mLipo and BPO-AD-mLipo-gel were extensively characterized for different quality attributes. Ex vivo dermal bioavailability, dermal distribution, in vivo anti-acne efficacy and skin irritation studies were performed and compared with marketed formulation (Epiduo (R), Galderma Laboratories LP, TX, USA). Results: BPO-AD-mLipo illustrated size 256.4 +/- 9.3 nm with polydispersity index similar to 0.2. Significantly enhanced dermal bioavailability (AD-2.1, 5.4; BPO-3.0, 7.83-fold) and reduction in skin irritation and papule density in animal model were observed with BPO-AD-mLipo-gel as compared with free drugs and Epiduo, respectively. Conclusion: BPO-AD-mLipo gel provides effective and safer alternative approach for codelivery of anti-acne drugs.