Tofacitinib Loaded Squalenyl Nanoparticles for Targeted Follicular Delivery in Inflammatory Skin Diseases

November 2020 in “ Pharmaceutics ”

Rebekka Christmann, Duy‐Khiet Ho, Jenny Wilzopolski, Sangeun Lee, Marcus Koch, Brigitta Loretz, Thomas Vogt, Wolfgang Bäumer, Ulrich F. Schaefer, Claus‐Michael Lehr

Tofacitinib squalenyl derivative nanoparticles alopecia areata follicular drug delivery inflammatory skin diseases allergic dermatitis TFB SqD NPs AA

From the encyclopedia

Tofacitinib →

a JAK inhibitor for alopecia areata and other autoimmune conditions

Alopecia Areata →

autoimmune disorder causing patchy hair loss

Studysummary In this ex vivo and mouse model study, Tofacitinib-loaded nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced delivery of the drug into hair follicles and reduced inflammatory effects compared to conventional forms, indicating potential for safer, topical use in treating alopecia areata. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study demonstrated that Tofacitinib (TFB) loaded squalenyl derivative (SqD) nanoparticles (NPs) provided a targeted and safer delivery method for treating alopecia areata (AA) by enhancing follicular drug delivery and reducing systemic exposure. The 240 nm TFB SqD NPs had a high loading capacity of 20% and showed improved delivery into hair follicles in an ex vivo pig ear model. In a mouse model of allergic dermatitis, these NPs dispersed in water significantly reduced inflammation compared to TFB in a non-aqueous mixture, indicating better in vivo efficacy and safety. These results suggested the potential of TFB SqD NPs for long-term topical therapy of AA.

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