Preparation of Finasteride Capsules-Loaded Drug Nanoparticles: Formulation, Optimization, In Vitro, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation

In 2016, Tarek A Ahmed conducted a study on the preparation of finasteride capsules-loaded drug nanoparticles (NPs). The study used the bottom-up technique to develop a drug nanosuspension formulation from which optimized freeze-dried finasteride NPs were prepared. The effects of four formulation and processing variables on particle size and solubility enhancement were explored. The optimized formulation was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), confirming a change in the crystalline state of the NPs. The study found that the dissolution rate of capsules filled with optimum drug NPs was more than 2.5 times higher than capsules filled with pure drug. The study concluded that freeze-dried NPs based on drug nanosuspension formulation successfully enhanced stability, solubility, and in vitro dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs, potentially impacting drug bioavailability.