Engineered Dutasteride-Lipid Based Nanoparticle (DST-LNP) System Using Oleic and Stearic Acid for Topical Delivery

This study focused on developing a lipid-based nanoparticle system for the topical delivery of dutasteride (DST) to address male pattern baldness, particularly for individuals allergic to alcohol-based formulations. The system utilized stearic and oleic acids, with two formulations compared: one with oleic acid (Formulation A) and one without (Formulation B). Both formulations were in the nanometric size range (150–300 nm) and had high entrapment efficiencies (>75%). The study found that the formulation with oleic acid resulted in significantly lower permeation of DST into the dermis compared to the formulation without it. This suggests that the oleic acid-containing formulation may be more suitable for dermal delivery of anti-androgenic molecules, offering a novel approach for treating male pattern baldness.