Percutaneous Drug Delivery to the Hair Follicle

The 2001 document examines the role of hair follicles and sebaceous glands in percutaneous drug delivery, highlighting their potential as channels and reservoirs for various compounds. It discusses the limitations and usefulness of animal models, particularly hairless rodents, in studying follicular drug delivery and notes that hairless rat skin allows for greater systemic accumulation of certain molecules. The document also reviews methodologies for assessing follicular permeation and concludes that while no perfect animal model exists, these methods offer the best hope for understanding drug delivery pathways to the hair follicle. Studies mentioned include one with 45 young rats where a liposomal anti-doxorubicin monoclonal antibody prevented alopecia in 31 rats, and another using hamster ear models to assess follicular delivery of [³H]cimetidine. The potential of liposomes and polymeric microspheres for enhancing drug delivery to hair follicles is emphasized, with specific particle sizes and formulations being more effective for targeting. The document suggests that a better understanding of hair follicle and sebaceous gland anatomy could improve targeted drug delivery for conditions like acne, male-pattern baldness, and alopecia areata.