Optimization and Transfollicular Delivery of Finasteride Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles Laden Carbopol Gel for Hair Growth Stimulation

The study developed a new formulation for the delivery of Finasteride (FNS), a drug used to treat alopecia, particularly chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The researchers used a nano-precipitation process to create FNS-loaded nanoparticles (FNS-NPs), which were then incorporated into a gel formulation using Carbopol as a polymer. The optimized FNS-NPs had specific characteristics such as a particle size of 175.26±3.85 nm and a 71.04±1.35% entrapment efficiency. The FNS-NPs gel showed ideal drug content, viscosity, pH, and spreadability. The gel released FNS slowly (68.73±0.94%) but significantly increased its permeation through the membrane. The gel therapy significantly increased the quantity and size of hair follicles in a dose-dependent manner, with its effectiveness comparable to a 2% minoxidil solution. The gel showed no signs of skin irritation after 72 hours. The study concluded that this new formulation could be suitable for FNS dermal delivery in the treatment of alopecia areata.